Ahr1 - Housing Locator

Title:  * * Housing Locator (Full-Time)

Department:
* Artemis House, Region 1 

Reports to:  * Case Management Supervisor 

FLSA Status: * Exempt 

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 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. 

How you will contribute: 

• 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 policies 
• Proficiently operate a personal computer, fax, printer, copier and Microsoft Office products (email, calendar, drive, etc.). 
• Exemplify the Shelter House core values of (iCARE); Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment 
• Perform other duties deemed necessary to support the program and agency 

Requirements

About You: 

Required: 

• A bachelor's degree in human services/ related field 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 challenging situations 
• Valid Driver’s License; 50% local travel required 
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed 

Preferred: 

• Foreign Language fluency in a language other than English (ex. Spanish, Farsi, Arabic or Amharic) 
• 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 

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

Act of 1990. Any person in need of an accommodation should contact Human Resources directly for assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.