The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Job Overview:
The Housing Specialist will provide support and coordination for safe housing options for both new arrivals and longer-term clients with barriers to housing security. The position will build partnerships and relationships with landlords, public and subsidized housing entities, and transitional housing resources. This position reports to the Resettlement Manager.
Major Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees in compliance with established program requirements.
- Conduct ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers, building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for refugee families and to coordinate client home repair requests as needed. Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations to support a positive resettlement experience.
- Coordinate logistics of housing set-ups including ordering furniture and supplies and arranging delivery, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitating lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections.
- Implement a high-quality procurement protocol including researching potential new vendors, following appropriate financial and purchasing procedures, and maintaining required documentation.
- Deliver housing safety orientations to clients; may support other pre- and post-arrival activities such as airport pick-ups and housing safety follow ups.
- Satisfy service provision and recordkeeping requirements per funder requirements.
- Train and support volunteers, and interns.
- Other duties as assigned.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Resettlement Manager
Position Directly Supervises: Interns/Volunteers
Other Internal and/or external contacts: Property management companies, landlords, individual homeowners, community housing support services, transitional housing providers.
Internal: Coordination with all internal departments is required.
External: Community and Stakeholder partners, religious and faith-based communities, DES, law enforcement, schools, city, county, and state housing and social services entities
Job Requirements:
- 2+ years of case management experience in a social services environment.
- Undergraduate degree in Human Services, Social Work, or similar field strongly preferred; comparable related work experience may be substituted.
- Fluency in written and spoken English; bilingual ability in a prominent client language preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Experience working in a multicultural environment.
- Ability to manage time effectively.
- Good computer skills, including Microsoft office and use of databases.
- Ability and willingness to drive 15 passenger van.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy and access to reliable personal transportation.
- Ability to document client interactions and services provided and maintain updated and accurate case files.
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. 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: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.