General Description: The Housing Locator is responsible for locating affordable housing for HBCAC clients. As an integral part of the Housing Locator’s responsibilities, this person is required to create and maintain relationships with apartment communities and landlords who will house HBCAC clients. The Housing Locator works collaboratively with the HBCAC team and will work as a member of the larger Montgomery County Continuum of Care. The Housing Locator also provides training to clients on various housing opportunities, how to maintain a household, and other necessary trainings as it pertains to housing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proactively seek new housing opportunities and resources to successfully house clients
• Maintain a current Housing Directory which includes all housing providers/contacts (e.g., apartment communities, private landlords), as well as documenting all communication with providers
• Meet with every individual entering the shelter within one week of shelter entry to determine the type of housing most appropriate for the individual and to develop a move out plan to meet client goals
• Maintain Excel spreadsheet to track client move out plans
• Provide intense follow-up to ensure clients successfully move out in a timely manner
• Negotiate leases on behalf of clients in collaboration with case managers and the client
• Complete all reports in compliance with contract requirements
• Provide client transportation to and from housing options, including accompanying clients to housing interviews
• Assist clients with referrals to various housing programs and with applying for rental assistance
• Assist clients during their move to housing in collaboration with the case managers
• Develop and facilitate life skills courses for clients including tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, communicating with landlords and others
• Provide housing availability, including Fair Market Rate rentals as established by HUD, voucher programs, public housing programs, and transitional housing programs, to HBCAC team and clients efficiently
• Maintain case documentation using HMIS and in accordance with agency and best standard practice
• Maintain documentation of trainings, budgets, housing contacts, client contacts, and other pertinent information in accordance with agency and best standard practice
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor
• Team player with a positive attitude toward creating solutions for ending homelessness
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field
• Experience working with individuals to locate housing (e.g., public and private options)
• Ability to develop strong professional relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness
• Relate to individuals making significant life decisions, and be supportive of individuals’ increasing independence
• Provide effective training, prepare written reports, and maintain client documentation
• Knowledge of the Housing First Model, Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Valid Driver’s License
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in a Human Services or related field
• Knowledge of Housing programs in Montgomery County
• Ability to speak and write in a language other than English at a proficient level (e.g., Spanish, French, or Arabic)