Refugee Housing Assistant

Jewish Family Services Of Washtenaw County•Ann Arbor, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Refugee Housing Assistant works to increase housing opportunities for refugee services clients. The role coordinates housing move-ins, financial literacy support, and interpretation services, while collaborating with other departments, staff, and volunteers. The assistant helps clients identify and apply for affordable housing, navigate lease requirements, prepare for move-in costs, understand tenant rights and responsibilities, and maintain their housing. The position also develops relationships with landlords and property managers, keeps information on available affordable rentals current, supports housing advocacy, and coordinates interpretation needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
At least 2 years of experience in a related field or in housing.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
Ability to organize and prioritize work and work independently with little supervision.
Ability to work effectively among large teams.
Ability to communicate articulately and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

Coordinate activities with Refugee Resettlement, Employment & Economic Empowerment, Transportation, and Volunteer Departments, working with directors, managers, staff, and volunteers.
Respond to referrals of new clients in a timely manner and keep client case files current and organized.
Identify housing options that meet clients’ location, size, and affordability requirements.
Help clients complete applications and provide documents needed for affordable housing waiting lists.
Assist clients in requesting reasonable accommodations to lease requirements based on disability and medical needs.
Help clients budget and plan for move-in expenses, understand tenant rights and responsibilities, and coordinate financial literacy training.
Facilitate the application process for potential qualified applicants, including helping clients understand and sign lease agreements.
Support clients in maintaining housing by assisting with lease renewals, lease violations, and re-certifications.
Represent JFS professionally to landlords and property managers to expand the network of properties available to refugee services clients.
Communicate regularly with property managers and affordable housing developers to maintain an accurate list of affordable properties accepting applications.
Identify housing advocacy opportunities and collaborate with the Refugee Resource Development Manager and Refugee Services Manager in pursuing them.
Coordinate interpretation needs, communicate with interpreters and organizations, and maintain reports.