Job Description

Title: Housing Locator

Department: Katherine Hanley Family Shelter

Reports to: Assistant Director of KHFS

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $52-$56K

About Us:

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children.

Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.). In addition to our incredible mission and culture, we offer our employees a work-life balance, 401K (with employer matching), and core benefits (medical/dental/vision) for full-time employees with a generous employer contribution towards premiums.

About the Role:

The Housing Locator is responsible for cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with landlords by marketing KHFS programs and services. 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 families 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 families.

Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:  

 Landlord Relations:

• Proactively and creatively seek new housing opportunities and resources in Fairfax and other localities to assist families with locating housing

• Build and maintain relationships with area landlords who will work with families 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.

Client and Case Manager Relations:

• Conduct initial Planning for Housing meeting with each family entering the shelter within one week of shelter entry to create a housing plan with each family. Provide similar assistance to prevention clients as needed.

• Regularly collaborate and communicate with Case Managers regarding clients.

• Facilitate initial communication between landlords and the clients

• Accompany and / or transport clients via the KHFS van to view potential housing options

• 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 families with obtaining rental assistance money utilizing a variety of funding sources.

• Disseminate relevant and available housing options information to clients and appropriate staff members as they are identified. 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 families 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.

Other Duties:

• 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, (iCARE); Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment

• Other duties as assigned.

About You:

Required:

• 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 situation

• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

• Valid Driver’s License/ 50% local travel required

• Work evenings and weekends as needed

Preferred:

• Experience with Google Applications

• Knowledge of Housing programs in Fairfax County

• Experience supporting programs serving homeless families and those diagnosed with physical or mental disabilities

Physical Requirements:

• Annual TB Test is required

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods

• Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds

Benefits

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

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.

Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:

Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.