Americorps Housing Specialist

Job Title: Americorps Housing Specialist

Reports to: UHP Housing & Logistics Coordinator

Department/Location: RAI/San Diego, California

Schedule/Duration: Full Time/Limited Term

Overtime Eligible: Yes (Non-exempt)

Job Overview:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. Established in 1975, the IRC in San Diego has supported over 30,000 refugees from 29 countries to make their new home in San Diego. Today, the IRC in San Diego continues to serve refugees as well as the larger community of new Americans including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, asylees and asylum seekers, and other immigrants. Increasingly, IRC programs also serve small business owners and others seeking economic empowerment services in San Diego.

What is AmeriCorps:

AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors by engaging adults in public service work, with a goal of helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. "The program is often seen as the domestic Peace Corps.” Members commit to full-time positions of completing 1700 hours during an 11-month contract.

The AmeriCorps member will be under the supervision of the Housing and Logistics Coordinator, who will serve as a mentor and coach to the Americorps member. Under this staff member’s guidance, the AmeriCorps member will develop professional skills by providing direct service to clients through one-on-one setting, through volunteers, and by shadowing caseworker interactions with clients. The AmeriCorps member will gain exposure to the San Diego housing market, gain experience serving clients, and will be included in professional networks to serve the refugee and newcomer population, setting them up well for their next career opportunity. The IRC in San Diego has extensive experience supervising and supporting AmeriCorps members and remains dedicated to providing a professional service environment where members can build skills and become familiar with the operations of a successful social services organization. Members will be given assignments that will challenge them and utilize their skills and provided with a dedicated workstation and given opportunities to participate in professional development activities. The IRC has high expectations for AmeriCorps members; they are treated as IRC staff members and expected to work, participate, and behave to the same standard as staff. The IRC in San Diego is confident that the AmeriCorps member will have a meaningful experience.

Training:

Members will participate in agency training activities to increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities for delivering client services. Attend AmeriCorps training sessions and participate with AmeriCorps service projects. Members will experience personal growth including professional skill development and work experiences.

IRC San Diego Placement Overview:

The Housing Specialist supports our case management staff in identifying and coordinating housing opportunities for our clients enrolled in IRC services.

Major Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Maintain established partnerships with property owners and managers, building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for clients and to coordinate client home repair requests as needed. Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations to support a positive resettlement experience;
· Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving clients in compliance with established program requirements;
· Coordinate logistics of housing set-ups including ordering furniture and supplies and arranging delivery, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitating lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections;
· Coordinate logistical activities related to case management services including transportation and interpretation support provided by interpreters and other team members;
· Satisfy recordkeeping requirements;
· Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area;
· Other duties as assigned.