Housing Locator (Rental Subsidy and Services)

Northern Virginia Family Services•Falls Church, VA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Locator joins Northern Virginia Family Services’ Community Housing team in the Rental Subsidy & Services Program (RSSP). The role helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability identify and secure safe, stable, and affordable housing. Through housing searches, landlord partnerships, housing advocacy, and client education, the Housing Locator supports participants in overcoming housing barriers and working toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The position is hybrid and has a starting salary in the low $50,000s. The Housing Locator identifies housing opportunities and resources, assists clients with rental applications and lease negotiations, and connects them with rental assistance, furnishings, moving support, and other resources. The role builds relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community organizations; serves as a liaison between clients and landlords; maintains a housing directory; and facilitates renter education sessions. The position also conducts Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections, documents property deficiencies, coordinates corrective actions, maintains accurate program records, and ensures housing activities comply with program, grant, and agency requirements. The Housing Locator participates in team meetings, supervision, and professional development.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in property management, housing management, and/or real estate, including negotiation and advocacy.
HQS certification, or the ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
Experience and comfort facilitating training sessions and educational activities for groups.
Ability to communicate respectfully, clearly, effectively, and patiently with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with clients, landlords, and community organizations.
Fluency in English.
Digital and technical proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Successful completion of background checks upon hire.
Reliable transportation for frequent visits to properties and community locations.
May be called upon to work beyond normal working hours.

Nice To Haves

Experience within the community served.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience providing direct services to individuals experiencing crisis.
Bilingual fluency in Spanish or other client languages; additional language skills are welcome.

Responsibilities

Proactively identify housing opportunities and resources to help individuals and families secure safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Assist clients with housing searches, rental applications, lease negotiations, and housing-related challenges.
Collaborate with case managers to connect clients with rental assistance, donated furnishings, moving support, and other housing resources.
Provide housing advocacy and help clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants.
Identify housing barriers, address client concerns, and develop solutions that support successful housing placements.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community organizations.
Serve as a liaison between clients and landlords, facilitate communication, resolve concerns, and negotiate housing arrangements.
Maintain an updated directory of available properties, landlord contacts, and housing resources.
Collaborate with internal NVFS teams, government agencies, and community partners to expand housing opportunities and coordinate services.
Facilitate renter education sessions on tenant rights, lease agreements, and housing responsibilities.
Conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections in accordance with program and grant requirements.
Identify and document property deficiencies, communicate findings to landlords and tenants, and coordinate corrective actions.
Maintain timely and accurate documentation of housing contacts, inspections, client services, training activities, and program records.
Ensure housing-related activities comply with program guidelines, funding requirements, and agency standards.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge of housing programs and best practices.