Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.
Purpose
The housing specialist coordinates all logistics for temporary and permanent housing for new refugee arrivals by working with landlords, Airbnb hosts, volunteers, co-sponsors, and faith/community organizations. The housing specialist is also responsible for cultivating new housing relationships and providing cultural orientation and ongoing training to help refugees to be ideal tenants.
Responsibilities
Conducts outreach for new relationships with potential landlords and property managers, maintains positive relationships with local landlords, owners, and property management companies.
Educates landlords and property managers on CWS resettlement program.
Attends and presents in community meetings related to housing in order to share the challenges and strengths that refugees bring when it comes to housing needs.
Secures initial housing for all refugees by visiting properties, performing home inspections, placing housing applications, and booking Airbnb or other temporary housing, if needed.
Liaises with landlords throughout housing negotiations, lease signing, and initial move-in.
Coordinates housing setups with local volunteer group to arrange for homes to be furnished with donations and all other necessary supplies.
Assists with ordering/purchasing supplies that are not available through donations.
Completes and submits for approval all check requests related to housing including but not limited to rent, security deposit, application fees, lease transfer fees, beds and other furniture, household goods, etc.
Documents all housing services in clients' case notes. Records all financial transactions in clients' financial tracking logs. Prepares and includes housing documentations in clients' files, including but not limited to Home Safety Evaluation forms, lease contracts, and financial paperwork.
Maintains and regularly updates records of partnering property managers and available housing units.
Coordinates with CWS Cultural Orientation coordinator and teaches in home and classroom cultural orientation session on housing.
Supports landlords who have questions and concerns related to refugee tenants placed by CWS.
Conducts home visits with all families after placement to ensure a successful transition into new housing. Provides additional support to families who are at risk of coming into conflict with their landlord over cleanliness, lease infractions, etc.
As necessary, assists IRP case managers in ensuring timely delivery of services and fulfillment of requirements outlined in the Cooperative Agreement with Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, including providing transportation to appointments for refugee clients.
Available for possible evening airport pickups for newly arriving refugees, as necessary.
Available for evening and weekend home set ups, as necessary.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree.
Experience:
The successful candidate must have a minimum 2 years of previous work experience in refugee or immigrant-related services, providing familiarity with U.S. refugee and/or immigration issues and terminology. A background in housing resources, case management or human service delivery is desirable.
Skills:
Strong computer literacy with knowledge of word processing and database applications.
Ability to use standard office equipment in performing varied activities.
Attention to detail.
Respect of confidentiality.
Strong English writing skills.
Language fluency in written and spoken English is required
Must have excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
Must be computer literate and proficient with MS Office
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS' Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.
Special Requirements
The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office and internet applications.
A valid driver's license is also required, along with the ability to move furniture and donations.
The successful candidate must pass a background check.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. of weight.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.
This position is primarily in the office and community.
During busy times other duties may be assigned.
Willingness to interpret in other fluent languages
Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic, or Dari preferred
Benefits
CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes: - 403 (b) Retirement Plan - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years) - 14 Official Holidays - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly) - Life Insurance and AD&D - Long Term and Short-Term Disability - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Health Savings Account - Flexible Spending Accounts - Commuter Benefits
