Housing Enrollment Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing essential services that restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster. With operations in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC employs a diverse workforce committed to making a lasting impact by helping millions of people regain control over their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC's mission is to be a force for humanity, and it actively seeks solutions-driven, passionate individuals to join its efforts in creating a better future for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Housing Enrollment Assistant plays a crucial role within the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program, which is designed to provide culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate services to refugees. The primary objective of the HSS program is to offer critical housing financial assistance and support to eligible individuals and families, enabling them to secure and maintain safe and affordable housing. In this position, the Housing Enrollment Assistant will support the HSS team by assisting clients with various housing services, including applying for rental assistance, providing housing navigation services, and making referrals to connect clients with additional resources. The role also involves attending outreach events and hosting workshops to educate clients about available housing options and services. The Housing Enrollment Assistant will be expected to work collaboratively with other IRC staff and departments to ensure the effective delivery of housing services, contributing to the overall mission of the IRC to support vulnerable populations in their quest for stability and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Housing Enrollment Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting housing specialists in enrolling clients in housing services by providing information on available housing options, eligibility requirements, and application processes; answering phone calls and responding to emails from clients in a professional and courteous manner, directing them to the appropriate housing services; maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of client information and housing services using various filing and database management systems; providing general administrative support such as scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, and filing documents; collaborating with other IRC staff members and departments to ensure efficient and effective delivery of housing services; documenting case notes on IRC systems such as ETO and Integra; supporting the planning and hosting of housing-related workshops; performing in-person and virtual client enrollment as required by the HSS program; participating in community outreach events to increase the visibility of housing services provided by IRC; attending IRC meetings and trainings; and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Housing Enrollment Assistant position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study, although relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is strongly preferred, as this role requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities. Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills are essential, as the position involves effectively building internal and external relationships. Candidates should have 1-3 years of experience working in an administrative role, demonstrating the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment. A self-starter mentality with excellent problem-solving skills is crucial, along with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products is a must, as is proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to use digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Housing Enrollment Assistant position should have a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of social services and the specific needs of refugee and immigrant populations. While a degree is preferred, relevant experience in the field may also be considered, particularly for candidates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 1-3 years of experience in an administrative role, ideally within a social services or nonprofit environment. This experience should include direct interaction with clients, particularly those from refugee or immigrant backgrounds, as well as familiarity with housing services and resources. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic and diverse environment, demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and effectively support clients in navigating housing challenges.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, professional proficiency in relevant languages such as Dari, Pashto, Swahili, Arabic, Ukrainian, Russian, Tigrinya, and Spanish is preferred, as this will enhance the Housing Enrollment Assistant's ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and ensure that services are accessible to all.

Additional Notes:
The Housing Enrollment Assistant position is based in a standard professional office environment, with a hybrid work model that includes remote, office, and field work. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work to attend outreach events. Compensation for this position ranges from $25.00 to $27.00 per hour, with the exact offer being determined based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and skills. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program. The IRC is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on 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.