Housing Specialist Volunteer

Location: In person - Sacramento, CA

Duration: 3-4+ months, 4-8 hours/week

SCOPE OF WORK:

The IRC's Community Integration department provides holistic, client-centered services to support refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations as they work toward self-sufficiency and stability. Through its four core programs, the department addresses both immediate needs—like housing, food, and safety—and longer-term goals, including employment, healthcare access, and community integration. Within this framework, the Housing team plays a critical role in securing safe, stable, and affordable housing for newly arrived clients by building relationships with property managers, identifying viable housing options, and coordinating move-in support. The Housing Specialist Volunteer supports this work by assisting with housing searches, maintaining landlord and unit databases, facilitating communication between clients and property managers, and helping coordinate application and move-in processes, thereby strengthening the team’s capacity to efficiently place clients in housing and advance their path toward long-term self-reliance.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research affordable rental listings (online platforms, community boards, property managers);
• Build and maintain a database of available units and landlord contacts;
• Identify housing options that meet client needs (family size, budget, location, accessibility);
• Contact landlords/property managers to inquire about vacancies and requirements, help maintain positive relationships with property owners, assist clients with housing applications (forms, documentation, follow-up);
• Help schedule and coordinate housing viewings;
• Drive throughout the service area to assist with housing-related appointments, unit viewings, move-ins, and community resource navigation;
• Provide basic guidance on tenant responsibilities (rent, utilities, lease terms);
• Work with interpreters when needed;
• Support logistics for move-in (lease signing, utility setup, renter orientation);
• Assist with checklists (inspections, required documents, payments if applicable);
• Help coordinate donations or essential household items.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver’s license and insurance, good driving record, and reliable access to a personal vehicle for local travel and client support activities;
• Ability to clearly explain processes to clients and communicate professionally with landlords and staff;
• Able to track multiple clients, housing leads, and deadlines without losing detail;
• Comfortable using email, spreadsheets (e.g., Excel/Google Sheets), and case tracking systems;
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse refugee/immigrant populations;
• Handles sensitive client information responsibly. Can think through barriers (low income, no credit, language barriers) and identify options;
• Shows up consistently and follows through on tasks.

TO APPLY:

Complete an online application at this link. Please submit a resume and cover letter (including desired position, availability and motivation for applying). You will be contacted for a phone/virtual screening and next steps. All volunteer and internships are part-time, unpaid positions.

If your school requires any documentation or agreement for a volunteer or internship position, or if you have any time-sensitive questions, please reach out to GetInvolvedIRCSacramento@rescue.org prior to the virtual/phone screening.