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
Under the supervision of the Resettlement Program Manager, the Housing Supervisor is responsible for procuring safe, secure and affordable temporary and permanent housing for newly arriving refugees and arranging unit's set-up with furniture and other household goods according to the Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. The Housing Supervisor also oversees the provision of extended housing support to CWS clients, with a focus on Afghan Humanitarian Parolees, Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and other ORR eligible population. Additionally, the Housing Supervisor builds relationships with landlords and property managers and educates them about CWS Offices serving programs.
Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Resettlement Program Manager, oversees housing operations in the CWS NorCal office and is responsible for securing appropriate housing to refugees, asylees, and parolees serviced by CWS NorCal through its supporting programs.
Conducts outreach for new relationships with potential landlords and property managers both in CWS NorCal and in surrounding Counties, maintains positive relationships with local landlords, owners and property management companies.
Builds and consistently updates lists of CWS landlords and available housing opportunities, in Northern California.
Educates landlords and property managers on CWS resettlement program.
Liaises with landlords throughout housing negotiations, lease signing, and initial move-in. Responsible for obtaining W-9s from all landlords.
Answer landlords' questions and concerns related to refugee tenants placed by CWS prior to their arrival to the leased property.
Ensures refugee tenants are educated on tenants' rights and responsibilities in the US, including by teaching C.O. classes to clients. Coordinates ongoing housing navigation to CWS clients, both during and after the 90-day service period.
Responsible for reviewing lease contracts with clients in their native language, for the timely signing of lease contracts and for their proper storage in clients' files.
Liaise with landlords to ensure tenants' maintenance requests during the resettlement period are met and advocates for tenants' housing rights during and after the initial 90 days.
Collaborates and provides presentations public housing providers and stakeholders on housing needs and challenges in the refugee population.
Assists the Resettlement Program Manager in ensuring that housing services are compliant with R&P program and other programs on an as needed basis.
Supervises CWS NorCal housing interns and volunteers and guides them in locating housing, coordinating housing set up for newly arriving clients, and providing extended housing support to CWS clients.
In coordination with the Resettlement Program Manager, recruits new interns and/or volunteers, orients/trains new interns and/or volunteers on current and new program policies and procedures.
Coordinates regular meetings with Resettlement Program Manager and Community Engagement Officer to discuss housing services provided, housing issues, and challenges. After consulting with Resettlement Program Manager, addresses emergency housing situations as they arise and reports to Resettlement Program Manager for the resolution of conflict as necessary.
Supervises interns, including but not limited to coordination with Operations Manager for intern recruitment, interns' orientation/training, periodic meetings with school instructors/field liaisons, and periodic assessments.
Represents CWS in meetings and in interactions with other agencies.
Assists the Resettlement Program Manager in any duties that deem necessary.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent of 4 years housing services experience required.
Experience:
At least 5 years professional experience preferably in housing services is required.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and with teams.
Ability to provide culturally sensitive case management and to work in a multicultural environment is required.
Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience required.
Special Requirements
Special Requirements:
This position requires in-person work at the CWS NorCal office in Walnut Creek, with possibility of some hybrid work from home. This position also requires work in the field with clients.
Fluency in English and another primary refugee language.
Computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet applications
Superior English written and verbal communication skills
Valid driver's license and insurance
Clean Driving Record
Access to Personal vehicle
Must be able to travel frequently and independently throughout relevant region.
Must be able to work evenings and weekends as assigned.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check and credit check.
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
