Housing Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a Housing Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement to provide support for recently arrived refugees and asylum-seekers who are in need of emergency, temporary or permanent housing during their early resettlement in the U.S. This position supports housing activities associated with grant funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). The Housing Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement will work closely with the Housing Strategy Specialist to support the ongoing needs of the two programs.

Under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) grant, the position will assist with providing housing support services for asylum-seeker families. The Housing Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement will collaborate with two other Housing Coordinators to conduct needs-assessments with qualifying families, and assist families with identifying housing options, compiling and submitting competitive rental applications, and setting up utility accounts. They will also submit rental assistance, conduct outreach and advocacy with landlords, provide housing cultural orientation, and share resources to help clients with housing access and stability. There may be additional tracking and reporting activities.

Under the PRM grant, through the Virtual Reception and Placement (VR&P) Program, this position will support virtual case workers with finding emergency or temporary housing for clients who may find themselves unexpectedly in need of immediate housing. There may be instances when a breakdown occurs between new arrivals and U.S. ties that could put individuals and families at risk for homelessness. It is the role of the Housing Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement to assist virtual case managers with such clients, to act swiftly to identify local community resources for emergency and/or temporary housing needs. This requires that the Housing Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement possess a strong understanding of housing support services, client advocacy and crisis case management skills as well as experience working with property managers, landlords and government agencies. Emergency funds will be available, though limited.

The Housing Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement will work in consultation with the Housing Strategy Specialist and report to the Director, Pre-Arrival & Initial Resettlement. A basic knowledge of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is preferred.

Note, this is a temporary position that starts May 1, 2024 and ends September 30, 2024, with possible extension. The salary for this position is $57,500.00, and this position is contingent upon a pending funding agreement.

This position can be based at our headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or our office in New York, New York, or it can be remote for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitors potentially at-risk cases, in close collaboration with VR&P staff, and proactively researches and identifies housing resources where such clients reside.
• Works in consultation with the HIAS Housing Strategy Specialist and other Housing Coordinators to identify existing resources, local or national, and strategies for housing.
• Takes lead on creating housing plans with specific actionable steps and timelines based on needs and budget for VR&P and ORR clients.
• Assists with moving plan as needed.
• Accesses and tracks emergency housing funding on behalf of clients.
• Develops outreach and educational materials about the VR&P program for public and private housing providers.
• Conducts outreach and advocacy with new housing partners.
• Creates reports detailing cases for internal and external use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree required.
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience in housing and/or case management required.
• Proficiency in Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of range of community housing services for low-income populations.
• Knowledge of U.S. Refugee Program desirable; previous work experience at a resettlement agency or affiliate a plus.
• Previous work experience with vulnerable populations and/or immigrants a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain key relationships with program staff at HIAS affiliates, local providers and stakeholders.
• Self-starter; able to manage and carry out functions of a program under development.
• Well-organized and detail-oriented; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 platform, including SharePoint and MS Teams, preferred; proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word is essential.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening or HireRight.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We strongly encourage applicants of diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply even if you do not meet all required qualifications but have other qualifications relevant to the role that would make you a great fit for this role with HIAS!

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.