Student Housing and Retention (SHoRe) Coordinator

Highline Community College; Des Moines (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Highline College seeks a SHoRe Coordinator to support students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. You will be the initial contact for students, provide housing navigation, and connect them with on- and off-campus resources.

The role includes coordinating WISH participation and conducting quarterly check-ins. The position emphasizes data collection for program reporting, collaboration with campus partners, and maintaining supportive, confidential student interactions in a dynamic

Qualifications

• AA degree and 2 years experience in housing security or related programs, or 4 years in housing security in education/workforce setting.
• Experience in multicultural environments is preferred.
• Knowledge of FERPA and confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide housing and college navigation support to students and prospective WISH participants.
• Conduct quarterly check-ins with WISH students and coordinate Benefits Hub appointments.
• Follow up on emails and meetings; assist with maintaining academic progress.
• Collect, manage, and report data on services for SSEH quarterly reporting.
• Attend partnership meetings and build relationships with community partners.

Skills

Multilingual fluency (Spanish favored)

Excellent customer service

Strong organizational skills

Effective written and verbal English

Education

AA degree

Job description

Posting will remain open until filled. Priority consideration for applications received by Sunday August 23, 2026.

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 become 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. Reporting to the Student Housing & Retention Program Manager, this position will:

• 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.

Partnerships:

• 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.

Program Promotion:

• 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.

Administrative:

• 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.

Abilities:

• 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 with other languages and abilities as a useful tool for diverse populations

Knowledge & Skills:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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; AND
• Experience in a multi-cultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

THE COLLEGE

Founded in 1961, Highline College was the first community college to be established in King County and is one of 34 community and technical colleges. More than 350,000 alumni have graduated from Highline over the years. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, we are located on the traditional village sites of the Muckleshoot, Puyallup and many other Coast Salish tribes.

Highline prioritizes access for all students, staff, and faculty, which is evident in our Mission, Vision, and Values. We are proud Highline strives to improve access to Education for our student community. Those who come to our college bring unique personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives and make us better. We strive to provide and highlight resources to support our students, staff, and faculty by fostering a equal opportunity focused workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Highline College is an equal opportunity employer

Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects all cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at [phone]. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

TITLE IX POLICY

Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/. The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

National Criminal Background Check may be required.