Housing Placement Specialist, Refugee Services

Samaritas•Detroit, MI

11d•$21

About The Position

Join Us in Changing Lives Across the Detroit Metro Area Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of New Americans rebuilding their futures? As a Housing Placement Specialist with our Refugee Services team, you’ll play a vital role in helping individuals and families secure safe, stable, and affordable housing as they begin their new lives in the United States. In this hands-on, mission-driven position, you’ll blend advocacy, problem-solving, cultural support, and community outreach—ensuring our refugee clients not only find housing but also develop the tools to maintain long-term stability. If you’re energized by purpose-filled work, enjoy being out in the community, and thrive in a collaborative environment where every day brings new opportunities to support and empower others, this is a chance to make your career part of something bigger. Join a team that believes in compassion, service, and the power of second chances—helping families build brighter futures, one home at a time.

Requirements

Bachelor degree in social work, psychology, or related human services field preferred
Unrestricted driver's license with good driving record required.
Reliable personal transportation suitable for safely transporting persons served; proof of current automobile insurance required.
Ability to drive a 20 ft rental vehicle.
Ability to frequently lift heavy furniture, up to 50 lbs. using proper body mechanics, knowing your own physical limits, and proper team lifting is imperative.
Ability to move freely about.
High level of continual concentration.
Near visual acuity; hand-eye coordination; hand and finger dexterity.

Nice To Haves

Preferred - two years of experience in human or community services
Preferred - previous experience working with adults or families in crisis
Bi-lingual in Dari and Pasto highly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive, strength-based housing support services to all assigned clients including intake assessment, goal-setting, progress monitoring, financial literacy, resources and referrals and advocacy.
Coordinate with referring case managers to develop and implement a housing plan to access stable and affordable housing; address the barriers to obtaining and maintaining housing.
Educate clients on referrals/services available and the procedures for applying for/accessing referrals/services, as well as their rights related to services.
Assist clients in completing required documentation.
Participate in in-house case consultations and meetings, facilitating problem-solving, resource-sharing, and communication regarding refugee tenants.
Address non-compliance issues with Refugee case managers and landlords.
Support and guide families in positive decision-making.
Assist in obtaining and delivering needed household items and furniture to clients homes; including the loading and unloading of items.
Assist with managing the inventory of donated items, at Samaritas' central location and support with organizing and maintaining tracking of domations.
Serve as an advocate for clients with tenants, and act as their liaison with service providers and community agencies and implement strategies to acknowledge and/or celebrate resident achievements and accomplishments.
Implement financial literacy programming to guide clients in making sound decisions regarding their personal finances.
Facilitate ongoing communication with case managers and landlords in order to assess family's wellbeing, as well as other family needs.
Represent Refugee Services program and the organization at community events and outreach efforts, promoting community awareness of the Refugee Services program and its services.