Financial Empowerment Counselor

YWCA Delaware•Wilmington, DE

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The YWCA Delaware is seeking a Financial Empowerment Counselor to provide comprehensive financial coaching and housing counseling services. This role involves assisting individuals and families with financial management, homeownership, rental housing, and foreclosure prevention. The position requires administrative duties such as intake, data tracking, monthly reporting, and community outreach. A strong understanding of HUD regulations and guidelines, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with diverse populations are essential. HUD certification is preferred at the time of application or must be obtained within 180 days of hire. This position reports to the Chief Programs and Development Officer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum of five years’ work experience in a related field.
Experience as a housing counselor, loan processor, or financial educator
Case management and secure document handling
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and client management software
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Managing multiple tasks in a high-volume environment
Certification from a HUD approved training program must be acquired within twelve months of hire.
Sitting, standing, talking, hearing, reading, math, lifting 25 lbs.
Valid, insurable driver’s license.
Criminal background may be required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills (Strongly preferred, but not required)
HUD certification at the time of application

Responsibilities

Conduct 1:1 counseling sessions with clients to assess their housing needs, financial situations, and eligibility for various housing programs.
Provide guidance on home buying, renting, mortgage default/foreclosure prevention, credit improvement, and financial management.
Develop and deliver group educational workshops and seminars on topics such as homebuyer education, tenant rights and responsibilities, and budgeting.
Maintain accurate and detailed client files, ensuring compliance with HUD and agency requirements.
Utilize client management systems to track client progress and outcomes, recording all communications after each client interaction.
Prepare and submit required reports to HUD and other funding agencies in a timely manner.
Ensure client files are securely stored with all required documents and forms.
Ensure maximum economy and efficiency in the use of Agency resources.
Participate in community outreach activities to promote the agency’s financial management and housing counseling services.
Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, lenders, real estate professionals, and government agencies to enhance service delivery and client support.
Positively represent the agency at community events, meetings, and conferences.
Stay current with HUD regulations, housing market trends, and best practices in financial and housing counseling.
Provide technical assistance to clients regarding available housing resources and government programs.
Ensure all counseling activities adhere to HUD guidelines and agency policies.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to maintain HUD certification and enhance counseling skills.
Attend relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay informed about industry developments and network with other professionals.
Conduct client assessments to help them make informed financial decisions.
Develop individualized budgets and action plans for clients, setting realistic goals and timelines.
Follow up with clients regularly to monitor progress and provide additional support as needed.
Assist clients in accessing financial assistance programs, down payment assistance, rental assistance, and other resources.
Attend mortgage mediation hearings to assist clients navigating the Delaware Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program.
Other duties as assigned.