Credit Counselor

COMMUNITY HOUSING INNOVATIONS INC•White Plains, NY

4d•$28 - $57,990•Onsite

About The Position

The Credit Counselor provides comprehensive financial capability and credit counseling services to individuals and families seeking to improve their credit profile. This position delivers one-on-one counseling, develops individualized financial action plans and provides education on credit management and consumer financial protection. The Credit Counselor plays a critical role in helping clients achieve measurable financial outcomes while ensuring compliance with HUD requirements, grant regulations and agency policies. The position also supports community outreach, financial education workshops and partnerships that expand access to financial empowerment services. A critical aspect of this role is maintaining client files in audit-ready condition and accurately documenting all counseling activities in accordance with funding requirements. This position is based in White Plains and requires evening and occasional weekend availability, as well as travel throughout CHI's designated service area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Human Services, Social Work or a related field preferred.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in financial counseling, credit counseling, banking, housing counseling, or a related field.
Knowledge of consumer credit, personal finance, budgeting, debt management, credit reporting and fair lending practices
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to confidently speak in public and lead educational presentations, workshops, seminars, and community meetings both in person and virtually.
Ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand manner for audiences with varying levels of financial knowledge.
Comfortable presenting to both small and large groups.
Ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and client management software.
Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation.

Nice To Haves

HUD Certified Housing Counselor or ability to obtain certification within six months of employment.
Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), Certified Credit Counselor (CCC) or comparable financial counseling certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage competing priorities while consistently meeting agency expectations for productivity, client engagement, quality assurance, program outcomes and regulatory compliance.
Conduct client intake by gathering and reviewing required documentation.
Conduct comprehensive financial capability assessments, including but not limited to: Credit reports and scores, Household income and expenses, Debt obligations, Banking relationships, Savings and financial goals.
Develop individualized Financial Action Plans with measurable goals and strategies to improve clients' financial well-being.
Provide one-on-one financial counseling to assist clients with: Credit building and repair, Improving credit scores, Identity theft prevention, Consumer financial protection.
Educate clients on understanding credit reports, credit scoring models and the factors that impact creditworthiness.
Review credit reports and recommend strategies to improve financial stability and mortgage readiness.
Monitor client progress through regular follow-up counseling sessions and revise action plans as needed.
Assist clients in resolving credit reporting issues and understanding their rights under applicable consumer protection laws.
Provide referrals to internal and external community resources when additional services are needed.
Maintain detailed case notes and accurate client records within CHI's client management system.
Complete HUD Housing Counselor Certification within six months of employment if not already certified.
Develop and update financial education curriculum, presentations and educational materials.
Collect, review and maintain all required client documentation.
Maintain organized electronic and paper client files in compliance with HUD, grant and agency requirements.
Ensure all client files remain audit-ready.
Enter timely and accurate case notes into CHI's client management system.
Track client outcomes, performance measures and program goals.
Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required by management and funding agencies.
Maintain confidentiality of all client and agency information.
Ensure compliance with HUD regulations, Fair Housing laws, Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and all applicable funding requirements.
Participate in quality assurance reviews and program monitoring activities.
Remain current on industry best practices, financial counseling standards and regulatory changes.
Represent CHI at community outreach events, financial education workshops, resource fairs, networking events and partner meetings.
Lead engaging in-person and virtual presentations on credit for community organizations, employers, financial institutions and prospective clients.
Serve as a confident and effective public speaker, presenting educational workshops and seminars to audiences of varying sizes while facilitating discussion and responding to participant questions in a professional and engaging manner.
Build and maintain relationships with financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, employers, government agencies and referral partners.
Promote CHI's credit counseling, homeownership and housing retention programs through community engagement and outreach activities.
Develop marketing materials designed to increase participation in CHI's programs.
Collaborate with internal departments to ensure clients receive comprehensive services and referrals.
Travel throughout CHI's designated service area approximately 40–50% of the time for client counseling, community outreach, workshops, presentations, networking events and partner meetings.
Evening availability approximately three evenings per month for financial education workshops, homebuyer orientations, seminars and community presentations.
Occasional weekend availability required to support outreach events, educational workshops, expos, and agency initiatives.
Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation required. Mileage will be reimbursed in accordance with CHI policy.