Housing Counselor

About the Organization The Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation (ABCDC) has served the Allston Brighton Neighborhoods of Boston since 1980. ABCDC builds a stronger, more stable community by representing and supporting the expressed interests, positive engagement and leadership of Allston Brighton’s diverse local communities, institutions, individuals, and families of all incomes. Today, Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation addresses critical changes in our community, focuses our role as a catalyst for stability and positions ourselves to create healthy communities and new opportunities for people of all incomes to engage as civic leaders and improve their lives. We are dedicated to supporting neighborhood growth that retains a diverse socio-economic population, becoming more stable with stakeholders who actively participate in ensuring its well-being. We are expanding resident participation in civic engagement around safe, healthy communities. In collaboration with our community, we engage with institutional and government partners to address community-identified and community-driven needs and goals. Position Overview Allston Brighton CDC (ABCDC) seeks a Housing Counselor to join its Homeownership & Counseling Programs. ABCDC is seeking to hire a Housing Counselor who is fluent in both Spanish and English and will be able to present, coach, and counsel in both languages. The candidate hired must either be HUD Counselor Certified or commit to being HUD Counselor certified within six to eight weeks of hire. Housing counselors are critical to ABCDC’s mission of helping low- and moderate-income residents achieve greater financial stability and long-term upward economic mobility. The ideal candidate is an organized, collaborative professional who enjoys educating and empowering individuals through both one-on-one counseling and group instruction. Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent written communication skills, strong time management, cultural humility, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service and documentation standards. They will also be comfortable developing educational materials, updating resources, and contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven team. This person is equally comfortable with working independently and in the context of a team. The position requires: Analytical thinking and creative problem solving; High level of attention to detail and self-motivation; Familiarity with and/or ability to familiarize oneself with various software applications and technologies including but not exclusive to Salesforce, Zoom, Form Assembly, Microsoft Office and mPact Pro; Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing. ABCDC increasingly connects our constituent communities with in-person outreach, classes, and workshops. Therefore, it is a priority for candidates to be able to work in-person and assist the Homeownership and Counseling Programs Manager (H&C Manager) with community outreach efforts. This position requires the ability to confidently facilitate homebuyer education classes, and counseling sessions in both virtual (Zoom) and in-person environments. The successful candidate will be comfortable using Zoom and other virtual engagement tools to deliver interactive presentations and effectively engage participants in online learning. Report to: This position reports directly to the Homeownership and Counseling Programs Manager (H&C Manager). Responsibilities: Schedule and coordinate workshops and training sessions both in English and Spanish. Co-facilitate homeownership workshops and classes in virtual and in-person classroom settings. Provide 1:1 housing counseling to Homebuying 101 graduates in a timely manner. Complete formal intake needs assessments for new counseling clients and co-create a written “Action Plan” identifying goals and barriers; participant readiness in the process; and creating reasonable completion timetable(s). Monitor “active,” open client files with timely follow-up in accordance with their Action Plan. Collect, input, maintain, and protect specific client information by utilizing only HUD and agency approved client management systems (mPact Pro and Salesforce). Maintain organized client files by following agency program manuals and checklists. Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and security for all participant private information by following specific protocols to keep scanned documents, electronic files and physical files confidential, private, and secure. Update and help to report accurate data for the purpose of ensuring data integrity and the submission of periodic reports to funders and governing organizations. Remain current in trends for providing effective counseling and training. Develop, update, and maintain client education materials, resource guides, workshop curriculum, handouts, and other educational content as needed. Research and compile community resources to ensure clients receive current and accurate referrals. Collaborate closely with department staff by sharing knowledge, supporting team initiatives, and contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven work environment where flexibility and cross-functional support are expected. Utilize mPact Pro and Salesforce as both case management and evaluation tools. Track daily time and activities for quarterly HUD reports. Produce monthly reports using Stripe and Framework platforms. Maintain data entry and administer surveys. Required Qualifications: Associate Degree in Human Services or related field or equivalent. B.S./B.A. preferred. HUD Housing Counseling Certification upon hire or the ability to successfully obtain certification within 6–8 weeks of employment. During the onboarding period, the Housing Counselor will complete a structured training plan that includes: HUD study, shadowing counseling sessions and workshops, learning agency systems (mPact Pro, Salesforce, Framework, Stripe), and gradually assuming independent client responsibilities. Minimum 2 years’ applicable experience in social services case management and/or fair housing practices. High degree of comfort and proven skills using computers. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a small, mission-driven team while balancing independent responsibilities and contributing to shared departmental goals. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple counseling cases, workshops, outreach activities, documentation, and reporting deadlines simultaneously. Experience with curriculum development, adult learning principles, and or creating educational content for workshops and community-based programs. Ability and willingness to work regular evening hours. Preferred Qualifications: Professional fluency in English and Spanish, including the ability to: Conduct one‑on‑one housing counseling sessions; facilitate workshops and presentations; develop and translate written educational materials and client communications. Outstanding attention to detail and the ability to work individually and as a part of a team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare reports, client correspondence, educational materials, presentations, and resource guides. Experience working with Salesforce, mPact Pro or similar CRM/database applications. Experience working with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint. Knowledge of subsidized housing programs available to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households and individuals. Demonstrated ability to work with LMI individuals and families and racially and culturally diverse communities. Knowledge of the Boston-area social service delivery network, particularly for LMI households. Demonstrated experience presenting, teaching, facilitating workshops, or delivering training to groups of varying sizes and experience levels. Knowledge of relevant state, federal and local resources and agencies. Previous housing counseling experience and/or real estate industry is helpful. Hours and Compensation: Pay for this full-time, 40-hour per week, non-exempt position is $27.00 - $30.00 per hour (approximately $56,160 – $62,400 annually), commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include 3 weeks’ vacation, sick leave, personal days, designated holidays, health insurance and eligibility to enroll in the retirement plan. Hours are standard office hours with monthly class and workshop hours in the evening and, occasionally, during weekends. ABCDC seeks a diverse pool of candidates. ABCDC is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or age. People of color and Allston Brighton residents are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr