Refugee Services Housing Coordinator

Catholic Charities USA•Portland, OR

About The Position

This team member will bring experience in proposal writing, analytical and strategic fundraising skills, and effective and interpersonal project management skills. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented development professional who is looking to advance their career by joining a supportive and results-driven team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services or equivalent lived/worked experience required
Minimum 6 months prior experience working with or providing case management services and supports to refugees and immigrants strongly preferred, including deep knowledge of customs, languages, religious sect, and cultural differences unique to this population.
Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing English.
Ability to use Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Satisfactory results from pre-employment criminal and civil background screening required.
Motor vehicle records (MVR) review required as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work preferred.
Demonstrated fluency in a second language is preferred (especially with languages common in refugee populations such as Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Farsi, Rohingya, Sango, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, Ukraine and Zomi).

Responsibilities

Secure long-term housing for clients enrolled in Refugee Services programs.
Secure temporary or host housing if permanent housing is not available immediately upon arrival.
Develop and strengthen relationships with landlords, property owners, and property management companies, providing them information and guidance on partnering with refugee resettlement agencies and renting to newly arrived refugees.
Build and strengthen community partnerships to expand the network of housing partners, including individual homeowners who have space available such as: ADUs, below-market rate opportunities, basement apartments, and other appropriate living spaces.
Inspect housing opportunities to make sure they meet safety standards as well as other protocols that ensure they are appropriate living spaces.
Train, support, and maintain consistent communication with volunteers who are assisting with housing.
Collaborate with case managers to ensure rent and utility expenses are covered
Research rent and housing assistance grants and create a reference database to include recommended programs for specific families, housing criteria, etc.
Research and develop strategies to improve housing stability for clients.
Serve as the main point of contact on housing related issues for resettlement agencies and all housing community partners. Collaborate with the Refugee Services team and other agency departments to provide holistic, wrap-around, services to all clients.
Submit reports as required by funders.
Work within a strength-based, culturally specific, and trauma-informed approach.
Meets standards for documentation and data entry in Catholic Charities’ Electronic record.
Participate in trainings and meetings as requested by Supervisor.
Adhere to Catholic Charities policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.