HUD Certified Housing Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

The HUD-Certified Housing Counselor provides individualized housing counseling, financial education, and case management services to Queens residents. This position helps individuals and families navigate the homebuying process, prevent foreclosure, maintain stable housing, and achieve long-term financial stability.

The Counselor works directly with clients to assess their housing and financial needs, develop personalized action plans, and connect them with appropriate resources and assistance programs. The role also supports community education, outreach initiatives, and program activities to expand access to NHSQ's housing services, particularly among underserved and vulnerable populations.

Key Responsibilities:

Housing Counseling & Client Services

• Conduct individualized, one-on-one housing counseling sessions for prospective homebuyers, existing homeowners, and renters.
• Assess clients' housing and financial circumstances and develop personalized action plans based on their needs and goals.
• Guide clients through the homebuying process, including mortgage readiness, financing options, loan applications, and homeownership responsibilities.
• Provide foreclosure prevention counseling and assist homeowners in exploring available mortgage assistance and loss mitigation options.
• Deliver post-purchase counseling to help homeowners maintain financial stability, meet homeownership obligations, and reduce the risk of foreclosure.
• Support renters with tenant rights, rental assistance, eviction prevention, and housing stabilization resources.
• Assist clients experiencing financial hardship, including rent arrears, medical debt, and other housing-related emergencies.
• Coordinate with lenders, attorneys, housing agencies, and community partners to address client needs.
• Provide ongoing counseling and follow-up to promote long-term housing stability and successful homeownership.

Housing Education & Community Outreach

• Facilitate workshops, seminars, and educational sessions on homeownership, foreclosure prevention, budgeting, financial literacy, and tenant rights.
• Develop educational materials, presentations, and workshop curricula for clients and community members.
• Participate in community events, housing fairs, resource fairs, and neighborhood outreach initiatives.
• Support outreach strategies to identify and assist individuals affected by predatory lending, foreclosure, or housing instability.
• Identify underserved populations and connect eligible individuals and families with NHSQ's housing programs and services.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct community needs assessments, surveys, and outreach activities to identify emerging housing challenges.
• Collaborate with NHSQ's marketing and outreach team to promote programs, workshops, and available housing resources.

Case Management & Client Support

• Manage assigned client cases from initial intake through assessment, counseling, referral, and follow-up.
• Conduct comprehensive housing and financial assessments, including household budgets, income, expenses, credit history, and housing obligations.
• Develop individualized case plans with measurable goals and strategies to support housing and financial stability.
• Monitor client progress and provide timely follow-up to address barriers and support successful outcomes.
• Connect clients with appropriate internal and external resources, including housing stabilization, lending assistance, financial capability programs, and workforce development.
• Educate clients on credit management, mortgage products, homeowners' insurance, budgeting, and foreclosure prevention strategies.
• Coordinate with other NHSQ program staff to ensure clients receive comprehensive and appropriate services.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and service providers to support case resolution and long-term stability.

Documentation, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and organized client records in accordance with HUD housing counseling requirements, funder guidelines, and NHSQ policies.
• Document counseling sessions, financial assessments, individualized action plans, referrals, loan applications, and client outcomes.
• Enter and update client information in designated case management and reporting systems in a timely manner.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly program reports as requested by the Program Director.
• Track counseling activities, client progress, program participation, and service outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of client communications, correspondence, and follow-up activities.
• Support authorized program audits, compliance reviews, and funder evaluations while maintaining client confidentiality.
• Analyze program data, identify service trends, and recommend opportunities to improve client services and program effectiveness.

Professional Development & Team Collaboration

• Maintain current knowledge of HUD housing counseling requirements, mortgage lending practices, foreclosure prevention programs, and applicable housing regulations.
• Stay informed about NYC housing resources, affordable housing programs, tenant protections, financial assistance opportunities, and available mortgage products.
• Maintain required HUD certification and participate in continuing education, professional development, and applicable training requirements.
• Attend staff meetings, program meetings, internal trainings, and organizational events.
• Collaborate with NHSQ's financial capability, community outreach, and other program teams to support organizational goals.
• Participate in community initiatives, housing expos, and special projects as needed.
• Assist with additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Current HUD Housing Counselor Certification, with demonstrated knowledge of full-cycle homeownership counseling.
• Experience in housing counseling, case management, financial counseling, social services, or community-based programs.
• Knowledge of homeownership, mortgage lending, foreclosure prevention, tenant rights, and housing stabilization resources.
• Familiarity with NYC affordable housing programs and agencies, including HPD, HDC, NYCHA, and rental assistance programs.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to assess client needs, develop individualized housing action plans, and manage multiple cases effectively.
• Ability to facilitate educational workshops, presentations, and community training sessions.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management or client tracking systems.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, empathy, and commitment to serving diverse Queens communities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Flexibility to support evolving program needs and organizational priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional experience in full-cycle homeownership counseling, mortgage lending, foreclosure prevention, or loss mitigation.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience working in nonprofit housing services, social services, lending, or community development.
• Familiarity with HUD housing counseling documentation, client management systems, and program reporting requirements.
• Valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, 35 hours per week.
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of three in-office days per week.
• Flexibility: Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for workshops, outreach activities, and community events.
• Travel: Local travel to community locations and events may be required, with occasional out-of-area travel.
• Benefits: Health insurance, dental insurance, paid time off, and additional fringe benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and organizational needs, without regard to protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, and local laws.