Housing Counselor

Housing Assistance•Hyannis, MA

About The Position

Engage with people who are requesting information through the agency for housing counseling, referrals, and financial assistance. The Housing Counselor will engage with individuals and families to provide requested information and counseling. Provide information and guidance regarding significant financial transactions with high risk clients. The Housing Counselor provides Reverse Mortgage counseling to clients who are required to receive unbiased information regarding the benefits and risks of a reverse mortgage while working with an outside lender. They also provide Foreclosure Counseling to clients who are delinquent in mortgage payments and at risk of losing their housing regarding the process of loss mitigation and reviewing financial information to make a determination of financial feasibility moving forward. This position will also administer funding for move-in or housing retention costs. Portuguese speaking applicants encouraged to apply. Language wage differential available

Requirements

Associate’s degree in human services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
Computer literacy including Word and Excel
Good written and oral communication skills
Achieve HUD HECM Counselor Certification within 6 months of hire.
Achieve HUD Housing Counselor Certification within 6 months of hire.
Mathematical capability for calculating budgets, debt to income ratios, etc.
Experience managing similar population
Experience working as part of a didactic team to address various client needs
Experience providing case management and/or referral in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Proficient in Portuguese strongly preferred
BA in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
Experience dealing with emotionally distressed individuals
Friendly, compassionate, patient demeanor
Detail oriented
Ability to prioritize/triage workload
Problem solving skills

Responsibilities

Conduct Reverse Mortgage Counseling as needed including:
Responding to clients within 24 hours of referral to schedule or refer to another agency
Preparation and mailing of required pre-counseling materials
Completing counseling session, reviewing financial information, and providing education on reverse mortgage options, including risks and benefits
Follow up with clients per HUD counseling requirements and per client request
Travel to client homes when they are housebound
Conduct Foreclosure Counseling as needed including:
Responding to clients within 24 hours of referral
Send pre-counseling intake information packet for completion by client
Completing counseling session, review financial information for determination of ability to pay forward, explain loss mitigation options, refer to community resources as applicable
Schedule additional appointments as necessary
Maintain contact with client throughout process and providing continuing contact until resolution has been achieved or client withdraws from counseling
If it is determined that client is unable to maintain housing, refer to Housing Search Specialist for housing search, if desired, refer to Realtors, attorneys, etc., as applicable/if desired
Administer financial assistance programs to eligible households
Meet with head of household to review eligibility
Liaison with landlord, if required
Complete required paperwork.
Establish and maintain relationships with lenders, local public funders, prevention programs, and landlords to assist clients who have identified need areas.
Develop and maintain knowledge of local area resources and programs to understand systems available to assist individuals and families including resources for domestic violence, evictions, housing search, rental assistance, and legal services.
Provide information and referral, including both internal and external resources.
Document and maintain up-to-date information on services provided to participants in Counselor Max, HCEC, FHA Connection, HAPPY, any other necessary electronic program, and per grant guidelines as necessary, and hard copy case records within 24 hours.
Maintain certifications to provide housing counseling services, including seeking and scheduling necessary trainings and exams to maintain said certifications.
Attend all meetings, trainings, and workshops as required.
Other duties as assigned.