Homeownership Advisor VISTA

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm. Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings and weekends as needed

FLSA: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY
The Homeownership Advisor is responsible for providing counseling, comprehensive education workshops and presentations to clients and prospective homeowners. The Homeownership Advisor will conduct one-on-one sessions, advise prospective buyers on the best options for pursuing homeownership, and develop customized action plans. The Homeownership Advisor is also responsible for compiling data, maintaining information, and providing reports related to the client’s path to homeownership.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individual pre-purchase counseling sessions to individuals interested in pursuing homeownership. Provide financial management and home maintenance education for existing homeowners
• Facilitate homebuyer and post-purchase education sessions and workshops. Conduct one-on-one customized sessions based on potential buyer needs
• Conduct research and outreach to develop prospective home buyers to match properties in target areas
• Develop and maintain positive on-going relationships with pro-city real estate agents
• Prepare materials for workshops, manage registration process, and conduct a minimum of seven (7) homebuyer workshops each year. Prepare curriculum and lesson plans based on established guidelines
• Provide education and resources to households seeking assistance with refinance, home improvement or debt consolidation loans
• Present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, lenders, home seekers, residents, and general public
• Complete NeighborWorks continuing education classes and counseling courses.
• Positively represent NHS of Baltimore at various housing events and activities (i.e. Live Baltimore, Live Near Your Work, Cash Campaign, local college events, etc.)
• Perform thorough follow up on all cases. Maintain and update electronic and paper files for each client. Ensure compliance with HUD standards for maintaining individual counseling files and records
• Provide tax sale prevention counseling, assist clients with water bill relief and other programs and resources as needed
• Determine customer affordability and incentive eligibility for various programs
• Provide follow up services for each customer in the caseload
• Attend relevant training sessions and update staff with information, as applicable
• Implement and adhere to all NHS counseling procedures. Provide data for preparation of monthly, semi-monthly, and annual reports
• Serve as an advocate for default and/or foreclosure clients to servicers or mortgage lenders as needed
• Work closely with volunteers and abide by the conflict of interest and confidentiality policies of program
• Attend all group and program staff meetings and trainings
• Perform additional tasks and duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Minimum of three (3) years of counseling, affordable housing, loan processing, or related work experience
• Previous case management experience required. Prior lending experience is a plus
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of first-time buyer programs and closing cost assistance programs
• Familiarity with all Healthy Neighborhoods blocks in the targeted communities and associated incentive programs
• Basic knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in the mortgage and housing industry
• Strong understanding of high-risk mortgage products associated with foreclosures. Ability to analyze loan documents in order to identify predatory or abusive lending
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills. Ability to connect quickly and build rapport with others
• Excellent planning, follow through, and organizational skills
• Effective listening and problem solving skills. Demonstrated ability to gather critical information and develop solutions to resolve identified or anticipated problems
• Ability to empathize and assist homeowners in danger of defaulting on mortgages. Provide tools and resources to resolve issues and create homeowner independence
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong public speaking skills
• Professional presentation and demeanor
• Ability to travel within the area to attend meetings, workshops, and events
• Flexibility to work outside of a standard forty (40) hour work week schedule, which may include evenings, nights, and weekends
• Ability to learn new systems, procedures, and concepts quickly
• Experience using client or counseling tracking systems
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Basic math skills
• Bilingual skills are a plus

EDUCATION REQUIRED

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. College degree or additional education is a plus
• HUD Certified Housing Counselor, or ability to obtain certification within first three (3) months of employment is required

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience using counseling tracking software, Home Counselor Online (HCO) is a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, smart phones, office phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit for long periods of time, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 25 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.