Housing Assistant & Rental Resource Coordinator

Description

CRIS is seeking a candidate to join our Refugee Resettlement Program to provide case management, client assistance, and rental resource coordination related to housing needs of newly arrived refugees, in partnership with our national resettlement agency and the U.S. Department of State.

Candidate applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with immediate availability to start required. This position is funded for a 6-month period, through 12/31/2024, to build program capacity. At that time, we will assess the continuation of the position based on program needs and funding. 

Full-time position, 40 hours/week, non-exempt/hourly position, medical/dental/vision insurance eligibility, flexible spending account (FSA) program, paid time off, paid holidays, 403b tax-deferred retirement savings option, general office hours of 8:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday but flexibility required with occasional need for availability on evenings/weekends

Work with our Refugee Resettlement Program Caseworkers and Housing Coordination team members to provide client assistance related to housing needs during the Reception and Placement (R&P) Period for the first 90-days after arrival

Serve as the point of contact for client requests related to ongoing rental resource assistance, working with clients and colleagues to gather information, assess client needs, and determine CRIS' capacity to provide immediate and/or ongoing resources

Track agency capacity to provide limited emergency rental assistance/resources

Assist with housing and pre-arrival preparations of basic needs for newly arriving refugees

Liaise between clients and landlords and/or leasing management to identify solutions to housing-related challenges

Participate in support and education related to housing rights and responsibilities of newly resettled refugees

Perform home visit/s, as it relates to housing-related support

Provide client transportation, as it relates to connecting clients to housing-related support

Link clients to identified housing-related community resources and collaborate with other social service entities to support client efforts toward self-sufficiency

Maintain thorough case documentation through written case note records of all services provided and ensure timely completion of required forms/paperwork

Actively contribute to a supportive, client-centered Refugee Resettlement Program team through steadfast support of colleagues, reliable communication, and participation in weekly program staff meetings and various trainings

Requirements

Degree from a four-year university or 2 years of experience in a directly related profession

At least one year of experience working with refugees/immigrants

Skilled in interpersonal and intercultural communication

Ability to be self-directed with position responsibilities

Resourceful, proactive problem-solving ability

Possess professional abilities in spoken and written English language

Preference for fluency in language/s spoken by the communities we serve, though not required 

Strong organizational skills

Experience facilitating partnerships with community social service providers

Experience working with diverse populations

Experience working with limited English-speaking communities and using language interpreters

Proficient skills with Microsoft Excel, Google Apps including Google Drive, e-mail, and internet

Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and current automobile insurance with clean driving record and willingness to drive clients

To be eligible to be added to CRIS' agency vehicle insurance and drive agency vehicles, the candidate must have or be willing to obtain an Ohio Drivers License, have at least 2 years of driving experience in the U.S., and a clean driving record assessed through a review of the Motor Vehicle Report

Participate in a required background check

Strongly prefer experience with refugee resettlement

CRIS IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions shall be consistent with the principles of equal opportunity employment. Accommodations to enable all individuals to participate in the application process may be provided upon advance request.