Phfs - Housing Locator (Ft)

Title: Housing Locator

Department: Patrick Henry Family Shelter and Katherine Hanley Family Shelter

Reports to: Assistant Director Region II , Assistant Director Region IV

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $52,000 - $52,500

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 PHFS/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.

How you will contribute:

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

• Regularly communicate with landlords to maintain a positive, working relationship wherever possible.
• Develop and utilize marketing materials geared toward landlord and partner recruitment.
• Maintain a Landlord Database to include contact information for all landlords that have signed leases with clients served

Client and Case Manager Relations:

• Regularly collaborate and communicate with Case Managers regarding clients.
• Facilitate initial communication between landlords and the clients
• 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.
• Accompany and / or transport clients via the PHFS/KHFS van to view potential housing options

• 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.
• 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 as needed during their move into permanent housing in collaboration with other involved staff and partners.
• Assist families with obtaining rental assistance money utilizing a variety of funding sources.

• 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:

• Ensure compliance with all agency and program policies
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor
• Collaborate with other Housing Locators within Fairfax County to stay current on best practices and local resources

• Proficiently utilize Google Suites applications (email, calendar, drive, docs, etc) as a part of day-to-day work requirements
• 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.
• Safely utilize Shelter House owned vehicles to drive clients to various locations.

About You:

Required:

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

• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• 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.
• 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
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills

• 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 lift items weighing 10-20 pounds
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods

Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the CDC or qualify for a medical or religious exemption before starting work.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer