Fair Housing Investigator

Job description

Investigator

$22/hour

AGENCY BACKGROUND

In existence since 1985, the Fair Housing Center of Washington (FHCW) is a nonprofit civil rights fair housing agency serving western and central Washington in a 23-county area. FHCW accepts intake of housing discrimination complaints for investigation, conducts fair housing testing to substantiate housing discrimination, and performs fair housing training for consumers and housing providers. As a central tenant of its mission, FHCW collaborates with regional jurisdictions to fulfill the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) efforts to affirmatively further fair housing in our communities. FHCW is primarily funded by HUD grants and supported by a small, professional staff and a dedicated board of directors.

MISSION

The mission of the Fair Housing Center of Washington is to assure equal access to housing and other related services to the residents of Washington. The organization will achieve this purpose through education, investigation, and enforcement of applicable laws.

NATURE OF WORK

  • Under the direction of the Executive Director, participates in the agency’s enforcement program, including investigations that involve interacting with the public and enforcement agencies at the local, state and Federal level. Training is provided.
  • This position requires in-person training for the first 30 days of employment. After 30 days, a remote schedule may be proposed with in-office work at least 2x/ month.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Investigation and Enforcement

  • Intake of complaints, inquiries, and other communications from the public.
  • Educating and counseling individuals via phone and email on fair housing remedies and procedures including referrals to other housing resources/ partners.
  • Developing strategies to assist individuals in addressing their fair housing needs and concerns.
  • Maintaining detailed and accurate contemporaneous electronic and physical records of contact with individuals including actions taken and services provided in Apricot360 database.
  • Working with the Education and Enforcement Manager to resolve complaints.
  • Assist with fair housing testing through site selection, test assignment and evaluation, and drafting of charges for filing.

Other duties as needed:

  • Monitoring advertising for compliance with fair housing laws.
  • Staffing drop-in sessions and outreach events.
  • Assisting with research for advocacy and reporting.
  • Assist the Executive Director in maintenance and monitoring of grants and contracts. Assist in the preparation of program reporting including progress, final, quarterly, statistical, and staff reports. Work with staff to ensure grant and contract compliance.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Knowledge of local, state and federal laws pertaining to fair housing.
  • Ability to write effectively, input data, and research information using online platforms.
  • Understanding of methods, techniques, concepts, and developments in the field of fair housing, fair housing investigation, human and civil rights, and discrimination.
  • Knowledge of and ability to lead investigations including filing 903 complaints.
  • Knowledge of community resources, court systems and procedures. Experience in conciliation and negotiation methods and basic psychology.
  • Ability to analyze complex information and communicate objectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to read, interpret, apply, explain, and report codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to prepare complex reports using spreadsheet and database software. Familiarity with a variety of computer/software systems and programs.
  • Ability to coordinate and conduct training sessions and events as needed.
  • Ability to plan and organize work, meet schedules and timelines.
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS:

This is an hourly position for 40 hours/week. Pay is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Medical/Dental/Vision

Full benefits for full-time employee and pro-rated for part-time employees. 50% of costs for family members.

Retirement

Following successful completion of 90-day probationary period, regular full and part-time employees become eligible for the agency’s retirement plan.

Earned Leave

Earned leave is a combination of sick and vacation days. The employee begins accrual of earned leave on her/his/their first day of employment. Full-time employees are eligible for 196 hours (28 days) annual leave for years one through three. Part-time employees receive a pro-rated amount of the full-time leave benefit based on number of hours worked.

Holidays         

Thirteen scheduled holidays per year.

To APPLY:

Email an updated resume and a 2-paragraph cover letter to Adria Buchanan, Executive Director at abuchanan@fhcwashington.org with the words “Application: Investigator Position” in the subject line. Qualified candidates of interest will be contacted for an interview.

The Fair Housing Center of Washington is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, national origin, gender identity, political or union affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, or other non bona-fide job requirements.