Refugee Housing Specialist

Salary: $24.00

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Refugee Housing Specialist (RHS) works within Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) department. The housing Specialist supports clients obtaining and maintain stable housing by providing housing navigation, landlord and community partner coordination, housing, education, eviction, prevention services, and access to rent and utility assistance program. The position maintains required documentation, tracks housing assistance, responds to housing-related concerns, and collaborates with clients, landlords and services providers to promote successful housing outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:

1. Assist clients with housing searches, relocation, needs, housing authority processes, movers’ packets, project-based vouchers, and other housing-related applications.

2. Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, housing authorities and community housing partners.

3. Serve as a liaison between clients, landlords, and service providers to address housing-related concerns and resolve issues.

4. Respond to housing-related inquiries from clients, landlords through walk-ins, phone calls, text messages, WhatsApp, email and other communications methods.

5. Conduct home visits to assess housing conditions, provide support, and address housing related concerns.

6. Provide housing orientations and educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities, lease requirements, rent obligation, utility payments and landlord communication.

7. Provide housing stabilization, Eviction prevention, and housing retention support through advocacy, education, referrals, and resource coordination.

8. Assess client eligibility for rent, utility, and housing assistance programs and coordinate available resources.

9. Track and document housing and utility assistance provided through RSS, ASA, Day 1, ZeroV Ursuline, and other funding sources and community programs.

10. Maintain accurate case notes, program documentation, assistance records, and administrative tracking in accordance with agency and funder requirements.

11. Collaborate with case management staff, community partners, and housing providers to address clients’ needs and support successful housing outcomes.

EFFORT:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and sit for extended periods
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to work under pressure, effectively utilize time and resources, use sound judgment when making decisions
• Ability to travel frequently within the community utilizing personal transportation
• Ability to accurately examine and analyze information
• Significant ability to multi-task, respond to deadlines, and keep track of distributed goods and the agency’s current and future needs
• Ability to lift, carry and deliver furniture and donated housing items

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A High School diploma or GED (some college is preferred) and a minimum of one year of experience working with the public and managing inventory are required.

SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Due to the apparent nature of the position, must operate with an elevated degree of professionalism while interacting with staff and representing the agency to both clients and the community
• Must be able to communicate well verbally and in writing with colleagues, parishes, donors, and other community personnel
• Must be able to work under pressure and handle stressful situations
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends as needed
• Must be able to relate to a varied ethnic population and be able to maintain the confidentiality of information
• Must demonstrate self-confidence, enthusiasm, initiative, flexibility, and a high degree of professionalism.

Catholic Charities of Louisville (CCL) is the social-service arm of the Archdiocese of Louisville (ADOL). We provide help and create hope for the poor and vulnerable through a wide range of programs, assisting clients of all races, backgrounds and beliefs. Our service area includes 24 counties throughout Central Kentucky.