Job description
This position will have a visible and consistent presence in the community and build a rapport with City residents who need assistance with accessing a range of housing and human services programs. The incumbent will establish working relationships and frequent interactions with City and community-based service providers, and advocate and intervene on behalf of individuals seeking services when there are questions or issues arise. The aim is to empower City residents to access and navigate services and communicate, as necessary encountered barriers. This is a grant-funded position that will end one year from the date of hire.
The Housing Relocator will provide support in connecting Alexandrians who are displaced or are at risk of becoming displaced. Housing Relocators will be knowledgeable of community housing options throughout the City of Alexandria and as appropriate the surrounding localities and establish and maintain interagency relationships and community partnerships will support the clients in securing stable housing. Referrals may be received from community partners, including Service Navigators, and work with households until they have secured stable housing. These positions are located in the Office of Housing and the Department of Community and Human Services.
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate should have good knowledge of the counseling and service needs of low-income, multicultural or multilingual families; good knowledge of community agencies, prevention and diversion programs and services available to City residents; skill in mitigating conflicts; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing with individuals and diverse cultural groups; ability to counsel assigned clients under normal circumstances and in crisis intervention situations; Knowledge of Alexandria local community and human services organizations; Knowledge and experience of person-centered practices, strength-based mindset, and motivational interviewing; Excellent customer service, written & oral communication skills; Demonstrate cultural competency and understanding and experience applying racial equity lens; Ability to work autonomously while cooperatively; Strong organizational skills with attention to detail; Ability to problem-solve and manage time with multiple projects. Ability to demonstrate commitment to serving low-income communities, eviction / homelessness prevention. Competent in utilizing computer MS Suite, Outlook, Teams, and case management software. Ability to manage, analyze and interpret financial documents pertaining to program eligibility requirements. Experience in reviewing applications, financial documents and determining program eligibility.
The Opportunity
Knowledge and access to rent relief programs and resources for residents, tenant rights and legal eviction process.- Coordinating and providing care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and person- centered.
- Build and maintain relationships with local community-based organizations to build referral database and coordinate care of clients. Assist with court navigation and work closely with Legal Services of NOVA on eviction prevention.
- Navigate community resources and follow-up on resource availability.
- Case management and referral tracking experience, including documentation of interaction with and on behalf of client.
- Compile timely reports and data, including outcomes, outreach efforts.
- Strong relationship management experience.
- Performs related work as required.
The Ideal Candidate
Good knowledge of the counseling and service needs of low-income, multicultural or multilingual families; good knowledge of community agencies, prevention and diversion programs and services available to City residents; skill in a language other than English may be required; skill in mitigating conflicts; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing with individuals and diverse cultural groups; ability to counsel assigned clients under normal circumstances and in crisis intervention situations; ability to plan, organize, and implement topical workshops, forums, seminars, and other programs and presentations.
About the Department
The Office of Housing coordinates and administers City housing and housing-related programs and services and makes recommendations to the City Manager and City Council on housing policy and potential affordable housing investments. If you are curious for a broader view of our City government click here, or for a broader view of the City of Alexandria click here.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
At least three (3) years of experience counseling individuals with a variety of problems, to include some experience in crisis intervention and employment counseling and completion of high-school-level courses in English and arithmetic supplemented by some college-level training or courses in sociology, gerontology, counseling and/or inter-personal communications; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Employees in this class must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence.
Demonstrate commitment to serving low-income communities, eviction / homelessness prevention; Experience and understanding about community housing resources throughout the City of Alexandria and tenancy laws; Experience in community engagement and advocacy; Knowledge of Alexandria local community and human services organizations; Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or human services-related field; Bilingual (Spanish, Amharic, Arabic) preferred; Knowledge and experience of person-centered practices, strength-based mindset, and motivational interviewing; Excellent customer service, written & oral communication skills; Demonstrate cultural competency and understanding and experience applying racial equity lens; Ability to work autonomously while cooperatively; Professional written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills; Strong organizational skills with attention to detail; Ability to problem-solve and manage time with multiple projects; Valid driver’s license; Experience creating and managing reports; Competent in utilizing computer MS Suite, Outlook, Teams, and case management software; Readiness to have flexible work schedule, including commitment to work evening hours and weekends.
Job descriptions are not intended to be, and should not be construed to be, all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, the department reserves the rights to modify, add, or remove duties from job responsibilities and to assign other duties as necessary.
This is a grant funded position that will end one year from the date of hire.