Housing Specialist

Job title: Housing Specialist in Wichita, KS at International Rescue Committee
Company: International Rescue Committee
Job description: 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 IRC-Wichita office has been providing services to newly arrived refugees since 2011. The IRC-Wichita office serves refugees and immigrants by providing resettlement and placement, family strengthening services through trauma informed care, economic empowerment, youth and adult education and immigration services provided by a Department of Justice accredited legal representative. The IRC helps those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home.Scope of workMaintain and establish partnerships with property owners and managers, advocate for clients to ensure safe, sanitary living environments, and provide related logistical support between clients and property owners and managers. Building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for refugee families, coordinate client home repair requests as needed and collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizationsResponsibilities:Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving refugees in compliance with established program requirements.

• Conduct ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers, building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for refugee families and to coordinate client home repair requests as needed.

• Coordinate logistics of housing set-ups including ordering furniture and supplies and arranging delivery, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitating lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections.

• Implement a high-quality procurement protocol including researching potential new vendors, following appropriate financial and purchasing procedures, and maintaining required documentation.

• Deliver client orientation on landlord/tenant agreements;

• Satisfy recordkeeping and compliance requirements.

• Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.

• May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.

• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience required.

• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations preferred.

• 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.

• 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.Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.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.
Expected salary:
Location: Wichita, KS
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