Housing Specialist

About the Organization:

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) serves more than 5,000 immigrants and refugees each year from over 110 countries. We provide comprehensive services in immigration law matters, community transition and integration, access to health and wellness, language access and proficiency, and job readiness training for immigrants and refugees. NSC’s mission is to welcome and empower immigrants to thrive in our communities and pursue a just future. Our vision is that all immigrants achieve a life of safety and stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful community connections.

Position Overview:

The Housing Specialist position will provide valuable support to NSC programs serving refugee and immigrant clients. The Housing Specialist will work to develop and implement housing strategies which support the integration of refugee and immigrant populations into diverse neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the four surrounding counties. The Housing Specialist has internal contacts with the entire administrative staff and external contact with landlords, housing partners, clients, visitors, representatives of other social services agencies, and the community. This position has access to sensitive NSC and client information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism. This position is expected to represent NSC in a professional manner.

Essential Functions:

Relationship Management - cultivates relationships with landlords, property managers and housing complexes to maintain an inventory of safe, suitable and affordable housing for refugees and immigrants which meet contractual obligations for multiple programs and local housing regulations.

Housing Resources – maintaining lists of and contacts with housing providers who provide temporary, transitional and other supportive housing for specific populations and other housing related resources

Housing Procurement & Maintenance – Ensures rental properties meet local housing laws through home safety checklists, ensure that landlords have rental licenses, their housing meets standard regulations including lead safe requirements and that documentation for these are kept on file.

Household Goods – Strengthening partnerships with businesses, donors and the community to garner household goods for immigrant and refugees such as furniture, toiletries, household linens and cleaning supplies. Ensures all incoming refugees are provided with household furnishings, food staples and a hot meal prior to arrival through home setups with staff and volunteers.

Program & Case Management Support – works closely with case managers within NSC programs to ensure clients are provided are able to obtain and maintain safe and appropriate housing.

Requirements:

• 
  COVID-Vaccine - NSC has determined that requiring that all staff who are working on site be fully vaccinated is the best way to protect our employees and the community.
• Working in the office is required for the Philadelphia office and other locations as well as offsite travel when necessary, including to accompany clients to health appointments. NSC is currently operating on a hybrid remote/office schedule.
• Working understanding of NSC’s mission, vision, values, programs and services, and business plan.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, external business partners, and the community.
• Adheres to all NSC and departmental policies and procedures.
• Attends all NSC in-services as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

Understanding of NSC goals and objectives and ability to work and contribute as part of a larger team.

Informed self-awareness and inter-cultural humility are essential traits in a strong candidate.

Knowledge of electronic communication and data and general office related tools and equipment in addition to basic knowledge in Excel, Microsoft Office, and Power Point and client databases.

A BA/BS with a degree from an accredited College or University in a related field of study.

Bilingual skills are preferred

Experience with Reception & Placement or another immigrant serving program is preferred.

Valid drivers’ license with access to reliable transportation or eligible for shared auto program.

Knowledge of local housing inventory and community resources and benefits that impact and/or benefit the targeted client needs.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks by carefully setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and scheduling time efficiently.

Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, external business partners, and the community.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and effectively communicate with individuals and groups.

Knowledge of basic client management procedures for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following up, and documenting client interactions and proactively supporting client’s pursuit of goals.

Location: Office in Center City Philadelphia, local travel required

How to Apply:

NSC’s staff is comprised of individuals with diverse professional and lived experiences, fluency in multiple languages, and a deep knowledge of and commitment to the immigrant communities we serve. We value the diversity of our staff and highly encourage immigrants and persons of color to apply. In your cover letter, please address how your unique experiences and background will contribute to the mission of NSC.

To Apply, please use the following link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=27e48a4b-a610-4fda-9822-2ed5e4765278&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter

NSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nor any other basis protected under applicable law.