Housing & Integration Specialist

Housing & Integration Specialist

The Housing & Integration Specialist at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) plays a crucial role in supporting the long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency of clients. This position involves educating clients on tenant rights, assisting with housing applications, and providing financial education. The specialist will also identify clients at risk of eviction and connect them with necessary resources. Collaboration with housing authorities and maintaining accurate documentation are key responsibilities of this role.

Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide housing stability case management to IRC clients working toward long-term housing security and self-sufficiency, addressing needs that arise well beyond initial resettlement or arrival.
• Educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities, lease renewals, move-in/move-out procedures, maintenance request processes, and change of address procedures, empowering clients with the practical knowledge to independently maintain stable housing and advocate for themselves as tenants.
• Providing financial education and coaching on budgeting for rent and utilities, housing costs and identifying housing that is sustainable based on household income.
• Assist clients with applications, recertifications, and renewals for public and subsidized housing programs (e.g., Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8, public housing authority programs, and other government rental assistance), including gathering documentation, completing forms, and following up with housing authorities and landlords to ensure continuity of housing.
• Identify clients at risk of eviction or housing loss and provide early intervention, connecting clients to emergency rental assistance and other resources, and advocating on clients' behalf with landlords and public housing authorities to prevent displacement.
• Maintain working relationships with public housing authorities, subsidized housing providers, and landlords to support clients' long-term housing stability. Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations to support clients' integration.
• Track program outputs and outcomes (e.g., households served through housing education, applications and renewals completed) and maintain accurate documentation and data entry in IRC's client database to satisfy funder and contract reporting requirements.
• May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Use personal, insured vehicle with valid driver's license to travel to client homes, housing authorities, and community partners as needed throughout the service delivery area
• Minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations preferred.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Superb organization, planning, and logistical skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, public and subsidized housing systems and processes (e.g., Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8) preferred.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and 'field' time at partner sitesincluding apartment complexes and public/government service centerswithin the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.