Senior Housing Stabilization Specialist

IRC Background: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

Job Overview:

IRC in Sacramento’s Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) department is expanding its service model to include housing stabilization services for low- to moderate-income households in the Sacramento region. Through the Stockton Boulevard Housing Stabilization Program, IRC in Sacramento will provide direct financial assistance, including rental arrears, utility support, and emergency funds, paired with financial coaching to help households avoid eviction, prepare for homeownership, and maintain long-term housing stability.

The Senior Housing Stabilization Specialist will serve as the primary point of contact for housing stabilization services, responsible for conducting intake and eligibility determinations, navigating clients through housing resources and assistance programs, administering direct financial assistance, and coordinating closely with FEC financial coaches and external community partners. This is a senior specialist role that requires independent judgment, strong case management skills, and demonstrated experience in eviction prevention and housing stabilization programming.

The Housing Stabilization Specialist reports directly to the Financial Empowerment Center Program Manager.

Major Responsibilities:

Duties shall include, but are not limited to:

Intake, Eligibility & Case Management

• Conduct comprehensive housing-focused intake and eligibility assessments for applicants seeking rental, utility, deposit, and emergency financial assistance.
• Verify income eligibility, geographic residency (zip codes 95817, 95820, 95824, 95828 and citywide), and program-specific documentation requirements.
• Gather and review supporting documentation from clients, including proof of income, lease agreements, utility bills, eviction notices, and landlord contact information.
• Develop individualized housing stability plans in coordination with FEC financial coaches to address both immediate crises and longer-term financial barriers.
• Conduct follow-up with clients on an ongoing basis to ensure timely processing of assistance, monitor progress toward housing stability goals, and identify emerging needs.
• Enroll eligible households into HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) and accurately record all services to avoid duplication across programs.

Direct Financial Assistance Administration

• Administer direct financial assistance across three categories: rent/mortgage/utility arrears, emergency financial assistance for unexpected expenses, and one-time rent/deposit and moving assistance.
• Coordinate payment processing with landlords, utility providers, and vendors in compliance with program guidelines and funder requirements.
• Ensure all assistance is documented accurately and in accordance with City of Sacramento and IRC compliance standards.
• Track services and maintain up-to-date records in IRC’s case management systems.

Housing Navigation & Stabilization

• Navigate clients through Sacramento’s rental market and affordable housing landscape, including public housing programs, subsidized housing waitlists, and community resources.
• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, and legal aid partners to facilitate eviction prevention and housing retention.
• Connect clients to complementary services including FEC financial coaching, employment programs, and public benefits to promote long-term self-sufficiency.

Partnerships, Outreach & Reporting

• Collaborate with FEC financial coaches and the Program Manager to deliver integrated housing and financial empowerment services to enrolled households.
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based partners, including U-N-I Housing Foundation, CLTRE, Legal Services of Northern California, and other housing service providers.
• Participate in outreach activities and community events to recruit eligible households and raise awareness of available housing stabilization resources.
• Represent IRC Sacramento in coalitions, partner meetings, and community convenings related to housing stabilization and eviction prevention.
• Participate in ongoing professional development trainings, including HUD Housing Counselor Certification within 6 months of hire if not already certified.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position Reports to: Financial Empowerment Center Program Manager
Position directly supervises: Interns and volunteers

Indirect Reporting: Site Director
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: IRC program staff, interns and volunteers
External: Community partners and economic empowerment programs.

Job Requirements:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and/or three or more years of directly relevant experience in housing stabilization, eviction prevention, case management, or social services;
• Demonstrated experience conducting intakes and eligibility assessments for low- to moderate-income households;
• Experience administering direct financial or rental assistance programs, including documentation review and vendor/landlord coordination preferred;
• Familiarity with Sacramento County’s rental market, affordable housing resources, and eviction prevention programs;
• HUD Housing Counselor Certification preferred; candidates not yet certified must obtain certification within 6 months of hire;

Essential Skills:

• Strong case management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage a high-volume caseload with accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including experience navigating difficult conversations with clients in crisis and coordinating with landlords and legal partners;
• Bilingual preferred — English plus Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, or other languages spoken by immigrant and refugee populations in Sacramento;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to learn and use client management databases (Salesforce; HMIS);
• Commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed service delivery;
• Available to work occasional evenings or weekends as program needs require.

Working Environment:

This role has a hybrid work environment with a mix of virtual and in-office days. The current hybrid schedule may change. The schedule includes:

• Virtual Work: Some days will be fully remote, allowing you to work from home.
• In-Office Work: Certain days will require you to be present in our main office.
• Variable Office Locations: Occasionally, you may need to work from a partner's office space.

This position is expected to end on November 15, 2027.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $30.87/hr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.