Work Arrangement: In-person
Job Description
THIS POSITION IS A SERVICE MEMBER ROLE EMPLOYED BY THE FEDERAL AMERICORPS PROGRAM. This position is not an employee of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and is not eligible for benefits. Service members who accept a role for placement at the IRC are eligible to apply for an IRC staff role once the service term is complete. This position will complete 450 hours of service within 6 months while receiving a living stipend via the federal AmeriCorps program. The living stipend will be disbursed monthly with a total amount of $5,593.50 if 450 hours of service are complete. If all other requirements are met, the service member will be eligible to receive a $1,824 education award after their service opportunity.
AmeriCorps Program Overview:
Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Salt Lake County's Most Vulnerable Populations AmeriCorps Program focuses on reducing systematic inequities.
Our members help bridge the gap and reduce barriers for a variety of vulnerable populations including but not limited to; youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those involved in the Criminal Justice System.
AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors by engaging adults in public service work, with a goal of helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. "The program is often seen as the domestic Peace Corps."
Scope:
The Housing Access & Landlord Engagement AmeriCorps will help ensure newly arriving refugee families maintain access to safe and affordable housing options while remaining housing stable. This includes engaging landlords, new and existing, to provide education on refugee resettlements in support of deepened partnerships, connect with families to ensure understanding of their lease agreements and tenant responsibilities, and support with initial housing setups. The AmeriCorps service member will directly support positive tenant/landlord relationships to promote eviction prevention and promote housing stability for refugee households new to Utah.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support housing moves and furniture donation pickups to ensure refugee families arrive to a fully furnished home.
- Collaborate across resettlement programming to support housing stability check-ins to improve tenant/landlord relationships, including education on tenant responsibilities and rights.
- Develop and employ resources and partnership-building activities to improve landlord and property management partner relationships.
- Meet expectations of the AmeriCorps service opportunity in compliance with all federal rules.
- Participate in all relevant team meetings, staff meetings, and AmeriCorps trainings and calls, etc.
- Support general office logistics, such as office support and front desk, as applicable and feasible.
- Maintain professionalism, customer service, and IRC Way ideals when working with the community.
- Other reasonable tasks and projects as assigned.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a deeper understanding the landscape of low-to-moderate incoming housing as well as tenant rights & responsibilities.
- Gain a better understanding of refugee resettlement and the ecosystem of support for newly arriving refugees.
- Develop skills to effectively build and sustain partnerships integral to service delivery.
- Develop skills to effectively support and retain volunteers, including clear and frequent communications.
Key working relationships:
Position Report to: Housing & Logistics Coordinator
Position directly supervises: Community volunteers, as relevant.
Job Requirements:
- A valid drivers’ license and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds, primarily home furnishings (couches, tables, chairs, etc.) moving in and out of homes and storage facilities.
Education OR Work Experience: Preference will be give to those with work or academic experience in the subject matter area noted in the position.
Language Skills: Fluent in English, both spoken and written. Other language skills a plus but not necessary.
Preferred Availability: Position requires weekday day-time availability between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Some evenings may be available to fulfill a portion of the service hours. This role is in-person with limited opportunity for virtual/remote work.
Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:
- Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time.
- Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong ability to work independently with minimal direction.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work as a team member in a diverse, cross-cultural environment.
- Strong interest in international and refugee issues or strong interest to learn.
- Lived experience of the communities served a plus.
