Title: Housing Locator
Level: Mid
Department: Community Housing & Prevention Services
Reports to: Director of Community Housing & Prevention Services
Salary Range: $52K-$56K
Location: Fairfax County, VA
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 200 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 4,000 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 Shelter 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, 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.
Responsibilities:
Landlord Engagement and Housing Development:
- Proactively identify and secure housing opportunities across Fairfax County and surrounding areas
- Build and maintain relationships with landlords willing to work with clients facing housing barriers
- Maintain and regularly update a landlord database with relevant contact and leasing information
- Develop and distribute marketing materials to recruit and retain landlord partners
- Maintain ongoing communication with landlords to support positive, long-term partnerships
Client Support and Housing Navigation:
- Conduct initial housing planning meetings and complete housing assessments within two weeks of program entry
- Collaborate with case managers to support clients in developing and following individualized housing plans and budgets
- Assist clients with housing searches, including reviewing housing logs and identifying appropriate units
- Accompany clients to housing viewings and assist with rental applications
- Facilitate communication between clients and landlords throughout the lease-up process
- Support lease negotiations in collaboration with clients and case managers
- Assist clients with accessing rental assistance and other housing resources
Education and Program Support:
- Develop and facilitate trainings on tenant rights and responsibilities, lease agreements, and housing stability
- Provide education on available housing programs, including Fair Market Rate units, voucher programs, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing
- Support clients during the move-in process and coordinate with internal and external partners as needed
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in HMIS and other required systems
Collaboration and Administrative Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with local housing partners, including the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, nonprofits, and community organizations
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and team initiatives
- Ensure compliance with all Shelter House policies and program requirements
- Utilize agency systems and tools to support daily operations
- Safely operate Shelter House vehicles when transporting clients
- Demonstrate Shelter House core values in all interactions
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing housing instability and complex barriers
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to facilitate trainings and maintain accurate documentation
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally (up to 50%)
- Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Preferred:
- Knowledge of housing resources and programs in Fairfax County
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or with behavioral health needs
- Experience in housing navigation, case management, or a related fiel
Physical Requirements:
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Annual TB Test is required
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Ability to sit or stand for long periods
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Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds
Benefits
Benefits:
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Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
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401K contributions with a 4% employer match
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13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off
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Four Annual Employee Engagement 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.
