Housing Locator (Rental Subsidy and Services)

Northern Virginia Family Services•Falls Church, VA

2d•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, advocacy, and client education, the Housing Locator helps participants overcome housing barriers and work toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The position identifies housing opportunities, assists clients with housing searches and rental processes, collaborates with case managers and community partners, and serves as a liaison between clients and landlords. It also maintains housing resources, facilitates renter education, conducts Housing Quality Standards inspections, documents inspection findings and services, and ensures activities comply with program, grant, and agency requirements. This is a hybrid role with a starting salary described as “low 50s.” Reliable transportation is required for frequent property and community visits, and the role may involve working beyond normal working hours.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in property management, housing management, and/or real estate, including negotiation and advocacy.
Housing Quality Standards (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 people from diverse backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to develop 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.
Ability to work beyond normal working hours when called upon.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the community served.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
Direct-service experience with individuals experiencing crisis (strongly preferred).
Bilingual fluency in Spanish or other client languages; additional language skills are welcome.
HQS certification already held at the time of hire.

Responsibilities

Identify available housing opportunities and resources for individuals and families.
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.
Advocate for clients and help them understand tenant rights and responsibilities.
Identify housing barriers, address client concerns, and develop solutions that support successful placements.
Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community organizations.
Serve as a liaison between clients and landlords to facilitate communication, resolve concerns, and negotiate housing arrangements.
Maintain an up-to-date directory of properties, landlord contacts, and housing resources.
Work with NVFS teams, government agencies, and community partners to expand housing opportunities and coordinate services.
Facilitate renter education sessions about 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 records 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.
Complete required background checks upon hire.
Travel frequently to properties and community locations using reliable transportation.