Tenant Agent (Housing Locator)

The Housing Locator is a shared community position responsible for working collaboratively with local shelter, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and prevention case management staff to identify housing opportunities for clients experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. The Housing Locator works across community agencies, specifically Empowerhouse, Loisann’s Hope House, Micah Ecumenical Ministries, and Thurman Brisben Center. This position is required to actively seek out and maintain relationships with local landlords and property managers. The Housing Locator provides training to staff and clients on housing opportunities and tenant/landlord roles and responsibilities. The Housing Locator is an integral member of the CoC’s Homeless Response System.

Responsibilities:

• Proactively seek out new housing opportunities and resources to assist clients with obtaining housing.
• Maintain a Housing Directory to include information on available units (location, rent, bedrooms, baths, pet policies, etc.) and documentation of all contacts with landlords and property managers. Provide consistent updates on housing availability.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with landlords and property managers, including acting as a liaison between landlord and clients as needed.
• Maintain close working relationships with CoC case management staff and engage in frequent communication with partner agencies.
• Meet with clients and case managers to establish housing needs and understand client barriers to housing. Show clients potential units in collaboration with case managers.
• Conduct housing quality inspections and complete associated paperwork per grant guidelines. Advise and advocate for clients with regard to quality standards.
• Confirm that all rental properties are rent reasonable and complete associated paperwork per grant guidelines.
• Facilitate agency payment of application/holding fees for identified units.
• Review and negotiate leases on behalf of clients in collaboration with case managers and clients. Ensure leases meet fair housing and legal requirements. Assist clients in understanding their leases. Attend lease signings.
• In collaboration with case managers, mediate client/landlord conflicts as needed.
• Develop and facilitate training and workshops for clients and case management staff including tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, finding and securing rental housing, communications with landlords, and fair housing.
• Maintain understanding of grant guidelines and housing/homelessness best practices.
• Enter required data into the local Homeless Management Information System.

Team Participation

• Participates in staff meetings and other group activities essential for the operation of an effective service.
• Participates in team discussions regarding client progress and lack of progress, with possible solutions to ensure best support for the client’s success.
• Promotes good community relations and utilizes community services and resources.
• Attends scheduled training programs for professional development that includes, at a minimum, trainings required by Micah and by regulatory and accrediting bodies.
• Assumes on-call responsibility as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of academic study and relevant experience required.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and persons experiencing a housing crisis.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional problem solving skills. Ability to provide creative solutions.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing needs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal integrity and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in property management, housing management, and/or real estate preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations (homeless, substance abuse, mental health, etc.)
• Experience in conducting group training preferred.

Supervision:

The Housing Locator will be supervised by the Housing Administrator. Performance evaluations will be completed on an annual basis and Continuum of Care Coordinator and the CoC’s System Planning on a biannual basis.

Work Schedule:

This position is classified as program staff, full-time exempt. A flexible schedule will be necessary to perform job duties including client appointments. Position will require night and weekend work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
We are a flexible work environment and strive to meet each employees unique needs. However, due to the limited technology capabilities and high needs of the homeless population, this particular position does require on site and in person activity.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Fredericksburg, VA 22401: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Do you have salary requirements?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Tenant agent: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: One location