Housing Specialist - Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement : Job Details

POSITION TITLE: Housing SpecialistREPORTS TO: Housing CoordinatorWORKSITE: Lincoln, NEORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION: In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our diverse team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services. We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to much-needed resources. Operating in 10 different offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay. To learn more, visit CIRAconnect.org.POSITION DESCRIPTION:The Housing Team is under the Resettlement & Placement (R&P) CIRA Program. The team provides the foundational need for safe shelter, housing support and education for newly arrived refugees. The Housing Team has provided safe affordable housing to 900+ total individuals in Nebraska since 2022. The Housing Team is a crucial entity for R&P, providing housing is a social determinate of refugees' success resettling into Omaha.The Housing Specialist will report directly to the Housing Coordinator. This position would assist the Housing Coordinator in securing safe affordable housing and ongoing housing support for newly arrived refugees in Lincoln. We are seeking someone that is passionate for welcoming refugees and immigrants to Nebraska and has a strong sense of compassion and cultural awareness. The ideal candidate would demonstrate a strong sense of urgency for immediate client needs, communications skills, and eagerness to grow. CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:Housing Coordination

• Assist the Housing Coordinator with locating and securing housing in Lincoln for large refugee families (4+ members), using the Landlord Contacts & Lease Information directory for new and existing opportunities.
• Act promptly to secure safe, affordable housing when suitable options are found.

Intake and Case Closure

• Explain leasing agreements, housing procedures, and tenant responsibilities to refugee families (with interpreter as needed) in an understandable manner.
• Address minor maintenance issues before involving landlords and educate clients on rent payment, utilities, and landlord contact procedures during case closure.
• Provide accurate case notes for intake and closure for Housing Coordinator's case reports.

Administrative and Miscellaneous Duties

• Complete Metro Housing Collaborative Referral forms and set up online utility accounts for clients as needed.
• Occasionally move furniture (up to 25 pounds).
• Attend community meetings related to housing justice or advocacy when required.
• Work with CIRA team Case Managers to provide quality support and report to the R&P Supervisor.
• Ensure homes are prepared and furnished by volunteers at least one week before refugee arrivals; manage home checklists and leases accurately.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, educate them on renting to refugees, and advocate for refugee clients regarding housing and maintenance issues.
• Help refugees develop self-advocacy skills for future landlord interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree highly preferred.
• Excellent English communication (oral and written) required. Knowledge of additional languages is preferred.
• Proficiency with Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) and data management software required. Ability to learn new software quickly.
• Strong preference for personal or professional experience working with refugees and immigrants.
• A valid driver's license, clean driving record, and access to a personal, insured vehicle required. Ability to occasionally drive a mid-sized U-Haul truck preferred.
• Ability to lift 5-25 pounds.
• Must pass all required background checks.

Desired Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multicultural team.
• Strong problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving ability.
• Compassionate approach to addressing the housing needs of refugee clients.
• Self-motivated, positive, and enthusiastic, with a commitment to motivating volunteer teams.
• Deep understanding and sensitivity to diverse national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

COMPENSATION:

• Base pay beginning at $49,000, commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits including:
  • Unlimited paid time off; 9 paid holidays with year-end holiday break
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance; employee assistance program; 403b retirement plan with an automatic 5% contribution; and FMLA
  • Yearly stipends for employee development opportunities
  • Relocation assistance; travel and expense reimbursement

TO APPLYPlease upload your resume, cover letter, and three professional references all in PDF format through the application link.