Housing Certified Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.

Reporting to the Director of Community Resources and Education, the Full Time HUD Certified Housing Counselor is primarily responsible for providing professional housing counseling services and assistance in all areas of homeownership, rental and/or foreclosures to immigrant families in our community. The Counselor must have good interpersonal skills; possess a working knowledge of financial capability, credit and budgeting as well as individual asset building. The Counselor must also be efficient in analyzing credit reports and be an effective financial coach assisting clients with meeting their financial goals. The counselor must be able to convey suggestions/ideas in a constructive, nonjudgmental, and professional manner. The counselor must be organized and efficient in time/work management with a keen sense of urgency. Counselor should need minimal supervision to accomplish these tasks.

In return to your commitment to Erie House and its mission to the community, you will enjoy excellent professional development opportunities, opportunities for growth, and have a direct impact in building powerful communities. Be a part of one of the oldest and most respected Settlement House in the Chicago Land Area.

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Responsible for day-to-day client scheduling and delivery of home ownership counseling and education in credit counseling, financial capacity building, pre-purchase, delinquency, and foreclosure prevention counseling.
• Recruit program participants and assist with community resources and scheduling appointments.
• Assist with and facilitate on-site and off-site housing fairs and events.
• Provides clients with information on all aspects of homeownership from pre-purchasing requirements to foreclosure prevention and rental, with a heavy focus on financial coaching.
• Perform on-going case management to provide service and problem-solving assistance.
• Available to clients throughout the entire counseling process to address any problems and/or answer any questions.
• Maintains client files and program records according to all contractual and grant requirements. Create and ensure completion of a client’s file per organizational and HUD guidelines.
• Create an Action Plan that supports and builds client’s financial capacity and improves their housing status.
• Manage data integrity and governance in the Counselor MPACT PRO, Salesforce, and other required database systems.
• Build relationships with lenders, realtors, and other professionals to develop referral sources.
• Attends and participates in educational housing programs; maintains essential job skills and core competencies.
• Must be willing to attend 30 hours of continuing education towards recertification every 3 years.
• Must be willing to conduct workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching activities. Participate and facilitate group education workshops in accordance with U.S. HUD standards. (some evenings and Saturdays).
• Process and prepares timely reports on clients for periodic outcome reviews and program audits for ENH staff and funders as required.
• Attend and participate in required staff meetings.
• Performs other duties/special projects as assigned.
• occasional travels for outreach activities, training, and program registration events.

We are looking for a candidate who has excellent communication skills, strong management skills that promote innovation, growth and retention, and ability to develop rapport with individuals across multi-cultural backgrounds and with Erie staff, community partner organizations, and members of the community

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and/or a minimum of 2 to 4 years of equivalent experience and training in a related field. Certifications in foreclosure prevention, homeownership counseling, financial capability and rental housing counseling are a plus.
• Written and oral fluency in English and Spanish  required.
• HUD Housing Counseling Certification- Certifications in the areas of Pre-Purchase Counseling and Homeownership Education is a PLUS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and database software applications. Exceptional attention to detail and data verification.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and execution of work with a sense of urgency.
• Accountability for work and have a high level of professional and personal integrity. Trustworthiness with knowledge of confidential client and funding information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a team setting.
• Ability and opportunity to work flexible hours.
• Access to transportation and ability to work Saturdays required.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.
• The position requires acquiring HUD certification within 3 months after the hiring date.

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS?

• Compensation range: $48,000 - $51,000 based on experience. The compensation range will go up to $51,000 after acquiring HUD certification

• Work / life integration:

  • Generous paid time off

(examples below for 40 hour employment)

• 12 accrued sick days per year
• 3 personal days
• Paid birthday off
• 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
• In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

• Vacation:

  • Year 1 = 8 days
  • Year 2 = 13 days
  • Year 3 + = 20 days
• Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible
• Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees
• Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave

• Professional Development:

  • Employer-sponsored learning and development programs
  • Paid day off annually for personal professional development
  • Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows

• Wellness support:

  • Employee Assistance Program

Union / Non Exempt

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at View email address on us.fitly.work.

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!

MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

ACCREDITED BY NAEYC & NATIONAL AFTER SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

RECOGNIZED BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE;

UNITED WAY MEMBER