Housing Specialist

• Lead efforts to locate and secure housing for large refugee families (4+ members) in Omaha, utilizing the Landlord Contacts & Lease Information directory.
• Act swiftly to ensure safe, affordable housing is secured when suitable options are identified.
• Clearly explain leasing agreements, housing procedures, and tenant responsibilities to refugee families (with interpreter support as needed).
• Address minor maintenance issues and educate clients on rent payments, utilities, and landlord interactions during case closure.
• Provide accurate case notes for reports.
• Coordinate timely pre- and post-arrival services to ensure clients have living essentials and are oriented to their new environment.
• Arrange for interpreters based on clients' language needs to ensure effective communication during all meetings.
• Document each client interaction per program requirements, inputting information into databases and assisting with tracking and reporting.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations; build and maintain relationships with local service providers for client benefit.
• Attend all required program meetings and trainings.
• Support refugees in developing self-advocacy skills for future landlord interactions.
• Complete Metro Housing Collaborative Referral forms and assist clients in setting up utility accounts as needed.
• Occasionally assist with furniture movement (up to 25 pounds).
• Use a personal, insured vehicle to travel and transport clients and materials as necessary within the service area.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 1–3 years of lived or professional experience working with refugee and immigrant communities, or equivalent experience preferred.
• 1–3 years of demonstrated ability in trauma-informed case management or social work services preferred.
• Fluent in English (written and oral); fluency in additional languages is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with community resources in Omaha and Lincoln for refugees and immigrants is preferred.
• Strong commitment to CIRA's mission and values in serving immigrants/refugees/newcomers.
• Deep understanding of and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, including national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender identities, and socioeconomic factors.
• Proficient in Office 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint) with the ability to learn new software quickly.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
• Strong multi-tasking abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills during client interactions.
• Dependable, self-disciplined, and flexible, with effective time management and attendance.
• Open to departmental and organizational changes, comfortable in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Availability to occasionally work nights or weekends as needed while maintaining a 40-hour work week through flexible scheduling.
• Valid driver’s license, self-insured vehicle, and clean driving record required.
• Ability to pass all required background checks.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Workdays pertain to a Monday – Friday schedule, with some weekends and nights required based on client needs. If necessary to work outside of regular office hours, flextime is available.

• Pay rate starting at $50,000, 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

• Please upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references all in PDF format to the job application link.

Last updated on Dec 19, 2024