Housing Specialist

IRC Background:

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. One aspect of the IRC is to provide assistance to refugees resettling in the United States. The IRC opened an office in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles refugees and provides numerous program services to assist refugees from their arrival through citizenship.

Job Overview:

The Housing Specialist will provide support and coordination for safe housing options for both new arrivals and longer-term clients with barriers to housing security. The position will build partnerships and relationships with landlords, public and subsidized housing entities, and transitional housing resources. This position reports to the Housing Supervisor.

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 requests 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 delivery, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitating 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.
• Deliver housing safety orientations to clients; may support other pre- and post-arrival activities such as airport pick-ups and housing safety follow ups.
• Satisfy service provision and recordkeeping requirements per funder requirements.
• Train and support volunteers, and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Housing Supervisor
Position Directly Supervises: Interns/Volunteers
Other Internal and/or external contacts: Property management companies, landlords, individual homeowners, community housing support services, transitional housing providers.

Internal: Coordination with all internal departments is required.

External: Community and Stakeholder partners, religious and faith-based communities, DES, law enforcement, schools, city, county, and state housing and social services entities.

Job Requirements:

• 2+ years of case management experience in a social services environment.
• Undergraduate degree in Human Services, Social Work, or similar field strongly preferred; comparable related work experience may be substituted.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; bilingual ability in a prominent client language preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft office and use of databases.
• Ability and willingness to drive 15 passenger van.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy and access to reliable personal transportation.
• Ability to document client interactions and services provided and maintain updated and accurate case files.

Working Environment:**

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• May require 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 candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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 $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), 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.