Housing Retention Specialist

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization • Maywood Park, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Retention Specialist is a temporary, full-time position in IRCO’s Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program, working as part of the Homeless Family System of Care (HFSC), an interagency team within Multnomah County’s coordinated-entry system. The position runs from November 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. It supports families experiencing or at risk of homelessness as they work toward permanent housing, emphasizing mutual relationships, trust, strengths, and family capabilities. The role also provides continuing housing-stabilization support to some families who recently exited the Mobile Housing Program, with services phasing out as transitional clients stabilize.

The specialist assists families and individuals with identifying eligible housing, navigating leasing and application processes, connecting to assistance and services, and maintaining housing. The role includes collaboration with landlords, community organizations, service providers, and colleagues; client transportation and advocacy; and accurate documentation and tracking of client-related expenses. The position is hybrid and requires English, a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and access to an automobile during work hours. A second language is preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least 1–2 years of work experience.
• English proficiency is required.
• Valid driver’s license, verification of current auto insurance, and full use of an automobile during work hours.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and positively verbally, in writing, and by phone.
• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multibackground team and organization.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in a second language.

Responsibilities

• Support the program manager in meeting IRCO Program Management Standards and engaging in continuous learning for program improvement.
• Identify eligible units, including physically accessible units when needed and units in low-poverty neighborhoods.
• Conduct outreach to landlords and property owners about potentially eligible units.
• Provide transportation assistance and directions to potential housing units.
• Assist families and individuals with rental applications, rental agreements, and other paperwork.
• Advocate with landlords on behalf of families and individuals to promote housing stability.
• Help expedite the EHV leasing process.
• Support processes that reduce harm to homeless families and promote transition into permanent housing, including access to services, employment, and housing.
• Use a strengths-based approach to support families working to exit homelessness.
• Provide continuing housing-stabilization support to recently exited Mobile Housing clients, including visiting new tenants and building constructive relationships with property owners.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, police, social service agencies, businesses, and neighborhood organizations, and work with landlords to maintain and expand housing options for homeless families.
• Maintain narratives of contact with families, service providers, and others involved in transitioning families to permanent housing.
• Record data in IRCO’s database and the shared Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and maintain timely and accurate HMIS records.
• Record and track client-related expenses, such as assistance and rent, and report expenses regularly.
• Distribute assistance funds to clients’ landlords or utility companies.
• Refer clients to other sources of assistance to help them reach their goals.
• Work effectively with a team whose members have varied backgrounds.
• Participate in team-building efforts, staff meetings, organizational functions, trainings, meetings, and committees supporting program, sector, and agency goals.
• Attend trainings and meetings conducted through the Homeless Family System of Care and Multnomah County’s Homeless Services Department.
• Interact with staff in other IRCO programs and community partners, including referring clients to them.
• Engage in recommended professional development and other assigned or required training activities.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements and schedules.
• Three to six weeks of paid time off per year.
• 401(k) match of over 100% on the first 5%, with immediate vesting.
• 3% match for student loans or college savings.
• 12 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• Medical and dental insurance options with 85% coverage for employees and families, with no deductibles.
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level