Homeownership Counselor

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s  DEI Commitment affirms housing as a human right and homeownership as a foundation for generational wealth and social mobility. We also acknowledge that “bringing people together” is central to our mission. People with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are critical to our success. Join our team and help us further our mission of building homes, communities, and hope.

Pay Range: $26.62 - $29.58

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Homeowner Services Director, the  Homeownership Counselor is responsible for leading AAHH’s  Homeowner Education and Counseling program and serves as the main point of contact for pre-purchase matters relating to sweat equity, estate plans, and homebuyer preparation.

To be successful in this position, the applicant must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, advanced public speaking ability, and strong time management skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administer and improve AAHH homebuyer education program for both in-person, and online instruction, with an emphasis on HUD homebuyer education priorities, AAHH’s mortgage structure, participation guidelines, homeowners’ associations, budgeting, basic home maintenance, and the principals of successful homeownership, as they relate to traditional homebuyers, and AAHH’s new homeownership, AIP, and home repair programs.
• As lead instructor, create an engaging learning environment that promotes lively conversations and active participation from all, including non-English speaking homebuyers. Update and maintain class materials, workbooks, sign in sheets, surveys and class certificates Recruit volunteer guest speakers and commit to the ongoing search and implementation of new content and fresh ideas.
• Construct and implement subject matter tests to ensure 95% rate of comprehension. Track outcomes and adjust teaching strategies as needed.
• In coordination with AAHH’s communications team, create content for new homeowner education page on Asheville Habitat website, including generating video content for basic home maintenance, frequently asked questions, and online course content.
• Oversee timely orientation of board-approved homebuyers.  Continually update acceptance agreement, contracts, and supplemental material.
• Serve as staff liaison, schedule and support homebuyers-in-process during speaking engagements, sponsorship interactions and special events.
• Promote program through outreach and events.
• Establish, track, and report program participant’s sweat equity hours; address missed benchmarks in accordance with AAHH Willingness to Partner policy.
• Assist in answering commonly asked questions about AAHH programs and processes, accept applications and supporting documentation as needed
• Collect and share inspirational stories and photos of homebuyers in process.
• Oversee timely ordering, accuracy and distribution of appraisals, and coordinate completion of estate plans for AAHH homebuyers, prior to closing.
• Issue 75/60/30 day closing notices and track multi-department readiness for timely closings.
• Serve as initial point person for warranty related issues, and send written referrals to construction services team.
• Identify and schedule homebuyers in process to serve as guest speakers for special events.
• Serve as HOS liaison at events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to the mission and values of AAHH
• At least 2 years relevant work experience, with a bachelor’s degree in related field; including but not limited to Education, Sociology, Business OR 5-years relevant experience with no formal degree. HUD Certification preferred but not required
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills. Bilingual preferred
• Advanced public speaking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, time management, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to convey complex information to a diverse group of people with limited English proficiency, and various levels of education
• Ability to obtain HUD education and counseling certificate
• Computer literate, proficient with cloud technology, presentation software, electronic communications, calendars, and spreadsheets
• Awareness of poverty related challenges

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment.  Work may occasionally occur at Habitat construction sites or in the ReStore where conditions can include inclement weather, heat and humidity, high noise levels and navigating rough terrain.

Essential functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Must be able to travel to meetings and events and communicate appropriately with stakeholders .  Must be able to work Monday evenings until 8pm and Tuesday through Friday until 5pm. Special events may require some evenings and weekends.

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Living Wage Certified, Family Forward Certified, Breastfeeding Friendly Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. We are committed to providing a safe workspace for all staff and volunteers. All candidates who have received an offer of employment will undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances, a sex offender screening, and criminal background check. Criminal background is reviewed on a case-by-case basis considering the severity, timeframe of the offense, and applicability to the responsibilities of the open position. If you require accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application, please email View email address on ashevilleareahabitatforhumanity.applytojob.com .