Home Journey Housing Counselor – Short-Term Services

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF OMAHA • Omaha, NE

16d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Homeownership Housing Counselor – Short-Term Services provides individualized housing counseling and financial coaching to individuals and families who are on a shorter path to homeownership, typically achieving program goals within 12 months. This position serves clients who require focused support to improve financial readiness, strengthen credit, increase savings, and successfully navigate the homebuying process. The counselor partners closely with clients through one-on-one counseling, financial education, and action planning to remove barriers to homeownership while ensuring clients remain on track toward mortgage readiness. This position serves as an individual contributor and collaborates with Program staff, mortgage lending staff, and community partners to deliver timely, client-centered services.

Requirements

• Associate's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• One to three years of experience in housing counseling, mortgage lending, banking, financial coaching, nonprofit services, customer service, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with diverse clients and providing individualized support preferred.
• HUD housing counseling experience is helpful but not required.
• Financial Coaching: Ability to guide clients in budgeting, saving, reducing debt, and improving financial health.
• Communication: Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Relationship Building: Ability to establish trust and maintain positive working relationships with clients and partners.
• Coaching & Motivation: Skilled at helping individuals set goals, overcome barriers, and achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Organization: Effective case management, documentation, and time-management abilities.
• Problem Solving: Ability to identify challenges and develop practical solutions for clients.
• Customer Service: Commitment to delivering a positive, supportive, and client-centered experience.
• Adaptability: Comfortable managing multiple priorities while responding to changing client needs.
• Mission Focus: Passion for expanding access to affordable homeownership and supporting families in achieving housing stability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related technology platforms.
• Experience using case management systems, databases, or customer relationship management (CRM) software preferred.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize housing counseling and program management software.
• Bilingual language skills are a plus.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated commitment to equitable and culturally responsive client service.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within Habitat Omaha's service area as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone.
• Ability to move throughout office, workshop, and community settings as needed.
• Ability to occasionally transport program materials, training resources, and supplies.
• Vision and hearing sufficient to effectively perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree preferred
• HUD housing counseling experience is helpful but not required.
• Experience using case management systems, databases, or customer relationship management (CRM) software preferred.
• Bilingual language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver one-on-one housing counseling services to prospective homebuyers pursuing short-term homeownership goals.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of income, expenses, debt, credit, savings, and overall mortgage readiness.
• Develop personalized action plans that help clients achieve homeownership objectives within approximately 12 months.
• Conduct follow-up counseling sessions to monitor progress, address challenges, and update action plans as needed.
• Guide clients in overcoming barriers to mortgage qualification and homeownership success.
• Educate clients on budgeting, credit improvement, debt reduction, savings strategies, and financial wellness.
• Help clients understand mortgage lending requirements and the homebuying process.
• Review financial documentation and identify opportunities to improve mortgage readiness.
• Prepare clients for successful participation in Habitat Omaha's homeownership programs and mortgage process.
• Support and facilitate homebuyer education workshops and financial education opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with Habitat Omaha's mortgage team, program staff, and community partners to support client progress.
• Connect clients with community resources and support services when additional assistance is needed.
• Ensure clients receive timely communication, guidance, and support throughout their homeownership journey.
• Promote positive client experiences through exceptional customer service and relationship-building.
• Maintain accurate client files, case notes, program records, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with agency, programming, and HUD-related requirements.
• Track client progress and outcomes to support reporting and program evaluation.
• Meet established program goals, productivity standards, and reporting requirements.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to strengthen client services and outcomes.

Benefits

• Habitat Omaha actively recruits, employs, trains, and compensates employees regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree