Housing and Logistics Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Job Overview: The Housing and Logistics Specialist will assist refugees to ensure the best possible initial resettlement experience and achievement of client self-sufficiency. In coordination with other Casework team staff, they will oversee the provision, procurement, and quality control of pre-arrival and post-arrival resettlement goods and services for new arrivals according to established federal guidelines. They will be responsible for locating housing and ensuring that IRC clients receive appropriate furnishings. They will also participate, as required, in program planning and service developments through teams, committees and work groups and will operate under moderate supervision with latitude for the use of independent discernment and initiative. 

Major Responsibilities: 

Property Management and Vendor Relations

• Conduct apartment outreach and secure safe, appropriate, and affordable housing for refugees shortly following their arrival in the US.

• Liaise with property management organizations to ensure continuing quality services to refugees.

• Research vendors to determine the best values for housing and household supplies.

• Responsible for finding and coordinating temporary housing (i.e. hotel) if permanent housing is unavailable by arrival date.

Client Services

• Provide housing services to clients who participate in the Program for Initial Resettlement and other Casework programs according to urgency of need.

• Collaborate with Caseworkers to ensure smooth transition from airport to lodging post-arrival.

• Organize and lead the setup of housing, including coordinating signing of leases and communication with landlords/property managers.

• Provide orientation and ongoing housing case management support to clients on the local housing market, the housing search process, tenants’ rights and responsibilities and state and federal housing laws.

• Arrange the logistics of new arrival home set-ups, including furniture orders and delivery, planning and placing purchase orders, and establishment of utility connections and home safety inspections.

• Work to purchase supply list items and/or secure household donations and assist the Volunteer & Donations Coordinator with tracking donation records.

• Arrange and request payments that are necessary to secure housing (first month’s rent and security deposit).

• Administer any state/county rental support programs that are available, assessing client’s need for assistance and submitting timely payment requests.

Compliance Documentation

• Regularly visit apartment complexes to ensure housing meets the minimum standards as laid out in federal regulations.

• Prepare and complete pre-arrival and post-arrival documentation for client case files.

• Ensure accuracy and completion of leases maintained in case files are in compliance with IRC policy.

• Complete case notes related to all housing activities and ensure reporting requirements are met, in close collaboration with other Casework staff.

Team/Office Participation

• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned by the supervisor

• Supervise interns and/or volunteers who will work directly with clients and in the office on a variety of interpersonal and administrative tasks.

• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.

• Provide additional casework services, as needed.

• Align with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.

Key Working Relationships: 

Position Reports to:  Resettlement Manager

Position directly supervises: Volunteers and Interns 

Indirect Reporting: ICM Coordinator and Resettlement Manager

Job Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience.

• Relevant work experience in housing & coordination, including outreach, advocacy, and property management highly preferred.

• Knowledge of Bay Area’s Housing regulations, landscape, and network.

• Ability to move furniture, complete household set-ups, and lift heavy objects.

• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.

• Self-starter with excellent analytical skills combined with the demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and work efficiently.

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, ability to drive own vehicle as needed and a company van. 

Working Environment: 

• A combination of standard office environment, out of office work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

• May require occasional evening work.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $26-$27/hr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.