***MUST ALREADY BE HUD Certified***

Reports to: Housing Program Manager

Summary

Housing Counselor Job Description

The Housing Counselor provides comprehensive individual pre-purchase counseling, eviction and foreclosure prevention/intervention counseling, financial capabilities coaching, homebuyer education, and group education services. This position requires the use of independent judgment and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Counseling

o Counsel and interview clients with respect to their overall financial situation as it relates to tenancy, home ownership, budgeting, debt reduction, credit re-building and education. o Create a budget and a detailed action plan for all clients

o Create and ensure completion of a client’s file per organizational and HUD guidelines

o Adhere to all guidelines related to the confidentiality of client records and information and requirements per the HUD Housing Counseling Handbook and National Industry Standards for Homebuyer Education and Counseling.

o Proactively manage work load, calendar and client appointments to help meet the goals of the organization and serve the client effectively

o Assist with facilitating education workshops, including scheduling, marketing, and procuring speakers

o Build relationships with lenders, realtors, and other professionals to develop referral sources

o Assists the Program Manager with special projects as assigned and other tasks deemed necessary to achieve overall goals and operate a successful program

o Conduct community outreach to meet program goals.

o Obtain and keep HUD certification as a Housing Counselor

Qualifications

• Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints.

• Be able to work within team structure; and be able to negotiate and manage conflicts.

Services of Hope Entities, Inc. & Financial Hope Credit Counseling Services

• Knowledge of housing and economic self-sufficiency issues, as well as community resources • Ability to perform duties in a confidential manner

• Detail oriented with ability to organize complex material in clear and concise manner

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Ability to structure and convey information for a large group in a manner that is engaging and approachable.

• Demonstrated skill in organizing time and prioritizing work load

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook

• Bilingual competence preferred

• Associates degree in human services, business or related field OR

• At least two (2) years experience in banking, lending or related area AND two (2) years of experience working with people in need of assistance OR

• An equivalent combination of training and experience

Schedule

This is a full-time position, 30-40 hours per week to be performed remotely and occasionally on-site. The Housing Counselor must be available to work flexible hours (evening and Saturday) to accommodate the needs of clients.

Compensation:

Commensurate with experience. This position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

Services of Hope Entities, Inc. & Financial Hope Credit Counseling Services

Please submit your resume and cover letter to kshuler@servicesofhope.org  with a few words as to who you are and what you think we need to know.