Housing Coordinator

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes due to forcible displacement. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives. In neighborhoods, in Vermont, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities. We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The Housing Coordinator builds and facilitates relationships with landlords, finds refugee housing, advocates for refugees in order to expand the range of housing options, and completes initial housing set-ups for arriving refugees. In addition, this position coordinates donations of in-kind goods, and as needed, the purchase of required items for arriving families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and maintain an up-to-date database with information on landlords and residencies with which USCRI Cleveland currently works
• Maintain a regular search of potential landlords with decent and affordable housing
• Arrange meetings with property management representatives in order to advocate for clients and find solutions to overcome barriers to initial housing placements
• Secure housing based on scheduled refugee arrivals, which can arrive with less than two weeks of notice.
• Evaluate the safety of potential residences and complete corresponding paperwork for Case Managers
• Arrange for security deposit, key transfer, utility transfer, payment of monthly rent and other logistics as needed
• Facilitate housing set-ups in order to ensure that all housing placements have the necessary basic goods and furnishings based on program requirements.
• Supervise volunteers as needed - work with the Community Engagement Coordinator to facilitate volunteer engagement on housing
• Collaborate with the Community Engagement Coordinator in order to resource individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community for donations of household items needed by refugees
• Order items needed for clients online, and/or make purchases at local stores
• Complete the List of Goods form for each family on behalf of the Case Manager
• Arrange groceries appropriate for at least one week of consumption for the complete refugee family pre-arrival
• Manage financial logs, check requests, receipt submission, and tracking documents
• Help to manage maintenance and cleaning of USCRI-owned properties

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated are not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree and knowledge of community resources
• Experience and knowledge of local housing trends, especially around landlord/tenant laws and rights, affordable housing and community development a plus
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate well, building relationship and partnership with USCRI clients and community partners
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, MS Excel and database programs, as needed;
• Ability to get along with others and thrive in a dynamic fast- paced team environment;
• Must have a clean valid driver’s license and insurance, and a reliable motor vehicle; and
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Ability to load/unload, and operate multiple passenger vehicles;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying; and
• Quantitative/mathematical ability (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, standard measurements).

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.