Housing Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Founded in 1933, the IRC has been dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance to refugees and displaced individuals. The IRC's mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, service, equality, and accountability in all its operations and interactions with clients and communities.

Job Overview:
The Housing Specialist position is a critical role within the IRC, focusing on the implementation of the RSS Extended Cultural Orientation program. This position is designed to provide direct housing support to refugees and other ORR-eligible immigrants who are facing housing insecurity. The Housing Specialist will work closely with clients who have been in the U.S. for more than 90 days, aiming to empower them by enhancing their understanding of essential systems and offering personalized housing interventions. The overarching goal of this role is to promote long-term self-sufficiency and successful integration into the Louisville community. The Housing Specialist will be responsible for designing and coordinating extended cultural orientation classes, conducting assessments, and maintaining relationships with housing partners to facilitate access to housing for refugee families. This dual-role position requires a proactive approach to outreach and client engagement, ensuring that families receive the necessary support to address their housing needs effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Housing Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the design and implementation of the extended cultural orientation program; conducting outreach to invite clients to participate in training sessions; coordinating all aspects of class delivery, such as scheduling interpreters and managing logistics; conducting assessments and follow-ups with clients to ensure their needs are met; enrolling families in housing programs; conducting intake assessments for new clients; assisting families in addressing their housing needs based on individualized service plans; maintaining ongoing outreach to housing partners to enhance access to housing for refugee families; and assisting with the recruitment and training of volunteers or interns. Additionally, the Housing Specialist will perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Housing Specialist position must possess a high school diploma as a minimum requirement, with a preference for those holding a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. Relevant professional experience in human services is essential, with a strong preference for candidates who have a minimum of 2 years of experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and networking abilities, along with a proven track record of effective communication in multicultural environments. A self-starter mentality, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize duties are crucial for success in this role. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products are also important attributes for candidates.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Housing Specialist position includes a high school diploma as a minimum qualification. However, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study are preferred. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of human services and the specific needs of refugee and immigrant populations.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience in human services, with a minimum of 2 years of experience strongly preferred. Candidates who have worked directly with refugee and/or immigrant populations will be given priority, as this experience is vital for understanding the unique challenges faced by these communities and providing effective support.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages is considered a valuable asset, as it can enhance communication with clients from diverse backgrounds and improve service delivery.

Additional Notes:
The Housing Specialist position operates within a hybrid work model, which includes office-based, remote, and field work within the service delivery area. Candidates should be prepared for occasional evening or weekend work to meet client needs. The compensation for this role ranges from $21.00 to $23.00 per hour, with pay ranges applicable to U.S.-based candidates. These ranges are determined by various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to 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. Additionally, the IRC offers a range of benefits to short-term employees in the U.S., including 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, sick leave, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families during times of crisis and mental health challenges.