Student Housing and Retention (SHoRe) Coordinator

Highline College•Highline College 2400 S 240th St Des Moines, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Student Housing and Retention (SHoRe) Coordinator will serve as an initial contact for students and potential students experiencing homelessness, including WISH (While in School Housing) student group with King County Housing Authority. The Coordinator creates a more accommodating campus environment for all students experiencing homelessness and/or housing insecurity. SHoRe is a program that supports students who are experiencing homelessness, who have just recently been housed, or those who are unstably housed or at-risk of homelessness. The program assists students facing financial hardship, including those who experienced foster care, by connecting them to housing resources, employment support, and on- and off-campus accommodations. SHoRe also provides case management and referrals to emergency assistance such as food benefits (EBT), ORCA LIFT cards, health insurance, utility assistance, legal and tax help, and mental health and wellness services. WISH is a housing program for Highline College students experiencing homelessness, offered through a partnership with the King County Housing Authority and supported by United Way of King County and the Highline College Foundation. Eligible students receive a time-limited Housing Choice Voucher (up to 54 months) that can be used at any Section 8–approved housing within KCHA’s service area. After graduation, vouchers remain active for an additional six months to support transition planning. This position is a full-time, at-will overtime-eligible exempt position.

Requirements

AA degree; and 2 years experience working in housing security/ stability programs, preferably in an education or workforce-development setting, basic needs, or non-profit; OR 4 years experience working in housing security/ stability programs, preferably in an education or workforce-development setting
Experience in a multi-cultural environment
Navigate and knowledge of higher education and social services programs
Work both independently and as a productive member of cross- departmental teams
Engage in creative problem solving
Navigate an electronic environment
Communicate effectively in oral and written English
Exceptional customer service and communication skills that foster the respect and confidence of others
Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage timelines and details
Thorough understanding and ability to maintain the confidentiality of protected information (FERPA)
Sensitivity to the needs of students who are homeless, low income, limited English speaking, or impacted by domestic violence, substance abuse, disabilities, or other barriers

Nice To Haves

Multilingual fluency; preferably Spanish
Experience with public benefits programs at the local, state and/or federal levels, especially Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) formerly known as Section 8
Financial Coaching
Experience serving incarcerated and formerly justice-system involved individuals
Case Management
Proven ability to develop effective new programs aimed at a diverse client body

Responsibilities

Provide housing and college navigation support to students
Assist current and prospective WISH participants
Conduct quarterly check-ins with WISH students
Conduct Benefits Hub appointments with students (online and in-person)
Follow up on emails and meeting tasks
Support students with maintaining satisfactory academic progress
Collect, manage and report data on services provided; for SSEH quarterly reporting
Attend needed partnership meetings with on and off campus partners
Build relationships with the Community Based Organizations around King County
Communicate and collaborate closely with Support Center departments and other campus partners providing direct service to students such as for events, presentations, and coordination of wrap-around services
Attend tabling events, flyer posting, short info sessions, and other methods of communication on behalf of the SHoRe/WISH programs and the Support Center
Utilize language capabilities and other culturally appropriate methods of communication
Provide excellent customer service to students including walk-ins, and support with initial steps for SHoRe
Timely date input to SHoRe/WISH spreadsheets, Watermark, and other systems
Assist WISH students with Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) applications, communicate students & KCHA (King County Housing Authority) through the process
Review Housing Screening Forms submissions and triage
Utilize online platforms such as Google, Microsoft, CANVAS, Watermark, CTC link, WA Connect, etc.