Job Description

Title: Housing Locator

Level: Locator

Department: Artemis House Region 1

Reports to: Assistant Director of Programs

Salary Range: $52K-$56K

Location: Northern VA

FLSA Status: Exempt

**This position requires travel within Fairfax County**

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.) 

About the Role:

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.

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)
• Follow the Housing First model and other best practices in housing clients
• 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)
• Collaborate with DVSH Team to help identify housing options for clients in the Rapid Rehousing Program
• 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 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 safety of clients by exhibiting the Shelter House core values: Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment
• Maintain a trauma-informed, client-centered approach
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or commensurate experience
• 1.5 years of relevant 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
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed

Preferred Qualifications:

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

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