Housing Locator

Housing Opportunity Com • Silver Spring, MD

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Locator position is responsible for managing all aspects of housing location for a caseload of up to 20 homeless individuals/families referred by Montgomery County Continuum of Care or DHHS Services to End and Prevent Homelessness. Major components of the position include but are not limited to; locating housing, data entry/tracking, submitting rental applications and successfully placing individuals/families in affordable rental units. The incumbent will identify available rental units through a variety of community resources; establish positive working relationships with landlords; and link individuals and/or families to necessary supports in a timely fashion.

Requirements

• At least two years’ experience in housing, subsidized housing programs, or property management.
• High school or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years’ college or technical training.
• Knowledge of or the ability to acquire knowledge of program regulations and procedures.
• Ability to communicate in a friendly and professional tone both orally and in writing.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with people of varied backgrounds.
• Organizational skills and ability to maintain orderly files, logs and records.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and the detail required by multiple cases in process simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license, good driving record and a reliable car.
• Ability to use computer software such as Word and Homeless Management Information System.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with special subpopulations a plus; homeless, behavioral health or disabilities a plus

Responsibilities

• Identify housing opportunities within Montgomery County, Maryland through interactions with property trade associations, local housing departments, housing associations, real estate brokers and management firms, housing data bases, websites, and other resources.
• Contact identified resources that can accommodate or are adaptable to meet the housing needs of referred clients.
• Arrange transportation or transport clients engaged in housing search to available units as necessary.
• Assist client and manage paperwork related to the rental process including completing applications, criminal record checks, security deposits, holding fees and other requirements and challenges imposed by landlords.
• Advocate on behalf of the client and/or mediate disputes between the client and landlord.
• Communicate regularly with clients via in person meetings, phone, text and email.
• Make regular reports to the referring source on progress toward successful housing placement.
• Interpret and explain written information to client and make referrals or provide for security deposits funds, moving and storage needs, basic furniture needs.
• Input information into (HMIS) Homeless Management Information System.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• HOC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.
• HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment.
• Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
• Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree