Affordable Housing Specialist

Overview

Affordable Housing Specialist IRC - International Rescue Committee, Salt Lake City. National Mid level position. Fluency in English required. Apply.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people affected by conflict and disaster. IRC operates in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, delivering lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope. If you are a solutions-driven, compassionate change-maker, consider joining us to positively impact lives worldwide.

Job Overview: The Affordable Housing Specialist supports refugee individuals and families in securing and maintaining safe, affordable housing. This role focuses on housing navigation, eviction prevention, landlord mediation, and connecting clients to resources such as Section 8, rental assistance, and HEAT programs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist refugee households in locating and applying for affordable housing, including Section 8 and other subsidized housing programs
• Assist eligible clients with applications for the HEAT program’s utility payment support, monitoring outcomes and following up as needed
• Identify clients at risk of eviction and develop housing stabilization plans with clients and caseworkers to avoid eviction
• Advocate for reasonable accommodations and resolve disputes between clients and landlords
• Educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities
• Coordinate logistics of housing relocations, including pick-up and delivery of belongings, transferring utility accounts, facilitating lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections
• Conduct post-relocation home visits to ensure a successful transition into new housing
• Conduct ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers to increase access to housing for refugees
• Satisfy recordkeeping requirements, including case noting client services in IRC databases
• Use a personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation to travel and transport clients and materials as needed
• May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience required
• Experience working with refugees, immigrants, or other vulnerable populations, preferred

Demonstrated Skills &

Competencies:

• Knowledge of affordable housing systems, eviction prevention, or rental assistance programs
• Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills; ability to multitask, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively
• Cultural humility and commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered care
• Strong organization, planning, and logistical skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product
• Ability to regularly lift ~50 lbs.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written. Additional fluency in client languages is recommended
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work
• Requires reliable transportation and scheduling flexibility

Pay Range: $21.13 - $23.93. Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates and are based on factors including labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Offers are calibrated by work location, candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined requirements.

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. IRC operates policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to creating a safe environment and to taking corrective measures when harm occurs.

IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.