Part-time, flexible work for the Fair Housing Center of Washington

The Fair Housing Center of Washington is seeking Fair Housing Testers who will participate as research assistants in our testing program.  This is a great opportunity for students seeking part-time, supplemental income, or communities that students may be in contact with through their practicum sites.  Please feel free to share this posting within your agencies, or with individuals or groups who may have an interest in becoming testers and meet the qualifications listed below.

The Fair Housing Center of Washington is a non-profit organization that works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunity for all people through education, outreach, advocacy, and enforcement. We are currently seeking individuals of all ages, gender identities, races, nationalities, abilities, and sexual orientations to assist us in fulfilling our mission to ensure equal access to housing opportunity in central and western Washington. We are in immediate need of testers who identify as Latin@ or Indian.  We are currently hiring fair housing testers/mystery shoppers to work on an as-needed basis to staff our testing program.  Includes a training session, per-assignment stipend of $40 and flexible work times that are coordinated with your schedule.  Mileage is reimbursed at a rate of $0.51/mile and travel is required.

Question: What is “testing”?

Answer: Testing  is a controlled method of measuring and documenting differences in quality, quantity and content of information and services received in a housing situation. A test is actually a simulation of any housing situation to determine whether illegal housing discrimination is occurring in violation of fair housing laws. In 1982, the United States Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision reaffirming that testing is legal.

Question: What does a tester do?

Answer: The tester’s role is to gather information. Fair Housing Center staff can then compare the information given to different testers and determine whether or not illegal discrimination occurred.

Question: How can I apply?

Answer: You can apply by sending a resume to clenssen@fhcwashington.org and an email clarifying your interest.

To participate in our program, YOU MUST:

• Be a good listener and observer who is detail-oriented
• Be able to maintain objectivity and write thorough and accurate reports
• Have a cell phone and your own means of reliable transportation
• Have a desire to work on behalf of equal civil rights protections
• Have a desire to work, interact with, and demonstrate respect for individuals and groups without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability
• Be able to participate in an unpaid 2 ½-3 hour training and practice test

Bilingual testers are encouraged!

Note: Individuals employed in the housing industry, such as real estate professionals and property managers, cannot become testers.

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