Housing Specialist

Job Description

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Housing Specialist provides client-centered and trauma informed services to victims of human trafficking, with the goal of enhancing housing services and housing options for victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout Tallahassee and the Florida Big Bend region. The Housing Specialist provides clients with access to safe, confidential transitional housing, and works with clients to develop individualized service plans to meet each client’s unique needs, helping clients gain self-sufficiency and successfully transition to permanent, independent housing. The Housing Specialist also participates, as required, in program planning and service development through committees, task forces and working groups. The Housing Specialist operates under moderate supervision with latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Service:

- Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for survivors of human trafficking in compliance with established program requirements. - Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on empowerment through high quality service that supports clients to thrive in their community. - Provide trafficking survivors and their families with access to safe, confidential transitional housing. - Provide financial rental and basic needs assistance to clients based on eligibility and need. - Provide housing support services to survivor households, including employment, financial education, transportation, counseling, childcare navigation support, and case management, ensuring increased stability and pathways towards healing. - Conduct ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers, building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for trafficking survivors. . - Implement a high-quality procurement protocol including researching potential new vendors, following appropriate financial and purchasing procedures, and maintaining required documentation. - Ensure that clients are provided the tools they need to meet their established goals and objectives, and that clients successfully transition to permanent, independent housing. - Provide follow-up services to clients, including landlord advocacy, case management, employment support, and minimal financial assistance, to ensure a successful and sustainable transition to permanent housing. - Other duties as assigned

Compliance Documentation:

- Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date case-note services log containing detailed information about service provision. - Ensure compliance with case file management and reporting requirements, including timely data entry in hard-copy files and electronic databases.

Partner Coordination:

- Participate in relevant partner meetings and engage stakeholders to identify community resources. - Other activities as needed and assigned by supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS:

- Strong commitment to ensuring the success of the IRC mission while adhering to the values of service, accountability, and integrity as defined in the IRC Way. - Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, with an emphasis in Social Work or an equivalent field of study - Minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience in social services, humanitarian relief, public service, or other not-for-profit environment required - Experience working with survivors of human trafficking and/or immigrant populations preferred. - 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 problem solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. - Fluent in English, both spoken and written, bilingual ability in Creole and/or Spanish is desired. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). - Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance.

Working Environment:

- A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. - Physical ability to safely lift and carry furniture and other household goods in support of furnishing new homes for IRC clients. - May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

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: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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Qualifications