Housing Locator (Rapid Rehousing and Shelter)

About the Role

As the Housing Locator, you will work collaboratively with NVFS shelter and rapid rehousing case management staff to identify housing opportunities for clients, both families and singles. This position requires actively seeking out, obtaining, and maintaining relationships with landlords, private, and non-profit housing providers. You will provide training to staff and clients on housing opportunities, tenant/landlord roles, and responsibilities.

You will be an integral member of the Housing Team, collaborating with all aspects of NVFS programs, representatives from Housing Departments, Departments of Social Services, local Continuum of Care (CoC), and other non-profit agencies and the faith community.

Responsibilities

• Proactively seek out new housing opportunities and resources to assist families with housing.
• Nurture existing relationships and create new collaborative partnerships with landlords and other housing providers, acting as a liaison between landlords and clients as needed.
• Negotiate leases on behalf of clients in collaboration with case managers and clients.
• Develop and facilitate training and workshops for clients and shelter staff on tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, finding and securing rental housing, communication with landlords, and fair housing.
• Maintain a Housing Directory, documenting all contacts with housing providers and providing consistent updates on housing availability.
• Maintain documentation of trainings, budgets, housing contacts, and other pertinent information in accordance with agency and best practice standards.
• In coordination with the case manager, provide access to resources to assist families and singles during their move into permanent housing, including rental assistance, donated furnishings, and coordinating with volunteer movers.
• Negotiate and manage the Rapid Re-housing direct assistance budget in coordination with case management staff and the Director of Homeless Services to ensure distribution aligns with state and local guidelines and meets client needs.
• Maintain current knowledge of program software and housing assistance programs.
• Conduct Housing Quality Standard Inspections per grant guidelines and advocate for clients regarding quality standards.
• Participate in regular supervision with your supervisor and provide updates.
• Remain current on knowledge of standards and other program-related information.
• Enter data for record keeping and reporting to meet relevant guidelines.

Requirements

• HQS certification required within six (6) months of hire if not already certified.
• Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in property management, housing management, and/or real estate, including negotiation and advocacy.
• Experience within the working community is a plus.
• Must be experienced in, comfortable with, and willing to conduct trainings for groups.
• Experience providing direct services to individuals in crisis strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate respectfully, clearly, effectively, tactfully, and patiently in-person and on the phone to a diverse population.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build trust, rapport, and maintain relationships; must create and maintain collaborative working relationships and effectively interact with clients, landlords, and community partners.
• Fluency in English required; bilingual fluency in Spanish or other client languages a plus.
• Proficiency in basic technological tools, including laptops/computers, email, phones, and internet required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Must demonstrate and live the organizational values of Communication, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability.
• Successful completion of background checks required upon hire.
• Must have reliable transportation to visit properties and community locations on a frequent basis.
• May be called upon to work beyond normal working hours.

Benefits

NVFS offers comprehensive benefit offerings in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing, including work/life flexibility and career growth resources.

Pay

This position has a starting salary in the low 50s.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role.