IRC Background: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
IRC Turlock’s Anti-Trafficking department provides outreach and comprehensive case management services to adult, and all survivors of human trafficking. This program is a key contributor in local consortiums that raise awareness of human trafficking in the Central Valley.
Scope of Work: IRC’s Anti-Trafficking Program is designed to find sustainable solutions that are appropriate for the unique situations of each client. The Housing Specialist provides client-centered and trauma informed services to survivors of human trafficking, with the goal of enhancing housing services and housing options for survivors of all forms of human trafficking in service region. The Housing Specialist provides clients with access to safe, confidential transitional housing, and works with clients to develop individualized service plans to meet each client’s unique needs, helping clients gain self-sufficiency and successfully transition to permanent, independent housing. The Housing Specialist also participates, as required, in program planning and service development through committees, task forces, and working groups. The Housing Specialist operates under the supervision of the Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and collaborates with Anti-Trafficking Caseworkers to support clients.
Major Responsibilities:
Client Service:
- Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on empowerment through high quality service that supports clients to thrive in their community.
- Provide trafficking survivors and their families with access to safe, confidential transitional housing.
- Expand IRC’s network of property management companies and landlords and build sustainable relationships with housing partners and housing advocacy groups within the service area.
- Assist the Anti-Trafficking Caseworker with providing financial, rental, and basic needs assistance to clients based on eligibility and need.
- Provide housing support services to survivor households, including employment, financial education, transportation, counseling, childcare navigation support, and case management, ensuring increased stability and pathways towards healing.
- Ensure that clients are provided the tools they need to meet their established goals and objectives, and that clients successfully transition to permanent, independent housing.
- Provide follow-up services to clients, including landlord advocacy, case management, employment support, and minimal financial assistance, to ensure a successful and sustainable transition to permanent housing.
- Assist with grant reporting on program objectives and accomplishments.
- Participate in relevant program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team.
- Align with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Compliance Documentation:
- Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date case-note services log containing detailed information about service provision and conform to contract requirements.
- Ensure compliance with case file management and reporting requirements, including timely data entry in hard-copy files and electronic databases.
Partner Coordination:
Participate in relevant partner meetings and engage stakeholders to identify community resources.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Anti-Trafficking Coordinator
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: Housing Specialist will develop working relationships with direct service providers in the following IRC departments: Housing Team, Safety & Wellness, and Community Engagement.
External: Caseworker will develop working relationships with property managements, landlords, Section 8 Housing, Stanislaus County Social Services, anti-trafficking task forces, relevant consulates, law enforcement, and other community-based organizations to support achievement of program requirements.
Job Requirements:
- Strong commitment to ensuring the success of the IRC mission while adhering to the values of service, accountability, and integrity as defined in the IRC Way.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, with an emphasis in Social Work or equivalent field of study preferred. Significant relevant work experience can replace education requirement.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant work experience in social services, humanitarian relief, public service, or other non-profit environment preferred.
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
- Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
- Must be able to assist clients solve difficult problems under pressure.
- Fluency in written and spoken English required. Fluency in spoken Spanish strongly preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams messaging).
- Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license; willingness to transport clients.
Working Environment:
- Hybrid schedule; at home, in the field, and in office work with a potential of coming into the office 5 days a week.
- Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
