Housing Certified Counselor

Erie Neighborhood House • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Erie Neighborhood House has provided comprehensive support to immigrant and low-income families in Chicago, evolving to meet their needs. As a modern social services nonprofit, Erie House offers programming in children and youth services, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, and legal services. The Full Time HUD Certified Housing Counselor, reporting to the Director of Community Resources and Education, is responsible for providing professional housing counseling services in homeownership, rental, and foreclosure assistance to immigrant families. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of financial capability, credit, budgeting, and asset building, as well as proficiency in analyzing credit reports and acting as a financial coach. The counselor must communicate constructively and professionally, manage time efficiently, and work with minimal supervision. This role offers professional development, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a direct impact on community building within one of Chicago's oldest settlement houses.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and/or a minimum of 2 to 4 years of equivalent experience and training in a related field.
• Written and oral fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and database software applications.
• Exceptional attention to detail and data verification.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and execution of work with a sense of urgency.
• Accountability for work and have a high level of professional and personal integrity.
• Trustworthiness with knowledge of confidential client and funding information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a team setting.
• Ability and opportunity to work flexible hours.
• Access to transportation and ability to work Saturdays required.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and sensitivity to challenges of the immigrant community.
• The position requires acquiring HUD certification within 3 months after the hiring date.
• Must be a member of AFSCME or join after 30 days.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications in foreclosure prevention, homeownership counseling, financial capability and rental housing counseling are a plus.
• HUD Housing Counseling Certification- Certifications in the areas of Pre-Purchase Counseling and Homeownership Education is a PLUS.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day client scheduling and delivery of home ownership counseling and education in credit counseling, financial capacity building, pre-purchase, delinquency, and foreclosure prevention counseling.
• Recruit program participants and assist with community resources and scheduling appointments.
• Assist with and facilitate on-site and off-site housing fairs and events.
• Provides clients with information on all aspects of homeownership from pre-purchasing requirements to foreclosure prevention and rental, with a heavy focus on financial coaching.
• Perform on-going case management to provide service and problem-solving assistance.
• Available to clients throughout the entire counseling process to address any problems and/or answer any questions.
• Maintains client files and program records according to all contractual and grant requirements.
• Create and ensure completion of a client’s file per organizational and HUD guidelines.
• Create an Action Plan that supports and builds client’s financial capacity and improves their housing status.
• Manage data integrity and governance in the Counselor MPACT PRO, Salesforce, and other required database systems.
• Build relationships with lenders, realtors, and other professionals to develop referral sources.
• Attends and participates in educational housing programs; maintains essential job skills and core competencies.
• Must be willing to attend 30 hours of continuing education towards recertification every 3 years.
• Must be willing to conduct workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching activities.
• Participate and facilitate group education workshops in accordance with U.S. HUD standards. (some evenings and Saturdays).
• Process and prepares timely reports on clients for periodic outcome reviews and program audits for ENH staff and funders as required.
• Attend and participate in required staff meetings.
• Performs other duties/special projects as assigned.
• Occasional travels for outreach activities, training, and program registration events.

Benefits

• Excellent professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for growth
• Direct impact in building powerful communities
• Compensation range: $48,000 - $51,000 based on experience. The compensation range will go up to $51,000 after acquiring HUD certification
• Work / life integration
• Generous paid time off (examples below for 40 hour employment)
• 12 accrued sick days per year
• 3 personal days
• Paid birthday off
• 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
• Paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
• Vacation Year 1 = 8 days
• Vacation Year 2 = 13 days
• Vacation Year 3 + = 20 days
• Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible
• Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees
• Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave
• Professional Development
• Employer-sponsored learning and development programs
• Paid day off annually for personal professional development
• Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows
• Wellness support
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level