Housing Counselor (Prince William)

Join the NVFS Family:  We are looking to hire a Housing Counselor to join the NVFS Community Housing team in Prince William County! In this role, you will work directly with individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing case management, housing support, advocacy, and connections to community resources. You may support clients through Prevention Services, Shelter Support Services, and/or Rapid Rehousing, helping them build long-term housing and economic stability. 

Why This Role Matters: Our Rapid Rehousing program helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness move toward safe, stable housing as quickly as possible. As a Housing Counselor, you will work alongside clients to identify housing options, overcome barriers, connect to community resources, and build the skills needed for long-term housing and economic stability. Your support helps clients move beyond immediate housing challenges and toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.  

This position has a salary range in the high 40s and low 50s and follows a hybrid work schedule.

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct client screenings, assessments, intake, enrollment, and ongoing eligibility reviews in accordance with program and funder requirements.

• Manage a caseload of clients, developing Service Goal Plans, supporting budgeting and housing goals, and monitoring progress and program compliance.

• Conduct and document client meetings, home visits, follow-up services, and unit inspections to support housing stability and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.

• Connect clients with community resources and collaborate with service providers to coordinate additional support.

• Build relationships with landlords and assist with housing-related mediation, negotiation, tenant relations, and housing placement needs.

• Facilitate educational and support activities on topics such as renting, fair housing, financial management, credit, safety, parenting, and maintaining a home.

• Coordinate and monitor direct financial assistance, including rent, utilities, and security deposits, and prepare applicable tenant/landlord agreements and payment requests.

• Maintain accurate client files, program data, and documentation in accordance with NVFS, program, and funder requirements.

• Participate in regular supervision, provide case updates, and maintain knowledge of housing assistance programs and applicable program systems.

• Comply with the Standards and Ethics for Housing Counseling and maintain required certification CEUs, as applicable.

Your Background:  We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.

• One of the following combinations of education and experience is preferred:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college; OR

  • Associate’s degree with at least two (2) years of related work experience; OR

  • At least four (4) years of related work experience with no relevant education.

• At least one (1) year of case management experience in human services preferred.

• Housing Counselor Certification required.

• Experience providing direct services to individuals in crisis preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively and build collaborative relationships with clients, landlords, community partners, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

• Oral and written fluency in English required; Spanish fluency is a plus. Additional language skills are always welcome.

• Proficiency with basic technology, including computers, email, internet, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Requirements: 

• Successful completion of background checks upon hire
• Must have reliable transportation to visit client homes and other designated community locations
• Must clear Motor Vehicle Record check and have valid U.S. driver’s license if transportation of clients is essential to the job (to be determined on case-by-case basis)
• May be called upon to work beyond normal working hours.

• Work is primarily done in a shelter environment, client homes, community locations and remotely. Some travel to Agency offsite meetings and training may be required.  Must be comfortable with varying home conditions.

Working at Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At NVFS, we value every team member’s contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.