Housing Locator

General Description

The Orange County Housing Department has an opening for a Housing Locator. An employee in this class is responsible for identifying a pool of available housing opportunities for all eligible clients and for working with the Housing Department Team for assuring timely placement in stable and affordable housing. This position provides housing search assistance to people exiting homelessness and people at risk of homelessness.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Homeless Programs Manager with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures, in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests. Supervision is not a responsibility of this class depending on the assignment. Does related work as required.

* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required.

Examples of Essential Functions

Examples of Essential Functions Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities.   The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.  A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Works with the Housing Access Coordinator to update and maintain the Orange County Affordable Housing list.

Accepts referrals via the Housing Helpline, other Housing Department colleagues, the HOME Committee/Coordinated Entry, and NCCARE360, and make referrals via NCCARE360 and other avenues as needed.

Works with clients to identify and overcome barriers to housing entry.

Provides people in housing search with tailored lists of housing options.

Accompanies people on housing searches, as needed. Assists people with accessing funding for application fees, as needed.

Works with the Housing Access Coordinator to develop and maintain relationships with landlords and property managers in Orange County.

Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.

Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.

Typical Qualifications

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of Federal, State and local laws, codes and policies concerning housing, the provision of public assistance programs and their eligibility requirements.

Thorough knowledge of interviewing procedures and practices.

Good knowledge of current social, economic and health trends and services, and the ability to adapt trends to practical program applications and link clients with services needed.

Requires knowledge of and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.

Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities as well as “strengths based” case management;

Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served;

A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems.

A conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.

Ability to establish and set appropriate limits with persons served to help them gain skills and confidence.

Ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.

Ability to acquire knowledge of other laws, codes and programs relative to the provision of human services.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to relate well with others under stressful conditions.

Ability to read and understand moderately complex written information.

Ability to gather, compile and evaluate information and records, prepare reports and make recommendations based on analysis of data collected.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to lead and guide the work of others.

Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in human services or social work and two (2) years of human services work experience; OR

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in any field and three (3) years of human services work experience; OR

An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated is required.

All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing.  Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS

Sitting at a computer for many hours per day.

Emotional stress due to the nature of interactions with clients or service providers.

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of standing, walking, stooping, typing, talking, sitting, bending, kneeling, and grasping, hearing, handling, reaching and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists/feet.

Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 5 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects including the human body.

Must possess the visual acuity to operate a passenger vehicle when applicable, prepare and analyze data and figures, perform work on a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading.