Loudoun Community Housing (LCH) - Housing Locator (FT)

Description Title:

Housing Locator Level:

Locator Department:

Artemis House Region 1 Reports to:

Assistant Director of Programs Salary Range:

$52K-$56

K 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 both landlords and clients for housing placement supports. 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 households 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 adults' house only and households with children.

Landlord Relations:

Proactively and creatively seek new housing opportunities and resources in Fairfax and other localities to assist household with locating housing Build and maintain relationships with area landlords who will work with households with multiple barriers Maintain a Landlord Database to include contact information for all landlords that have signed leases with clients served Regularly communicate with landlords to maintain a positive, working relationship wherever possible. Develop and utilize marketing materials geared toward landlord and partner recruitment.

Client and Case Manager Relations:

Conduct initial Housing planning meetings with each household entering the RRH & Prevention Services within first two weeks: Completing housing assessments to identify budget & income Regularly collaborate and communicate with Case Managers regarding clients' housing updates. Provide and review housing search logs with clients on weekly basis for guidance and support. Facilitate initial communication between landlords and the clients to assist with lease-up process Accompany clients to view potential housing options and assist with filling out application process 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 households with obtaining rental assistance money utilizing a variety of funding sources. Disseminate relevant and available housing options information to clients. 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. Assist households as needed during their move into permanent housing in collaboration with other involved staff and partners. 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:

Collaborate with other Housing Locators within Fairfax County to stay current on best practices and local resources Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor Ensure compliance with all agency and program policies Proficiently utilize Google Suites applications (email, calendar, drive, docs, etc) as a part of day to day work requirements Safely utilize Shelter House owned vehicles to drive clients to various locations. Demonstrate positive role modeling for clients and contribute to the health, well-being and comfort of clients by exhibiting the Shelter House Core Values; Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment Other duties as assigned.