Refugee Housing Assistant

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY INC; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY INC in Ann Arbor seeks a Refugee Housing Coordinator to help clients access housing, coordinate move-ins, and provide budgeting and literacy support. You will work with Refugee Resettlement, Employment & Economic Empowerment, Transportation, and Volunteer Teams.

Responsibilities include assisting with housing applications, maintaining client files, coordinating interpretation, and expanding the network of affordable housing options with landlords.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in housing or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and ability to prioritize work.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate housing searches, move-ins, and landlord communications.
• Assist clients with applications and required documents for affordable housing.
• Support budgeting and financial literacy for move-in expenses.
• Coordinate interpretation needs and maintain reports.
• Represent JFS to landlords/property managers to expand housing options.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

PURPOSE/SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITYWorks actively to increase housing opportunities for refugee services clients, coordinates move-ins, financial literacy, and interpretation services.ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, & COMPETENCIESWork closely with Refugee Resettlement, Employment & Economic Empowerment, Transportation, and Volunteer Departments coordinating activities with Directors, Managers, and other staff and volunteers.Respond to referrals of new clients in timely manner and keep client case files up to date and organized.Identify housing option for clients that fulfill their specific location, size, and affordability requirements.Assist clients in completing applications and providing necessary documents to be placed on affordable housing waiting lists.Based on their disability and medical needs, assist clients in requesting reasonable accommodations from lease requirements.Help clients budget and plan for move-in expenses, learn rights and responsibilities as tenants, and coordinate financial literacy trainingFacilitate all aspects of the application process once the client becomes a potential qualified applicant including assistance in understanding and signing the lease agreement.Ensure that clients maintain housing by responding to request for assistance in lease renewals, lease violations, or re-certifications.Be professional in representing JFS to landlords/property managers with the intention of expanding the network of properties available for refugee services clients.Regularly communicate with property managers/affordable housing developers in order to maintain a current and accurate list of affordable housing/rental properties which are accepting applications.Identify opportunities for housing advocacy and collaborate with Refugee Resource Development Manager and Refugee Services Manager in pursuing them.Coordinate interpretation needs, communicating directly with interpreters and organizations, and maintaining reports.Bachelor's degree in a human services field.Minimum experience of 2 years in related field or in housing.Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.Ability to organize and prioritize work and to work independently with little supervision.Ability to work among with large teams effectively.REQUIRED LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to express oneself in an articulate and effective manner both verbally and in written communication