Homegrown Program Grant Underwriter

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago•Chicago, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Grant Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and determining eligibility for the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Grant Program. This role conducts comprehensive application reviews, analyzes supporting documentation, verifies program compliance, and issues grant approval or denial decisions. The Underwriter ensures that each applicant meets all City of Chicago Department of Housing requirements and provides clear communication throughout the application lifecycle. In addition, the Underwriter monitors the grant from application through closing and remains responsible for compliance tracking during the five-year recapture period.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, public administration, urban planning, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 3–5 years of underwriting, lending, housing program administration, or grant eligibility determination experience.
Experience with income verification, mortgage documentation, or affordable housing programs strongly preferred.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret financial and eligibility documentation.
High attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing sensitive documentation.
Ability to manage deadlines and coordinate multiple applications simultaneously.
Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and digital documentation management.
Strong commitment to equity, confidentiality, and high-quality service to diverse applicants.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Adaptability
Collaboration & Teamwork

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with HUD requirements, down payment assistance programs, or government-funded housing initiatives is a plus.

Responsibilities

Application Intake & Documentation Review Request, collect, and review all required application documentation from prospective homebuyers, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Verify eligibility based on income, household composition, property characteristics, and other HomeGrown program criteria.
Identify missing or unclear information and follow up with applicants promptly to obtain clarifications or additional documentation.
Application Communication & Case Management Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective homebuyers throughout the underwriting review.
Communicate status updates, application issues, and final determinations in a clear and timely manner.
Provide guidance to applicants regarding documentation requirements and next steps.
Underwriting & Eligibility Determination Analyze applicant documentation, including income verification, mortgage details, homebuyer education certificates, property information, and credit considerations.
Assess applications using established underwriting standards, program rules, and City of Chicago.
Issue formal grant approval or denial letters in accordance with eligibility outcomes.
Team Leadership & Workflow Oversight Establish and manage an application review team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance in all underwriting decisions.
Provide training, support, and quality control for team members involved in application intake and review.
Collaborate with Program Administration and other internal teams to maintain coordinated program operations.
Grant Monitoring & Compliance Oversight Monitor the status of approved grants through the mortgage loan closing process.
Ensure all required documentation is collected and properly recorded before closing.
Track grant compliance during the five-year recapture period, documenting changes in occupancy status, property transfers, or other triggering events.