Program Grant Underwriter

GRANT-FUNDED POSITION NOTICE

This position is funded through the HomeGrown Grant Program for a defined term of 1-3 years. While NHS intends for the role to remain active for the duration of the grant, employment with NHS is strictly at-will. Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding.

BASIC JOB FUNCTION

The Program Grant Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and determining eligibility for the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Grant Program. This role conducts comprehensive application reviews, analyzes supporting documentation, verifies program compliance, and issues grant approval or denial decisions. The Underwriter ensures that each applicant meets all City of Chicago Department of Housing requirements and provides clear communication throughout the application lifecycle. In addition, the Underwriter monitors the grant from application through closing and remains responsible for compliance tracking during the five-year recapture period.

PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Application Intake & Documentation Review Request, collect, and review all required application documentation from prospective homebuyers, ensuring completeness and accuracy. Verify eligibility based on income, household composition, property characteristics, and other HomeGrown program criteria. Identify missing or unclear information and follow up with applicants promptly to obtain clarifications or additional documentation. Application Communication & Case Management Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective homebuyers throughout the underwriting review. Communicate status updates, application issues, and final determinations in a clear and timely manner. Provide guidance to applicants regarding documentation requirements and next steps. Underwriting & Eligibility Determination Analyze applicant documentation, including income verification, mortgage details, homebuyer education certificates, property information, and credit considerations. Assess applications using established underwriting standards, program rules, and City of Chicago. Issue formal grant approval or denial letters in accordance with eligibility outcomes. Team Leadership & Workflow Oversight Establish and manage an application review team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance in all underwriting decisions. Provide training, support, and quality control for team members involved in application intake and review. Collaborate with Program Administration and other internal teams to maintain coordinated program operations. Grant Monitoring & Compliance Oversight Monitor the status of approved grants through the mortgage loan closing process. Ensure all required documentation is collected and properly recorded before closing. Track grant compliance during the five-year recapture period, documenting changes in occupancy status, property transfers, or other triggering events.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$25/hour Health, dental, vision insurance Paid time off We also offer a team spirit, which strives for excellence in customer service.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, public administration, urban planning, or related field preferred. Experience Minimum of 3–5 years of underwriting, lending, housing program administration, or grant eligibility determination experience. Desired Skills Experience with income verification, mortgage documentation, or affordable housing programs strongly preferred. Familiarity with HUD requirements, down payment assistance programs, or government-funded housing initiatives is a plus. Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret financial and eligibility documentation. High attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing sensitive documentation. Ability to manage deadlines and coordinate multiple applications simultaneously. Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations. Technology: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and digital documentation management.

COMPENTENCIES

Strong commitment to equity, confidentiality, and high‑quality service to diverse applicants. Customer/Client Focus Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Problem‑Solving Time Management Adaptability Collaboration & Teamwork

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is: Regularly required to talk or hear. Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position involves a combination of office‑based work, virtual communication, and occasionally community‑based engagement. Some evening or weekend availability may be required for special events or outreach activities. May include periodic meetings with partner agencies, lending institutions, or program staff.

REMOTE WORK POLICY

The HomeGrown Program staff are required to work full‑time in the office. Remote work arrangements are not available for this position. Employees must be present in‑office for all scheduled workdays and attend meetings as needed. NHS’ COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, RACIAL EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) is deeply committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our work and advances our mission. NHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County