Housing Specialist- 2025185
Moline, IL
US Programs – Human Services /
Regular, Full-time /
On-site
Are you a person of compassion? An advocate for justice? Someone who stands up for the rights of the vulnerable and speaks out for the marginalized, the exploited and the forgotten? Do you believe in our calling as Christians to welcome the least of these and love our neighbor?
If you answered ‘yes’, to any of the above, World Relief, and millions of people around the world need you.
At this pivotal moment in time, we are rapidly expanding and growing our team to meet the increasing needs of our world. We are looking for people who want to use their gifts and talents to make a real and tangible difference in our world and the lives of the suffering.
If you’re looking for a purpose-driven career in which you can grow your talents, while also standing up for the rights of the vulnerable, we want you to join us today.
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. Since then, for 80 years, across 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to build a world where families thrive and communities flourish.
Today, organizational programming focuses on humanitarian and disaster response, community strengthening and resilience, and refugee & immigrant services and advocacy.
This position is reliant upon funding and may be subject to modification or termination based on resource availability.
POSITION SUMMARY:
World Relief Quad Cities seeks a Housing Specialist to serve on the housing team to secure safe, sanitary and affordable housing for refugees. This position will act as a liaison among program participants, volunteers, caseworkers and property managers, while maintaining strong relationships with local landlords in order to be aware of current availability. They will oversee housing procurement and set-up, outreach and external communication relating to housing refugees. By working closely with managers, this position will support the common goal of welcoming refugees and supporting their long-term integration through performing essential tasks related to housing.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Secure safe, sanitary and affordable housing for refugees. Submit check requests to the finance team after housing is secured. If applicable, coordinate with US Ties to determine appropriate housing.
- Communicate with property managers and maintenance staff to ensure that properties are ready and in good condition in time for move in, documenting any issues or maintenance concerns
- Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords and property managers when maintenance issues persist including submitting maintenance requests and assisting with follow up
- Coordinate property viewings and lease signings. Make copies of property keys as needed
- Oversee MidAmerican service requests and renter’s insurance
- Pull household items for families and purchase needed items prior to move in, including groceries
- Assist with the creation and upkeep of housing files
- Maintain relationships with current landlords and build relationships with new landlords
- Communicate with the Director of Outreach and Development and Community Engagement Coordinator to ensure an adequate supply of donations in the warehouse
- Oversee the completion of the Site Visit Housing Checklist prior to a new arrival and ensure the resettlement caseworker receives a copy
- Participate in weekly program meetings with the employment, resettlement, and public benefits teams
- Oversee the delivery of housing education for newly arriving refugees within 90-days of arrival
- Case note all housing-related services in Dynamics
- Collaborate with other housing support staff on additional support services such as applications for rental assistance, low-income housing, and Section 8
- Assist with other housing-related case management tasks or other housing support as needed
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Mature and personal Christian faith
- Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
- Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
- Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Evangelicals For the Health of The Nation document
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass the background check and MVR
- Preference given to applicants who are bilingual and speak a language that is spoken by a major refugee group in the QC (Swahili, Karen, French, Spanish, Arabic)
- Ability to work on some evenings or weekends occasionally evening or weekend work may be needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Flexibility and the ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced work environment
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work sensitively and effectively in cross-cultural settings
- Good time management
- Ability to professionally represent World Relief to landlords, property managers and community organizations
$18 - $21 an hour
World Relief offers a competitive benefits package and employee discount program for full-time and part-time employees.
World Relief is honored to be recognized with the Gold-level Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation for exceeding the core components of our well-being program including leadership and culture, program foundations and execution, and whole person health.
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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
For World Relief staff, strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief is essential, and Christian faith is a prerequisite for employment, based upon United States federal guidelines provided in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.