Fair Housing Testing Coordinator | Austin Tenants Council

The Austin Tenants Council, a special project of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), seeks a Fair Housing Testing Coordinator who will support its efforts to investigate allegations of discrimination, protect tenants’ rights, and educate the community on fair housing. A strong belief in equal justice for poor people is paramount to this position. Working under the supervision of Austin Tenants Council’s Special Project Director may include the following and any other case-related activities and duties assigned:

Duties and activities of this position include the following:

• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of team members engaged in fair housing investigations by providing oversight, training, and professional development; participating in hiring; assessing performance; and recommending disciplinary actions if necessary;
• Coordinate and schedule fair housing tests with testers and clients, exercising judgment in the allocation of resources and assignment of personnel to ensure efficient operations;
• Conduct and lead specialized, technical, and complex investigations of suspected and reported housing discrimination, including by interviewing witnesses, gathering facts, compiling documents, and using discretion in prioritizing and strategizing investigation approaches;
• Conduct and lead research, evaluation, and analysis of test results to identify discriminatory practices;
• Oversee and participate in the intake process, exercising discretion in assigning roles, duties, and responsibilities to team members based on skill level and case complexity;
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and complete electronic records of all activities while protecting confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism;
• Provide technical assistance and support to clients and testers;
• Write reports and summaries of test findings and recommendations;
• Develop and implement data-driven strategies by analyzing data to identify trends and patterns of discrimination;
• Ensure compliance with all grants and contracts, working closely with the Deputy Special Project Director, the Grants Team, and other TRLA departments to prepare and distribute compliance reports;
• Foster and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including fair housing enforcement agencies and organizations, representing TRLA in discussions and negotiations related to ongoing investigations or legal matters;
• Contribute to grant proposals and new initiatives in coordination with the Special Project Director and the Director of Grants to develop strategies for securing additional funding and expanding project initiatives;
• Participate in recruitment, outreach, publications, and community education; and
• Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned by the Special Project Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Fluency in English and Spanish;
• Sincere and demonstrated commitment to civil rights and social justice;
• Some experience in fair housing or comparable investigative settings, or a combination of experience and directly relevant education (three years experience preferred);
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and manage a team;
• Demonstrated ability to keep precise records, compile reports, and draft business correspondence; and
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work independently in a supervisory capacity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and ability to analyze federal, state, and local laws related to fair housing;
• Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and plan, develop, and manage projects effectively;
• Strong knowledge of landlord-tenant issues, local property management practices, and housing industry trends.

How to Apply and Related Timelines:

For consideration, applicants should complete the online application and upload a cover letter, resume, and three references.

The consideration of candidates is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. The position is available immediately, although the start date is negotiable.

TRLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

At TRLA, we are committed to offering fair and equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.