Housing Specialist

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 40 countries and 29 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.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

This position has an end date of September 30, 2027.

Job Overview: 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. They will be responsible for leading all housing-related activities and services for newly arrived refugees.

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). 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

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.

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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.

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.

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