Housing Specialist

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

Last updated on Dec 16, 2024