Housing Specialist

The Housing Specialist will assist refugees to ensure the best possible initial resettlement experience and achievement of client self-sufficiency. In coordination with the Program for Initial Resettlement (PIR) team, they will coordinate pre-arrivals and post-arrival housing services for new arrivals according to established federal guidelines.

Major Responsibilities:

• Property Management and Relationship Building:
• Conduct apartment outreach and secure safe, appropriate, and affordable housing for refugees prior to their arrival in the US.
• Liaise with property management organizations to ensure continuing quality services to refugees.
• Responsible for finding and coordinating temporary housing if permanent housing is unavailable by arrival date.
• Create and maintain relationships with property managers and landlords.

• Client Services:
• Collaborate with case management specialists to ensure smooth transition from airport to lodging post-arrival.
• Organize and lead the setup of housing, including applying for apartments, coordinating signing of leases and communication with landlords/property managers.
• Arrange the logistics of new arrival home set-ups, including furniture orders and delivery, establishment of utility connections and home safety inspections.
• Work to secure household donations and assist with in-kind contributions.
• Request payments to landlords on behalf of clients for application fees, renter’s insurance, move-in costs, deposits, utility costs and future rent.
• Accurately document all housing-related costs to ensure proper spending of client funds.
• Coordinate with the Operations teams to ensure timely housing supply requests and communicate housing set up dates and times.

• Compliance Documentation:
• Regularly visit apartment complexes to ensure housing meets the minimum standards as laid out in federal regulations.
• Prepare and complete pre-arrival documentation for client case files.
• In collaboration with Specialists, coordinate with US Ties pre-arrival to complete U.S tie consultation form, and maintain ongoing communication regarding arrivals.
• Ensure accuracy and completion of leases maintained in case files are in compliance with IRC policies.
• Complete case notes related to all housing activities and ensure reporting requirements are met, in close collaboration with Specialists.
• Post-arrival, coordinate with US Ties to complete all required housing documents contingent of client’ housing circumstances.

• Team/Office Participation:
• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned by the Case Management Supervisor and Resettlement Manager.
• Supervise and train a team of interns and volunteers who will work directly with clients and/or in the office on a variety of interpersonal and administrative tasks.
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.
• Provide additional PIR casework services, as needed.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Case Management Supervisor
• Indirect Reporting: Resettlement Manager

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study; or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in housing & coordination, including outreach, advocacy, and property management required.
• Ability to move furniture and donations, complete household set-ups, and lift heavy objects.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Self- starter with excellent analytical skills combined with the demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and work efficiently.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in another language is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, ability to drive own vehicle as needed and a company van.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Compensation:

• ($28-$29.5/hour)

Benefits:

• IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.