Position Description: Fair Housing Tester

Reports To: Investigations Coordinator

Position Summary:
Fair Housing Testers participate in investigations by posing as prospective renters and buyers of real estate (apartments, houses, etc.) for the purpose of gathering information which may assist ALSC to determine whether housing providers, lenders, and others are complying with local, state, and federal fair housing laws. Testers are assigned to act as home seekers and simulate ordinary housing transactions for the purpose of gathering credible and objective information about housing market practices. Testers may also be required to testify about their test experiences.
Fair Housing Testers are intermittent employees. An intermittent employee is one who has been hired on an “as called” basis. Intermittent employees have irregular schedules and are not entitled to fringe benefits except for Social Security contributions, worker’s compensation, and unemployment compensation. Work as an intermittent employee does not establish an anniversary date for the purposes of annual increases or the establishment of a personal leave balance.

Testers will be compensated at a rate of $20 per hour.

Duties and Responsibilities:
● Participates in and successfully completes all initial and supplemental training for fair housing testers.
● Maintains confidentiality about all testing activities. This includes but is not limited to personal relationships, family members, intimate partner relationships, and friends and co-workers.
● Conducts tests in accordance with test assignments, instructions, and general testing guidelines.
● Reports test experiences in a factual, accurate, objective, and complete manner.
● Participates in and successfully completes supplemental training for testers as required.
● Conscientiously handles and submits all recorded and documentary evidence to the Investigations Coordinator(s).
● Maintains communication with the Investigations Coordinator(s) throughout testing investigations.
● Maintains communication with the Investigations Coordinator(s)
● Completes test assignments and other work assignments in a timely manner.
● Provides sworn statements and testimony in depositions, trials, and other legal proceedings.
● Maintains accurate and complete information in paper and electronic files regarding all job duties.
● Other duties as assigned by the Investigations Coordinator(s), Fair Housing Enforcement Project Director, or Executive Director.

Qualifications:
● Ability to follow directions
● Good communication skills (oral and written); basic to moderate comfort level with electronic communication is preferred
● Attention to detail and accuracy is a must
● Ability to play the part of a home seeker in a variety of situations
● Willingness to undertake local travel as needed for testing assignments
● Consistent, dependable, and accurate completion of all assignments in a timely manner and within the standards set for the assignment, including but not limited to: on time, with proper notation, with proper use and maintenance of any equipment or materials provided or obtained during an assignment, and any and all other instruction provided.
● Dependable and able to complete test assignments in timely manner
● Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with diverse groups of people
● Good listening and observation skills
● Understands the importance of confidentiality and objectivity
● Valid driver license and access to a vehicle helpful, but not required
● Commitment to enforcement of fair housing and fair lending law
● A personable and pleasant demeanor