Housing Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The Housing Specialist plays a vital role in securing and coordinating the furnishing of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving or existing refugees. This position is also responsible for cultivating strong partnerships with landlords and property management companies, expanding housing options through active outreach, and promoting the mission and values of the IRC to ensure stable housing pathways for clients.

Major Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees in compliance with program requirements.
• Lead proactive outreach efforts to engage new and existing landlords, property managers, and housing developers. Represent the IRC with professionalism and passion, building trust and expanding housing partnerships.
• Develop and coordinate working groups or networks with property management companies to build housing capacity and increase long-term housing opportunities for current and future refugee arrivals.
• Effectively communicate IRC’s mission, values, and program goals to potential housing partners; tailor messaging to highlight the mutual benefits of collaboration.
• Coordinate logistics of housing set-ups including procurement and delivery of furniture and supplies, utility hook-ups, lease signings/renewals, payments, and home safety inspections.
• Implement a high-quality procurement protocol including vendor research, adherence to financial procedures, and documentation.
• Conduct housing orientations independently or with caseworkers; may support other pre- and post-arrival activities such as airport pick-ups.
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation in accordance with grant and agency standards.
• Travel throughout the service area to perform field-based responsibilities, using a personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation.
• May train and lead support staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 1 year of housing related professional experience required
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations preferred
  
  

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships
• 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
• Superb organization, planning, and logistical skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product
• Ability to regularly lift 50 lbs
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle
  
  

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
  
  

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.

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 $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, 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.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.