The Fair Housing Center of Northern Alabama is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination, promoting open and diverse communities, and ensuring equal access to affordable housing opportunities for all people in Northern Alabama. FHCNA activities include education, advocacy, and enforcement of fair housing laws.
Job Announcement: Fair Housing Specialist I (Testing Coordinator)
- The Fair Housing Center of Northern Alabama is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination, promoting open and diverse communities, and ensuring equal access to affordable housing opportunities for all people in Northern Alabama. FHCNA activities include education, advocacy, and enforcement of fair housing laws.
Position Description: Testing is a method of measuring and documenting differences in treatment experienced by home-seekers. The Testing Coordinator is responsible for administering the agency's testing program as well as advocating for home seekers who have experienced housing discrimination. The testing Coordinator's primary duty is planning, coordinating and evaluating fair housing testing investigations and recruiting and managing testers.
- Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the Testing Coordinator include but are not limited to: Tester Recruitment, Training and Management• Conduct community outreach and related strategies to provide information about Fair housing rights, gain support for the project and recruit fair housing tester
- Organize and conduct tester trainings utilizing approved methodologies for testing for possible housing discrimination
- Coordinate tester schedules to ensure availability to complete assignments
- Develop and implement initiatives that engage and otherwise encourage tester retention
- Recruit and maintain a diverse pool of fair housing testers.
- Coordinate systemic audits, and complaint-based test
- Ability to operate a personal computer and conduct research via the Internet; proficiency
- Coordinate fair housing tests by assigning appropriate, qualified and trained testers, designing the tests using approved methodology, debriefing the testers, maintaining and evaluating test data, and reporting test result
- Maintain detailed case records; prepare and present accurate and reliable summaries of findings, recommendations and relevant statistical data
- Develop a working knowledge of mapping software and other methods to identify sites for systemic fair housing investigations
Additional Responsibilities
- Create and update tester training and reporting materials as necessary
- Research property owners, tax records, corporate ownership, and other related items as necessary to design appropriate test
- Provide testimony, if needed, at a deposition or at trial regarding testing investigations
- Identify emerging issues and develop testing programs to appropriately address them
- Keep informed of developments in federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and court cases
- Share in organization's development and administrative tasks and events as needed
- Maintain data systems, meticulous records of testing activities, and prepare periodic reports
- Assist with document preparation in legal proceedings as required
- Attend appropriate training for fair housing/ other skills
- Attend community meetings to recruit potential fair housing testers and network with other community groups for referrals and testers
- Other projects as determined by the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
Passionate commitment to fair housing and civil rights; ability to engage in constructive approaches to persistent problems of discrimination and segregation
- Ability to strategize, plan and implement programmatic initiatives
- Outstanding project management skills; ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and to support team efforts
Commitment to going above and beyond to meet all contractual deadlines
Experience in working effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse
backgrounds; skill in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Qualifications: (continued)
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to exhibit consistent patience, tact, and professional composure with a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Office
- Bachelor's Degree preferred
- Experience in conducting investigations, volunteer coordinator, or housing or legal advocacy preferred. Fair housing testing experience highly desirable
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required
- Attorneys may apply but the position does not require a law degree or license
- Familiarity with the communities in and around Northern Alabama a plus, but not required
This position will require non-traditional work hours for training sessions, agency related meetings, contact with fair housing testers (i.e. evenings and weekends) and attending occasional overnight conferences throughout the United States. Must have valid license, reliable transportation and be will to travel within FHCNA;s service area for tester recruitment, training sessions, testing site decision, tester debriefing and other enforcement activities. Must be able to work out of FHCNA;s office location in Birmingham.
To Apply: Please send cover letter explaining your interest, experience, writing sample, resume, and a list of three references to:
Fair Housing Center of Northern Alabama, c/o The Executive Director 1820 7thAvenue North - Suite 110 -- Birmingham, AL 35203
Background check will be required.
FHCNA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting diversity in the marketplace.
No closing date: Will remain open until filled.
