Housing Locator (Artemis House Region 1)

Title: Housing Locator
Department: Artemis House, Region 1
Reports to: Assistant Director of Programs
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Salary Rate: $44,000-$48,000

Summary of Position:

The Housing Locator is responsible for cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with landlords by marketing Artemis House 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, debt reduction, credit counseling, etc.). The Housing Locator works collaboratively with the Artemis House team and supports Fairfax County efforts to identify affordable housing options for clients participating in homeless service programs.
This position is located in Region I of Fairfax County which includes Alexandria, Lorton, Springfield, and Mount Vernon. The exact address is confidential and will be provided to candidates who receive an offer.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proactively and creatively seek new housing opportunities and resources to assist families in finding permanent housing; 50% of time is directed to landlord outreach

• Facilitate initial communication between landlords and the clients (as needed)

• Assist clients in developing and following a budget as part of the housing search process

• Support the client in obtaining their credit reports and provide guidance on how to reduce debt

• Accompany and / or transport clients via the Artemis House van to view potential housing options (as needed)

• Negotiate leases on behalf of clients in collaboration with case managers and the client (as needed)

• Work with the Artemis House Case Managers and Resource Coordinators to help identify housing options for clients receiving homelessness prevention services (as needed)

• Develop and facilitate trainings and workshops for clients on topics including but not limited to tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, communicating with landlords, credit counseling and debt reduction, how to read a lease, identifying roommates, maintaining a household, etc.

• Provide information on housing availability, including at or below Fair Market Rate rentals (as established by HUD), voucher programs, public housing programs, and transitional housing programs, to Artemis House team and clients in an efficient and timely manner

• Survey landlord partners annually to evaluate landlord partnerships

• Maintain case documentation in accordance with agency and best standard practice

• Collaborate with Housing Locators in other programs within Fairfax County

• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor

• Maintain current knowledge and ability to implement shelter emergency procedures

• Ensure compliance with all agency and program policies

• Demonstrate positive role modeling for clients and contribute to the health, well being and comfort of clients by exhibiting the Shelter House Core Values; Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or commensurate experience

• Ability to develop strong working relationships with the 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

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed

Preferred:

• Ability to speak and write in a language other than English at a proficient level (Ex. Farsi, Spanish, Arabic, or Somali)

• 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 20-40 pounds

ADA Statement: Shelter House will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time