Housing Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing assistance to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With operations in over 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States, the IRC employs a large workforce committed to delivering impactful solutions that help millions of people regain control over their lives and strengthen their communities. The organization is recognized as one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and is driven by a mission to create a better future for those in need. Employees at the IRC are seen as change-makers who are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of individuals worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Housing Specialist plays a crucial role in securing and coordinating safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees. This position involves providing logistical support related to housing and ensuring that the housing meets established program requirements. The Housing Specialist is expected to engage in ongoing outreach to landlords and property managers to build strong relationships that facilitate access to housing for refugee families. The role also includes coordinating logistics for housing set-ups, which involves ordering furniture and supplies, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitating lease signings, and conducting home safety inspections. The Housing Specialist is responsible for implementing high-quality procurement protocols and maintaining accurate records. Additionally, the position may involve delivering orientations to clients and supporting other pre- and post-arrival activities, such as airport pick-ups. The Housing Specialist must be adaptable and willing to travel within the service delivery area to fulfill these responsibilities effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Housing Specialist include, but are not limited to: identifying and securing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees; conducting outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers; coordinating logistics for housing set-ups, including ordering furniture and supplies; arranging utility hook-ups; facilitating lease signings and renewals; conducting home safety inspections; implementing procurement protocols; delivering orientations to clients; satisfying recordkeeping requirements; using personal or public transportation to travel and transport clients and materials; training and leading support staff, volunteers, and interns; and performing other duties as assigned. The Housing Specialist must ensure that all activities comply with established program requirements and contribute to a positive resettlement experience for clients.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree, which is strongly preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience, with a preference for those who have experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations. The ideal candidate should possess strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and networking abilities, along with a demonstrated success in working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment. The Housing Specialist must be a self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, capable of multitasking, prioritizing duties, and managing time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products are essential, as well as the ability to lift approximately 50 lbs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and a valid driver’s license with access to a personal, insured vehicle are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Housing Specialist position should ideally hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This educational background is preferred as it provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform the responsibilities associated with the role. A degree in social work, public administration, or a related discipline may be particularly beneficial, although other relevant educational experiences may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally include work with refugee and/or immigrant populations, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by these communities. Candidates with a background in housing services, social services, or community outreach will be particularly well-suited for this role, as they will have developed the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of securing housing for vulnerable populations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with clients, landlords, and partner organizations. While not required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered a valuable asset, particularly if it aligns with the linguistic needs of the refugee populations being served.

Additional Notes:
The Housing Specialist position is based in the United States and may involve a combination of standard office work, remote work, and fieldwork within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work to accommodate the needs of clients. The compensation for this position ranges from $22.00 to $23.20 per hour, with the exact offer being determined based on various factors such as work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 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 equal opportunity employment and considers 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.