Lending Specialist and Homeownership Advisor

LENDING SPECIALIST & HOMEOWNERSHIP ADVISOR

About PRG: PRG is a nonprofit dedicated to increasing homeownership opportunities and housing stability, particularly for BIPOC and underserved communities. We believe homeownership is a key driver of intergenerational wealth creation and work to close the racial homeownership gap through financial coaching, homebuyer education, and down payment assistance programs.

We are seeking a Lending Specialist & Homeownership Advisor to process down payment assistance (DPA) loan applications while also supporting homeownership education and advising services. This dual role allows for flexibility based on program needs, funding, and evolving priorities. The successful candidate will possess excellent people skills, be passionate about helping people obtain and sustain successful homeownership, have a strong commitment to racial equity, and have a background in mortgage lending. This is a full-time position. PRG’s regular office hours are M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Salary range: $53,000.00-55,500.00. This range is negotiable depending on qualifications.

Summary of position:

The lending specialist is responsible for processing down payment assistance (DPA) loan applications with an emphasis on underserved markets. Depending on organizational need, this position may in part, or fully perform prepurchase education and advising, post-purchase education and advising, and/or foreclosure prevention services.

Loan Processing & Down Payment Assistance (Primary Responsibility)

• Provide excellent customer service, working closely with homebuyers, lenders, and real estate professionals to facilitate seamless transactions.

• Clearly communicate product loan terms, covenants, and responsibilities.

• Obtain, organize, verify, and analyze all necessary documents for DPA loan processing.

• Assess applicants’ credit, income, debt-to-income ratios, collateral, and financial history to accurately calculate income and housing/debt ratios.

• Approve or deny down payment assistance based on underwriting criteria.

• Issue reservations, commitments, and extensions as needed.

• Prepare DPA closing documents and oversee loan closing, recording, and transmittal of documents for servicing.

• Maintain loan files in compliance with funder and regulatory guidelines, ensuring proper documentation and data privacy.

• Maintain timely and accurate client records in the PRG database.

Homeownership Education & Counseling (Secondary Responsibility)

• Conduct pre-purchase homebuyer counseling, including credit analysis, budgeting, and mortgage readiness.

• Provide post-purchase education to support long-term homeownership stability.

• Provide foreclosure prevention counseling.

• Facilitate homebuyer education workshops and financial coaching sessions.

• Connect participants with community resources and financial assistance programs.

• Maintain timely and accurate client records in PRG database.

Provision of these services requires employees to be able to:

• Complete required education to obtain/maintain certifications (NMLS, HUD Housing Counseling).

• Stay informed on lending regulations, down payment assistance programs, and affordable housing initiatives to ensure compliance with program guidelines and federal regulations.

• Represent PRG at community meetings, industry events, and outreach activities.

Experience and Qualification Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED required.

• Possess or obtain an NMLS license within the first 90 days of employment.

• Possess or obtain HUD Housing Counseling certification within the first 6 months of employment.

• Experience in lending or mortgage origination.

• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and CRM databases (Salesforce is a plus).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong relational skills, including the ability to establish relationships with clients, loan officers, real estate agents, and others involved in the home-buying process.

• Demonstrable attention to detail and ability to manage multiple client/loan files simultaneously.

• Demonstrable ability to work independently and take initiative in performing duties.

• Ability to work in a busy environment.

• Hear and speak to communicate with others. Ability to listen effectively to other people.

• Work at a desk, telephone, and computer for extended periods.

• Move throughout the office to conduct various tasks.

• Able to perform physical dexterity for computer keyboarding.

• Ability to independently operate a motor vehicle. Must have access to reliable transportation and the ability to transport materials that are used to facilitate classes and outreach events.

• Demonstrable experience working with communities of color and/or low-income individuals and families.

Desirable Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Current certifications in Homebuyer Counseling, Homebuyer Education, Financial Coaching, Foreclosure Prevention, and HUD Housing Counselor Certification.

• Financial skills including knowledge about credit, debt, money management, financial products and services, and consumer protection laws.

• Experience with case management, housing, financial assistance, or related experience preferred.

• Bilingual in English and Somali is a plus.

• Experience and comfort with public speaking.

Salary and Benefits

• $53,000-$55,500 salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Paid time off (22 days in the first year) plus 18 paid holidays

• Employer contribution to 401k.

• Monthly PRG benefit contribution of $866.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience and interest in this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with preference given to applicants who apply by 5:00 pm on 03/10/2025. Submit cover letter and résumé via email to Kirstin Burch, Executive Director, kirstin@prginc.org

PRG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital or familial status, status concerning public assistance, or other protected status.