Housing Specialist

OVERVIEW

Working from our Des Moines, Iowa, Field Office, the Housing Specialist is responsible for ensuring that resettled refugees are provided with safe, sanitary, and affordable housing. This position reports to the Field Office Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing;
• Coordinate and implement apartment set-up;
• Maintain and develop relationships with area landlords, housing trusts, housing authorities, and property management agencies;
• Follow-up with property managers and/or clients to ensure apartment maintenance issues are satisfactorily resolved;
• Coordinate and supervise interns and volunteers as appropriate;
• Update database, maintain lease records, report on housing statistics;
• Ensure that refugees are served in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner;
• Provide safety orientation and education to newly arrived refugees;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of the Des Moines Field office;

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service, Social Work, or another relevant degree desired or two years of experience working with tenant/landlords
• Keen attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment;
• Fluency in English required and proficiency in another language preferred (e.g. Arabic, Pashto, Dari, Kiswahili, Spanish, etc.)
• Prior experience providing case management or related services to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants preferred;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate and build lasting relationships and partnerships;
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and work independently as well as in collaboration with others;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Excel and database programs as required;
• Must have a valid state-issued driver's license, automobile insurance, clean driving record and reliable personal transportation;
• Must pass a criminal background check and other screening requirements;
• Ability to travel locally as required; and
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

TRAINING REQUIRMENTS

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training; and
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor(s) or Human Resources

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 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.