Loudoun Community Housing (LCH) - Housing Locator (FT)

Shelter House • Fairfax, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Locator is responsible for cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with both landlords and clients for housing placement supports. The Housing Locator facilitates communication between landlords and clients as needed and empowers clients by providing housing related training (ex: maintaining a household, tenant rights, negotiating leases, landlord communication, etc.). The Housing Locator works collaboratively with the case management team to assist households in formulating and following a housing plan and a budget and identifying housing opportunities. He/she works collaboratively with the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, and other county agencies, nonprofits, and faith organizations to identify affordable housing options for adults’ house only and households with children.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or commensurate experience
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with client population, be able to relate to individuals making significant life decisions, and be supportive of individuals’ increasing independence.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills
• Must also be able to deliver effective training, prepare written reports, and maintain client documentation with minimal errors
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and thrive in a challenging situations
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Valid Driver’s License/ 50% local travel required
• Work evenings and weekends as needed
• Annual TB Test is required
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods
• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of Housing programs in Fairfax County
• Experience supporting programs serving homeless families and those diagnosed with physical or mental disabilities

Responsibilities

• Proactively and creatively seek new housing opportunities and resources in Fairfax and other localities to assist household with locating housing
• Build and maintain relationships with area landlords who will work with households with multiple barriers
• Maintain a Landlord Database to include contact information for all landlords that have signed leases with clients served
• Regularly communicate with landlords to maintain a positive, working relationship wherever possible.
• Develop and utilize marketing materials geared toward landlord and partner recruitment.
• Conduct initial Housing planning meetings with each household entering the RRH & Prevention Services within first two weeks: Completing housing assessments to identify budget & income
• Regularly collaborate and communicate with Case Managers regarding clients’ housing updates.
• Provide and review housing search logs with clients on weekly basis for guidance and support.
• Facilitate initial communication between landlords and the clients to assist with lease-up process
• Accompany clients to view potential housing options and assist with filling out application process
• Negotiate leases on behalf of clients in collaboration with case managers and the client
• Maintain case documentation using HMIS and in accordance with agency and best standard practice.
• Assist households with obtaining rental assistance money utilizing a variety of funding sources.
• Disseminate relevant and available housing options information to clients. This includes but is not limited to available housing options at or below Fair Market Rate rentals (as established by HUD), voucher programs, public housing programs, transitional housing programs, PSH, etc.
• Assist households as needed during their move into permanent housing in collaboration with other involved staff and partners.
• Develop and facilitate trainings and workshops for clients on topics including but not limited to tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, communicating with landlords, how to read a lease, identifying roommates, maintaining a household, etc.
• Collaborate with other Housing Locators within Fairfax County to stay current on best practices and local resources
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor
• Ensure compliance with all agency and program policies
• Proficiently utilize Google Suites applications (email, calendar, drive, docs, etc) as a part of day to day work requirements
• Safely utilize Shelter House owned vehicles to drive clients to various locations.
• Demonstrate positive role modeling for clients and contribute to the health, well-being and comfort of clients by exhibiting the Shelter House Core Values; Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match
• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off
• Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level