Housing Specialist

Job Description

IRC BACKGROUND: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has 26 offices in the United States and a presence in over 40 countries.

JOB OVERVIEW: The Housing Specialist secures and coordinates the furnishing of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees and provides related logistical support.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees in compliance with established program requirements. - Conduct ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers, building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for refugee families and to coordinate client home repair request as needed. Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations to support a positive resettlement experience. - Coordinate logistics of housing set-ups including ordering furniture and supplies and arranging deliver, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitation lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections. - Implement a high-quality procurement protocol including researching potential new vendors, following appropriate financial and purchasing procedures, and maintaining required documentation. - Satisfy recordkeeping requirements. - Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport materials as needed throughout the service delivery area. - May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns. - Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

Work Experience:

- Minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience required. - Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations preferred.

Demonstrated skills and competencies:

- Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships. - Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment. - Self-started with excellent problem-solving combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. - Superb organization, planning, and logistical skills. - Attention to detail and accuracy in work product. - Fluent in English, both spoken and written. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes. - Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle. - Ability to regularly lift ~ 50 lbs.

Working Environment

- A combination of standard office environment, and field time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. - 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.

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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Qualifications