Housing Case Manager

POSITION TITLE: Housing Case Manager
REPORTS TO: Pathway to Stability Program Manager
WORKSITE: Omaha, Nebraska

COMPENSATION:

• Hourly rate starting at $24.75/hour, commensurate with experience

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• Unlimited paid time off (including employee birthday); 9 paid holidays with year-end holiday break
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance; 403b retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution; and FMLA
• Employee Wellness Program (including enriching snacks, support groups, and engaging activities)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (includes life event referral program, 5 free counseling sessions, financial and legal resources, and employee discount/savings program)
• Yearly stipends for employee development opportunities
• Relocation assistance; travel and expense reimbursement
• A company cell phone is provided to case managers for client-related work
  

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:

In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our diverse team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services.

We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to much-needed resources. Operating in 6 different offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities’ welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Pathway to Stability Program Manager, the Housing Specialist/Case Manager serves as a critical link between refugee families and stable housing opportunities in the Omaha metropolitan area. This role combines direct client services with community relationship building to ensure newly arriving refugees and existing clients have access to safe, affordable housing.
The Housing Specialist/Case Manager maintains a dedicated caseload of clients facing housing-related barriers while simultaneously developing and nurturing relationships with local landlords to expand housing options for refugee families. This position requires both strong advocacy skills to navigate complex housing challenges and the professional communication skills to facilitate understanding between clients and property owners. The ideal candidate will bring a solutions-oriented approach to addressing housing instability while empowering clients to develop independent housing navigation skills for their future success.

CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• If there are new refugee arrivals, coordinate with the landlords to ensure that all upcoming refugee arrivals have a home available and ready in time to be fully furnished by volunteers. The expectation is that we have a key available at least one week before the arrival date.
• If there are no new arrivals, assist and maintain a caseload where housing is the main barrier to stability
• Assist clients with any housing-related issue (maintenance requests, setting up payment portal, contacting landlord, end of lease term notices, etc.)
• Setting up or ending utilities such as OPPD & MUD
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with new landlords, educating them on renting to refugees and actively expanding the landlord network
• Communicate with landlords on behalf of refugees and advocate for them regarding any issues with the housing or maintenance
• Be the main point of contact for our housing partners, the Furniture Project and Restoring Dignity
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed
• Empower refugees to advocate for themselves in the future with landlords
• Participate in Housing-advocacy groups
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in public administration, social sciences, or related field preferred
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) required; Fluency in other languages commonly spoken by client populations preferred
• Proficiency in Office 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) and ability to learn case management databases
• Professional experience in case management, housing services, or social services preferred
• Knowledge of Omaha-area housing resources and rental market preferred
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal abilities to build rapport with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to adapt quickly to new tools and processes in a fast-paced environment
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record with the ability to drive to client homes required
• Ability to occasionally drive a mid-sized U-Haul truck preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and handle multiple tasks in an organized and timely manner
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to adapt when plans change
• Professional demeanor with positive, enthusiastic approach to work
• Ability to motivate and coordinate volunteer teams effectively
• Commitment to providing excellent service to all clients
• Demonstrates reliability through consistent attendance and time management
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or trauma-affected individuals and families preferred
• Ability to pass all required background checks
• Must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This role includes desk work in the office as well as frequent travel throughout Omaha, Nebraska and Southwest Iowa to meet with clients and attend meetings. Mileage reimbursement is provided.
• Work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required based on client and program needs, with flextime available when working outside regular office hours.

TO APPLY:

• Please upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references all in PDF format to the job application link.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.

INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement (CIRA) makes all employment decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We evaluate candidates exclusively on their ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Selection criteria are applied uniformly to all candidates regardless of protected characteristics.
CIRA is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

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