Fair Housing Specialist
Way Finders is a 2024 Top Workplaces for Nonprofit organization, named as an employer of choice because our employees said so!
At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving and equitable region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.
Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a Fair Housing Specialist in our Housing Education Services department. The Fair Housing Specialist will further our mission by providing counseling and training on Fair Housing and housing-related issues to tenants, landlords, homeowners, and service providers; and by collecting and evaluating data on program performance. The Specialist will also assist in tracking contractual compliance and will collaborate with the legal department in facilitating agency administrative appeals.
Benefits include: 20 days of accrued paid time-off in year one | 15+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options FROM DAY ONE | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!
Wage starts between $21.50 and $24.25 per hour depending on equivalent qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. CORI.
The candidate may work in a hybrid-remote capacity, but in-office meetings and community visits are a regular part of the role.
Responsibilities include:
• Educate and counsel individual tenants, landlords, property owners, and others on Fair Housing and landlord/tenant issues, in-person, telephonically, and virtually; referring individuals to federal or state agency and/or legal provider for follow up, as appropriate
• Follow up with individuals who received counseling to determine and track outcomes
• Collect, maintain, and assist in the evaluation of data on program performance; enter and oversee essential tracking and coordination of required program documents
• Provide in-house training on federal and state Fair Housing laws, including new-hire overview, technical guidance, guidelines, processes, resource availability, and in the resolution of complex matters, as assigned and appropriate
• Collaborate with in-house legal department in facilitating agency administrative appeals
• Provide program outreach as may be required to private, community, nonprofit, and governmental groups within the service area
• Collaborate in the development, updating, and distribution of Fair Housing and Language Access Plan documentation and presentations
• Coordinate with the marketing department to create social media content on relevant Fair Housing matters.
• Develop partnerships with internal and external groups to ensure the Fair Housing Program maintains a presence in the community; serve as liaison between designated entities, to include the state programs SNO Mass and SUN Housing Mobility
• Advocate for Fair Housing issues in media-based outlets and existing councils, including coalitions addressing equity in housing
• Actively participate in preparation for and activities of the program’s annual Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference
• Proactively identify and inform program management of any issues that may adversely affect the department or organization
• Remain updated on trends and developments in Fair Housing laws and regulations
Requirements include:
• 2 years' equivalent experience in housing, social services, public administration, or a related role, with 1 year as a field specialist; a combination of experience plus an Associate degree may be a substitute
• Knowledge of Fair Housing laws preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written skills highly preferred
• Adept in the Microsoft Suite and database systems, comfort learning new technology and training others
• Demonstrated facilitation, coaching, counseling, and customer support or case management skills
• Highly organized with the ability to reprioritize due to program needs while still meeting goals
• Ability to travel to other locations during the workday; local and occasional out-of-region travel is required
• CORI, as per grant requirement
Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.
