Housing Locator Description

About Marin Housing Authority / Careers

Established: February 25, 2020

Definition

Under general direction, the Housing Locator performs a variety of duties to assist very low-income families and other eligible groups and individuals to overcome barriers in locating affordable rental housing in Marin County; and performs related work as required.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general direction from the Program Manager.

Class Characteristics

The Housing Locator is the journey level class responsible for acting in an advocacy role for clients and potential clients of the Housing Choice Voucher and other supportive housing programs. These clients require assistance with strategies to overcome obstacles in acquiring affordable housing and in the development of a search plan to obtain housing. This class works closely with landlords, case managers, and housing market contacts to promote affordable housing programs. Incumbents in this class are expected to analyze and problem-solve with clients on challenges and creatively develop strategic plans for housing opportunities. 

Example of Duties (Illustrative Only)

• Assists clients with hands-on housing searches including identifying appropriate listings, setting appointments with owners, providing transportation and assisting in filling out housing applications.
• Responds to referrals from Coordinated Entry and Case Management staffs, and works collaboratively with the team.
• Advises and coaches clients on presentation skills, provides advocacy services with landlords and assists clients with submitting applications and supporting documentation and securing rental deposit monies.
• Performs or arranges for Housing Quality Inspections (HQI’s) prior to move-in including lead paint testing, assist in negotiation of rents, calculation of subsidies and lease approval for participants master leases/direct lease contracts. Provides notices of contract renewals and rental adjustments as needed.
• Participates as a member of the service team by attending case conferencing meetings, reducing housing barriers and status of unit availability.
• Provides guidance to clients regarding poor credit and rental histories and makes referrals to community resources for financial planning and assistance.
• Organizes workshops on such topics as life skills, budgeting, credit clean up, job search techniques, and the rights and responsibilities of a tenant.
• Organizes, manages and promotes shared housing opportunities within the community.
• Keeps client records and maintains daily notes and files and produces monthly and/or annual reports.
• Provides information to current and potential landlord community of Housing Choice Voucher programs.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of Property Management and/or Marin rental market;
• Principles and techniques of engaging homeless mentally ill people;
• Good understanding of issues relating to independent living with support services for special needs populations;
• Knowledge of the principles, procedures and techniques, trends and literature of the mental health field;
• Good understanding of public assistance and social service programs;
• Tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Housing and homelessness prevention services within Marin County and other related community resources and the goals of agencies, which administer housing assistance programs.
• Basic concepts and terminology related to public assistance programs.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment and software.
• Credit reports, rental applications and personal budgeting skills.
• Principles and practices of interviewing clients, and mediation techniques between landlords and tenants.
• Record keeping principles and practices including data entry, maintaining records and providing reports.

Skill in:

• Providing housing placement and assistance for participants holding housing vouchers in Marin County focusing on household’s needs and goals.
• Developing and maintaining inventory of appropriate units for potential participants. Networking with landlords, Renter’s associations, property management businesses and countywide permanent housing providers.
• Performing or arranging for Housing Quality Inspections (HQI’s) prior to move-in, including lead paint testing, assisting in negotiation of rents, calculation of subsidies and lease approval for participants master leases/direct lease contracts. Providing notices of contract renewals and rental adjustments as needed.
• Participating as a member of the service team by attending case conferencing meetings, assisting service staff in evaluation of participants housing readiness, reducing housing barriers and status of unit availability.
• Maintaining contact with participants, monitoring progress, reporting and referring to team members as necessary after housing is secured.
• Providing assistance and expertise to landlords or service staff for conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Data collection and entry for monthly, quarterly and annual reports, which include, but are not limited to the following data: rent, subsidy and participant amounts, occupancy rate, participant demographic information and program eligibility and socio-economic data for monitoring purposes.
• Ensuring that all regulatory agreements, contracts, and fair housing laws are met as they relate to housing.
• Computer skills, which includes ability to navigate client record software, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
  

Education and Experience:

Professional experience in the property management and/or rental market field and demonstrated experience in rental housing programs for low income and special needs individual and families. Minimum of three years of experience working in housing field with strong knowledge of the Marin County housing market and geography. Experience working with people who are homeless with disability is preferred.

This position requires the employee to be able to travel efficiently to various sites. The employee must also have own transportation for use in carrying out job responsibilities, provide proof of a valid and current CA driver's license, current auto insurance, and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report. Background check is required.

License:

Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time, talk and hear within standard ranges. The employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or computer controls to drive a motor vehicle and to use standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work is usually performed in an office setting with off-site appointments and meetings at various offices and agencies.

Marin Housing Authority is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.  Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and for religious reasons.