Housing and Logistics Specialist

Job Overview: The Housing and Logistics Specialist will assist refugees to ensure the best possible initial resettlement experience and achievement of client self-sufficiency. In coordination with the Resettlement team and the Donations & Inventory Specialist, they will supervise the provision, procurement, and quality control of pre-arrival and post-arrival resettlement goods and services for new arrivals according to established federal guidelines. They will be responsible for locating housing and ensuring that IRC clients receive appropriate furnishings. They will also participate, as required, in program planning and service developments through teams, committees and work groups and will operate under moderate supervision with latitude for the use of independent discernment and initiative.

Major Responsibilities:

Property Management and Vendor Relations

• Conduct apartment outreach and secure safe, appropriate, and affordable housing for refugees prior to their arrival in the US.
• Liaise with property management organizations to ensure continuing quality services to refugees.
• Research vendors to determine the best values for housing and household supplies.
• Responsible for finding and coordinating temporary housing (i.e. Airbnb) if permanent housing is unavailable by arrival date.

Client Services

• Collaborate with Caseworkers to ensure smooth transition from airport to lodging post-arrival.
• Organize and lead the setup of housing, including coordinating signing of leases and communication with landlords/property managers.
• Arrange the logistics of new arrival home set-ups, including furniture orders and delivery, planning and placing purchase orders, and establishment of utility connections and home safety inspections.
• Work to secure household donations and assist Volunteer Coordinator with in-kind contributions.

Compliance Documentation

• Regularly visit apartment complexes to ensure housing meets the minimum standards as laid out in federal regulations.
• Prepare and complete pre-arrival documentation for client case files.
• In collaboration with Specialists, coordinate with US Ties pre-arrival to complete U.S tie consultation form, and maintain ongoing communication regarding arrivals.
• Ensure accuracy and completion of leases maintained in case files are in compliance with IRC polices.
• Complete case notes related to all housing activities and ensure reporting requirements are met, in close collaboration with Specialists.
• Post-arrival, coordinate with US Ties to complete all required housing documents contingent of client’ housing circumstances.

Team/Office Participation

• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned by the Housing Coordinator
• Supervise and train a team of interns and volunteers who will work directly with clients and/or in the office on a variety of interpersonal and administrative tasks.
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.
• Provide additional R&P casework services, as needed.
• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Oakland.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Housing Manager

Position directly supervises: Volunteers and Interns

Indirect Reporting: Resettlement Coordinators and Resettlement Manager

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study; or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in housing & coordination, including outreach, advocacy, and property management required.
• Knowledge of Bay Area’s Housing regulations, landscape, and network.
• Ability to move furniture and donations, complete household set-ups, and lift heavy objects.
• 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 analytical skills combined with the demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and work efficiently.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in another language is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, ability to drive own vehicle as needed and a company van.

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 occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

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: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.