Certified HUD Counselor

About the role:

• The Housing Counselor is responsible for providing organized opportunities to Planning District 16 to obtain the critical skills, knowledge, and confidence to acquire or maintain permanent housing by becoming responsible homeowners or tenants. The Housing Counselor must administer housing counseling services that include but are not limited to pre-purchase counseling, rental counseling, and all forms of credit counseling. Counseling services will be provided in both group settings and one-on-one.

Supervisor:

• HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Program Manager

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' housing needs, financial situations, and barriers to stable housing, using standardized assessment tools and conducting thorough interviews.
• Provide individualized counseling and develop action plans and budgets to address clients' housing challenges, tailoring strategies to each client's unique circumstances.
• Assist clients in accessing available resources, community partners, and government agencies as well as advocating for clients when necessary.
• Provide clients with education, guidance, advocacy, and referrals as needed.
• Facilitate group workshops and seminars.
• Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to maximize available resources and support services.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in compliance with HUD regulations and agency policies, ensuring confidentiality and data security.
• Stay updated on changes in HUD regulations, fair housing laws, and community resources to provide accurate and relevant guidance to clients.
• Obtain and maintain certification in at least two disciplines (Rental Counseling, Pre-Purchase, Foreclosure, Fair Housing, and/or Affordability).

Required Abilities/Skills:

• Strong understanding of HUD regulations, fair housing laws, and housing assistance programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor communication to diverse audiences.
• Able to work independently while also collaborating effectively with team members and community partners.
• Compelling presentation and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to make appropriate referrals based on clients' needs.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and client management databases such as CounselorMax.
• Ability to work at least one Saturday a month.

Education and Experience

• HUD Housing Counselor Certification with 6 months of counseling experience is required.
• Train the Trainer Certification required.
• Minimum of two years of experience in housing counseling, lending, real estate, or related field.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Able to hear and speak to customers in person and/or by phone.
• Able to see and read on computer screens and paper.
• Able to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment such as a computer, copier, phone, postage meter, etc.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25