Housing Counselor

Seeking self-motivated and passionate individual to provide Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) certified housing counseling services to clients, with a focus on efforts to support housing stability. Performs client eligibility assessments, analyzes credit reports and financial information, and provides effective housing counseling through one to one and group housing counseling activities. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills required, including the ability to convey suggestions/ideas in a constructive, nonjudgmental, and professional manner. Requires technical knowledge and certifications in mortgage delinquency, default resolution, and pre-purchase and post-purchase homeownership counseling.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements list below are representative of the knowledge, education, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides housing counseling services to clients, including financial management / budget counseling, pre-purchase counseling and homebuyer education, non-delinquency post-purchase housing counseling, mortgage delinquency and default resolution, and resolving/preventing mortgage delinquency.
• Completes intake process for clients, including screening and application processing.
• Maintains complete files and prepares accurate correspondence and reports in a timely manner in order to comply with HUD regulations.
• Assesses and evaluates client eligibility for assistance through the city or other agency programs in terms of written materials, oral presentation, and visual clues about various program guidelines.
• Interprets personal histories, analyzes client situations, and develops appropriate remediation plans for clients.
• Coordinates and conducts classroom training materials and programs related to housing, credit, personal financial, employment and self-sufficiency matters.
• Completes regular follow-up with clients to confirm they are progressing toward goals, answer questions, learn outcomes, and determine if should modify or terminate counseling services.
• Terminates counseling services in accordance with HUD regulations, including finalizing client files.
• Maintains the agency's counseling tracking database and client files including documentation of all meetings and correspondence as well as client outcomes.
• Completes and submits HUD reports.
• Coordinates and markets counseling services to outside agencies and targeted clients.
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports.
• Provides program information, answers questions, and assists the public.
• Develops new program proposals to meet changing environmental conditions, including changing client conditions and changes in the regulatory and funding environment.
• Assists with preparation of application materials and submissions for grant opportunities.
• Interprets legislation and regulations.
• Efficiently uses computer hardware and software to maintain detailed, neat, and accurate records.
• May be asked to assist with other programs, projects, and/or resources that benefit South Bend residents and neighborhoods.
• Operates vehicle to attend meetings and conduct business.
• Assists other staff as necessary
• Assumes additional responsibilities as apparent or as resqueted by Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

N/A

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be flexible.
• Demonstrated experience following processes to achieve goals.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to thoroughly and accurately document case work.
• Ability to read and write, understand and interpret regulations and legislation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required for interacting with clients, partner agencies, and general public.
• Good written and verbal communication skills required for public presentations.
• Working knowledge or computers and programs.
• Ability to effectively address the public; handle stressful situations; work cooperatively with others; handle multiple tasks; work under deadline pressure.
• Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings when necessary.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

• College degree or equivalent work experience in counseling, finance, business, social work, community development or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of work experience in housing, credit, personal financial, and/or delinquency counseling, community development, social work, or related field.
• Candidate can demonstrate qualifications through any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities, and skills to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must be a HUD Certified Housing Counselor at the time of application or within 60 days of hiring.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must be a HUD Certified Housing Counselor at the time of application or within 60 days of hiring.
• Valid Driver's license required.

EQUIPMENT:

Phone, personal computer including word processing, spreadsheet and publishing software; copy machine; fax machine; calculator; binding machine and car.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting, sitting primarily. The temperature in the work environment is moderate. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The entire office is smoke-free.

UNION AFFILIATION:

N/A

REQUIRED:

Pre-Employment Drug Screening

Background Check

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence - Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation - Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion - Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment - Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement

The City of South Bend is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.