Property Management and Vendor Relations

• Conduct apartment outreach and secure safe, appropriate, and affordable housing for refugees prior to 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. Airbnb) if permanent housing is unavailable by arrival date.

Client Services

• 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.
• 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 secure household donations and assist Volunteer Coordinator with in-kind contributions.

Compliance Documentation

• Regularly visit apartment complexes to ensure housing meets the minimum standards as laid out in federal regulations.
• Prepare and complete pre-arrival documentation for client case files.
• In collaboration with Specialists, coordinate with US Ties pre-arrival to complete U.S tie consultation form, and maintain ongoing communication regarding arrivals.
• Ensure accuracy and completion of leases maintained in case files are in compliance with IRC polices.
• Complete case notes related to all housing activities and ensure reporting requirements are met, in close collaboration with Specialists.
• Post-arrival, coordinate with US Ties to complete all required housing documents contingent of client’ housing circumstances.

Team/Office Participation

• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned by the Housing Coordinator
• Supervise and train a team of interns and volunteers who will work directly with clients and/or 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 R&P casework services, as needed.
• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Oakland.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study; or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in housing & coordination, including outreach, advocacy, and property management required.
• Knowledge of Bay Area’s Housing regulations, landscape, and network.
• Ability to move furniture and donations, 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; bilingual ability in another language is desired.
• 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.