Housing Locator

Housing Locator:

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County’s need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Job Description:

HOC’s Resident Services Department strives to enhance the lives of HOC customers by coordinating and implementing a vast array of high-quality programs, services, and resources. Through collaborative partnerships with Montgomery County, the federal government, and various community-based organizations, Resident Services is able to offer comprehensive service coordination, impactful resident programs, and robust supportive housing services to individuals and families who reside in HOC owned-managed properties or receive HOC housing subsidies, as well as applicants on HOC’s waitlist.

This position is responsible for managing all aspects of housing location for a case load of up to 20 homeless individuals/families referred by Montgomery County Continuum of Care or DHHS Services to End and Prevent Homelessness. Major components of the position include but are not limited to; locating housing, data entry/tracking, submitting rental applications and successfully placing individuals/families in affordable rental units. The incumbent will identify available rental units through a variety of community resources; establish positive working relationships with landlords; and link individuals and/or families to necessary supports in a timely fashion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify housing opportunities within Montgomery County, Maryland through interactions with property trade associations, local housing departments, housing associations, real estate brokers and management firms, housing data bases, websites, and other resources.
• Contact identified resources that can accommodate or are adaptable to meet the housing needs of referred clients.
• Arrange transportation or transport clients engaged in housing search to available units as necessary.
• Assist client and manage paperwork related to the rental process including completing applications, criminal record checks, security deposits, holding fees and other requirements and challenges imposed by landlords.
• Advocate on behalf of the client and/or mediate disputes between the client and landlord.
• Communicate regularly with clients via in person meetings, phone, text and email.
• Make regular reports to the referring source on progress toward successful housing placement.
• Interpret and explain written information to client and make referrals or provide for security deposits funds, moving and storage needs, basic furniture needs.
• Input information into (HMIS) Homeless Management Information System.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• At least two years’ experience in housing, subsidized housing programs, or property management.
• Experience working with special subpopulations a plus; homeless, behavioral health or disabilities a plus

Education:

• High school or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years’ college or technical training.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of or the ability to acquire knowledge of program regulations and procedures.
• Ability to communicate in a friendly and professional tone both orally and in writing.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with people of varied backgrounds.
• Organizational skills and ability to maintain orderly files, logs and records.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and the detail required by multiple cases in process simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license, good driving record and a reliable car.
• Ability to use computer software such as Word and Homeless Management Information System.
• Grade 18 - Min:$57,173 / Mid:$74,886 / Max:$92,599 | Salary determined by departmental budget - Offer commensurate with experience.

HOC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.