Senior Housing Specialist

Job Overview: 

The Senior Housing Specialist provides assistance to newly arrived refugees to ensure the best possible initial resettlement experience and the achievement of client self-sufficiency. In coordination with the Resettlement team the Senior Housing Specialist oversees the provision, procurement, and quality control of pre-arrival and post-arrival resettlement goods and services for newly arrived refugees according to established federal guidelines. The Senior Housing Specialist is also responsible for providing additional support and completing administrative tasks for the resettlement housing team. Responsibilities include supervision of the housing team staff, including the housing specialist/caseworker, caseworker assistants, and interns. The Senior Housing Specialist will handle all temporary housing arrangements and will assist with donation procurement and logistics for clients, including being the contact person for all Make It Home furnishing orders. The Senior Housing Specialist will offer support with housing reports, housing data, monitoring preparation, and other projects. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Initial Resettlement. 

Major Responsibilities: 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Property Management and Vendor Relations:

• Conduct apartment outreach and secure safe, appropriate, and affordable housing for refugees (prior to arrival in U.S. if possible)
• Liaise with property management organizations to ensure continuing quality services to refugees
• Research vendors for best values for housing and household supplies

Compliance Documentation:

• Regularly visit apartment complexes and hotel properties to ensure housing meets the minimum standards as laid out in federal regulations.
• Prepare and complete pre-arrival documentation for client case files.
• Ensure accuracy and completion of leases in case files are in compliance with IRC policies.
• Complete case notes relating to all housing activities, ensure reporting requirements are met.

Client Services:

• Coordinate all aspects of new arrival airport pick-ups including communicating arrival information to Case Workers, informing staff of changes, and assisting volunteers when they participate in the new arrival process.
• Organize and oversee the setup of housing for refugees, including coordinating signing of leases.
• 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.
• Coordinate with US Ties, complete assistance agreement, and maintain ongoing communication regarding arrivals.
• Work to secure household donations and serve as contact person for all Make It Home furniture orders.

Team/Office Participation:

• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned by the Senior Manager of Initial Resettlement.
• Supervise the Housing Specialist/Housing Caseworker and the Caseworker Assistants (Case Aids)
• Supervise and train a team of volunteers and interns working on a variety of organizational and administrative tasks.
• 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 Sacramento.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Key Working Relationships: 

Position Reports to:  Senior Manager of Initial Resettlement
Position directly supervises: Housing Specialist/Housing Caseworker, Caseworker Assistants (Case Aids), andInterns

Indirect Reporting: N/A
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Senior Housing Specialist will develop working relationships with internal direct service staff to support achievement of resettlement goals. This includes Intensive Case Management, Community Wellbeing, Economic Empowerment Programs, Anti-Trafficking Program, and Immigration Programming.

External:  Senior Housing Specialist will develop working relationships with landlords and property managers, as well as community-based organizations to support achievement of program requirements.

Job Requirements: 

• Undergraduate degree, ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study.  Comparable related work experience may be substituted.
• Demonstrated relevant work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field, preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment.  Experience should include a minimum of two years providing direct service to underserved communities. Prior experience working with refugee 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communications skills, with fluency in written and spoken English.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
• The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Working Environment:  

• Mix of standard office work environment and remote work, coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.
• Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).

Compensation: 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.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

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.