Housing Specialist

POSITION TITLE:        Housing Specialist – SDNP, San Diego Newcomer’s Program

DEPARTMENT:            Refugee Services

REPORTS TO:             RS Program Manager

SALARY RANGE         $22-$24.00/HR

WORK SCHEDULE:    40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.    

                                     Some off-hour work (early morning, evening, weekend).

FLSA STATUS:            Non-Exempt

To apply for this position you need to complete this Application

POSITION SUMMARY: The Housing Specialist secures and coordinates the furnishing of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving immigrants/refugees and provides related logistical support through the delivery of housing-related services to qualified applicants.. The Housing Specialist will be working with SDNP clients so it is essential that you are trauma-informed, welcoming, and supportive.

AGENCY CULTURE: 

The business and social environment in which our Agency operates is continuously changing. To thrive, we must incorporate ways of thinking and acting that strengthen who we are and who we can be. As part of this cultural change process, it is critical that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:

• A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values (“We Do the Right Thing”)
• A commitment to excellence in everything we do (“We Do Things Right”)
• A commitment to achieving desired outcomes and measured results (“Everything Counts”)
• A commitment to innovation and to what is possible (“We value Creativity and Generativity”)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identify and secure safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for newly arriving immigrants/refugees in compliance with established program requirements
• Conduct ongoing outreach to current and potential landlords and property managers, building strong working relationships with the goal of increasing access to housing for refugee/immigrant families
• Collaborate effectively with team members and partner organizations to support a positive housing experience
• Coordinate logistics of housing set-ups including ordering furniture, supplies and/or arranging delivery, arranging utility hook-ups, facilitating lease signings and renewals, arranging payments, and conducting home safety inspections, as needed
• Implement a high-quality procurement protocol including researching potential new vendors, following appropriate financial and purchasing procedures, and maintaining required documentation
• Coordinate client home repair requests as needed
• Conduct orientations to clients independently or in collaboration with other team members
• Administer case file review, follow-up, and processing for release of payment
• Assist SDNP participants with necessary case management services and housing assistance referrals
• Respond to routine requests for information concerning cases
• Ensure accurate maintenance of case files, consistent update and review for completion
• Perform monthly client interview to verify household status prior to monthly payment; verify employment services enrollment
• Conduct exit interviews with clients to ascertain their remaining needs; provide resources to address these needs; provide clients with end-of-service letters that summarize the assistance they received from SDNP, and submit the closure of each application to management
• Provide translations of documents into Haitian Creole and/or Spanish, as needed
• Record and maintain accurate and up-to-date client records
• Create new files and complete all information on forms and reports 
• Organize and archive records and documents
• Upload digital files and perform data entry; secure and protect the privacy of documents
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, plus two to three years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of experience working with refugees, immigrants, and/or other migrants to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services preferred.
• Knowledge of the resources and providers (governmental, civic, social, health, educational, economic, faith-based, etc.) that are available within the community/county to assist migrant families.  
• Possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and high standards of quality. 
• Knowledge and familiarity with the culture and community of immigrant/refugee population(s).
• Ability to use electronic case management database/software with the facility.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel.
• Have a cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.  Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure a positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
• Possess passion and enthusiasm for the Mission and Values of CCDSD 
• Fluency in English, Haitian Creole, Spanish mandatory.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid California Driver’s License and current automobile insurance in compliance with Agency requirements.
• Must successfully complete a DOJ/FBI live scan.
• Tuberculin Skin Test
• CPR/First Aid Certification (desired)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must be able to work comfortably on a desktop computer. Must be able to travel to various locations as required by the program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BENEFITS:  Catholic Charities offers a full line of benefits to select from Medical, dental, and vision. Prescription drugs, life insurance, pension, 403(b), vacation, 15 holidays and sick leave.

Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego is a diverse, all-inclusive service organization and employer. We do not discriminate against any candidates on the basis of: race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, gender and/or gender reassignment status, age, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and/or maternity, marriage and/or civil union status, or any other legally protected characteristics

Salary : $20 - $24