HUD Certified Housing Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

The HUD Certified Housing Counselor coordinates one-on-one counseling sessions to evaluate each client's situation and prescribe the appropriate plan of action. This role supports Queens residents through the homebuying process, foreclosure prevention, tenancy stabilization, and financial capability — while also assisting with marketing and outreach to connect vulnerable community members with NHSQ's services.

1. Housing Counseling & Client Services

• Coordinate and conduct individualized one-on-one counseling sessions for homebuyers, homeowners, and renters
• Assist clients through the process of purchasing a home or preventing foreclosure, establishing permanency and stability
• Provide financial stability and homeownership counseling services as directed by the Program Director
• Support clients navigating foreclosure prevention, tenant rights, rental services, and insurance matters
• Provide post-purchase counseling to ensure clients continue to meet homeownership responsibilities and prevent foreclosure and homelessness
• Provide tenant-related counseling to ensure clients receive appropriate housing assistance
• Support clients navigating financial crises, including rent arrears, medical debt, and other housing-related emergencies
• Act as a liaison between clients and various service providers, including lenders, attorneys, and housing agencies

2. Education, Workshops & Outreach

• Facilitate seminars, workshops, lectures, and classes pertaining to NHSQ programs, including homeownership, foreclosure prevention, budgeting, and tenant rights
• Develop curricula and prepare educational materials for clients and staff
• Identify clients who would benefit from NHSQ's services and connect them with appropriate programs
• Assist in developing and actively implementing outreach strategies to identify victims of — or potential victims of — predatory lending and foreclosure
• Conduct community outreach at neighborhood offices, housing fairs, and other community locations
• Communicate regularly with social service agencies, public officials, community groups, and lending institutions to build strong public relationships
• Identify locations where target populations reside; initiate surveys and compile pertinent data

3. Case Management

• Provide comprehensive case management services, including intake assessment, benefit assessment, goal setting, and long-term case plan development
• Collect budget and financial information from clients and develop systems to support their financial stability
• Conduct timely follow-up with clients to monitor progress toward goals
• Refer clients to internal and external programs based on individual needs, including housing stabilization, lending, and workforce development
• Serve as a source of information on budgeting, credit, mortgage products, homeowners' insurance, and foreclosure prevention

4. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and organized client files with current status on all counseling sessions and loan applications
• Prepare regular program-related reports for the Program Director on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis as required
• Disseminate information on a timely basis and keep accurate records of all correspondence
• Enter relevant client and program data into tracking systems in a timely manner
• Make client files and records available upon request for funder review or NHSQ marketing purposes
• Analyze data and make recommendations to management on client needs, market segmentation, and program development

5. Professional Development & Team Participation

• Attend workshops, regular trainings, and stay current on regulations and issues impacting homebuying and foreclosure prevention
• Stay up to date on NYC tenant issues, NHS programs, and available loan products
• Attend NHSQ staff and team meetings and other meetings as needed
• Participate in NHSQ's mandatory requirements, including examinations, for the position
• Assist on other projects and assignments as needed

Required Qualifications

Experience in housing counseling, case management, or community servicesKnowledge of homeownership, foreclosure prevention, and tenant rightsFamiliarity with NYC affordable housing systems (HPD, HDC, NYCHA) and rental subsidies Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Ability to develop and facilitate educational workshops and seminarsExcellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client data management systemsEmpathy, cultural sensitivity, and passion for serving diverse Queens communitiesCurrent HUD Full-Cycle Lending Counselor certification requiredTeam player — willing to adapt to changing priorities and contribute beyond defined responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

Current HUD housing counseling certification Bilingual — English/Spanish preferred Background in social services, lending, or community development Valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; occasional evenings and weekends required for workshops and events
• Hybrid schedule available — must be able to work in-office at least 3 days per week
• Local travel may be required; occasional out-of-area travel is possible