National Housing Coordinator

Position provides technical assistance and training to local and national stakeholders about the provision of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for refugee clients, with a particular focus on the initial housing provided through the Reception & Placement (R&P) program period. Position supports the bishops’ strategic plan for the Conference.

Demonstrates willingness and ability to understand, respect and contribute to the USCCB mission and to fulfill job duties in accordance with its Catholic identity

Housing Coordinator Responsibilities (100% of time)

Continuing Responsibilities: (List from highest to lowest priority.)

Technical Assistance and Training

• USCCB/MRS lead for development and dissemination of compliance tools, training resources, and technical assistance materials on refugee housing.

• Will launch, manage, and facilitate quarterly regional USCCB/MRS Housing Coordinator Communities of Practice (COPs), which will serve as a major hub of training and cross-communication for affiliate staff managing refugee housing.

• Provides on-going guidance to Diocesan Program Directors and affiliate staff on best practices for securing and maintaining quality housing that meets federal and local housing standards, including funder compliance requirements in the Reception & Placement (R&P) program.

• Works closely with the Diocesan Advisory Group, an advisory board of resettlement directors, to gather information and finetune the program.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Serves as the national USCCB lead in identifying and developing measurements related to housing safety, affordability, and appropriateness, in order to accurately track and report on refugee housing outcomes.

• Responds to requests from federal funders.

• Participates in on-site and remote monitoring visits in collaboration with DDS Field Support Coordinators, as needed.

USCCB/MRS Public Engagement

• Actively seeks out opportunities to present information about refugee housing at locations such as conferences, universities, community-based organizations, etc.

• Participates and represents USCCB/MRS in external meetings such as: Refugee Council USA, the Refugee Welcome Collective national housing working group, inter-agency government groups, specially assigned projects with UNHCR/NGO/IGO or congressional topical briefings, upon request or invitation.

Supervision

• Manages and supervises volunteers, interns, and temporary workers for special projects identified by the National Housing Coordinator and/or their supervisor.

Education Level: Graduate degree desirable, plus three years’ experience.

Major Field/Specialty: Social Work, Refugee Resettlement, Housing, or related field.

Other Specialized Training: (i.e. word processing, personal computer, knowledge of Catholic Church, etc.)

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Delivery of technical assistance and training Knowledge of refugee resettlement

• Knowledge of refugee housing needs

• Familiarity with migration issues

• Critical thinking and complex program management problem solving

• Program evaluation and quality assurance

• Strong computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office and database management

• Familiarity with the structure of Catholic and other social services organizations

• Knowledge & understanding of the Catholic Church structure and teachings