Summary: The Housing Counselor provides comprehensive, individualized pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention and intervention counseling, financial capabilities coaching, homebuyer education, and group education services. This position requires HUD certification and the use of independent judgement and decision-making skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Counsel and interview clients with respect to their overall financial situation as it relates to homeownership, budgeting, debt reduction, credit rebuilding and financial education.
- Create a budget and a detailed action plan for all clients.
- Create and ensure completion of a client’s file per organizational and HUD guidelines.
- 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.
- Proactively manage workload, calendar, and client appointments to help meet the goals of the organization and serve the client effectively.
- Advise rental counseling clients on Fair Housing, Tenant/Landlord relations, rights, and responsibilities and make referrals to appropriate legal aid or other resources as needed.
- Assist with facilitating education workshops, including scheduling, marketing, and procuring speakers.
- Build relationships with lenders, realtors, and other professionals to develop referral sources.
- Work to involve all clients in all other related NHSNB services and encourage all clients to make referrals to friends and family to come for services.
- Maintain HUD certification as a Housing Counselor; obtain and keep NCHEC certification in at least two disciplines.
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate of Arts degree in business, finance, or related field
- Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Homeownership Counselor required.
- HUD exam certification required. Must present certificate with job application.
- An understanding of affordable housing and the needs of low-, moderate-income families.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Power Point, and Excel. Detail oriented with ability to organize complex material in clear, concise manner.
- Excellent customer services skills, including phone skills, social skills, and the ability to relate well to people of varying ethnic and economic backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate in Spanish required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evenings as needed
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- HUD Housing Counselor: 5 years (Required)
Language:
License/Certification:
- HUD Housing Counseling Certificate (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- New Britain, CT 06053 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- New Britain, CT 06053: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person