Housing Counselor and Educator, Certified

CHN HOUSING PARTNERS

Housing Counselor and Educator, Certified

This position requires alternative work availability during evenings and on weekends to meet programming goals and resident needs.

We are a growing non-profit organization based in Cleveland, Ohio that offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities to grow within the organization, and the ability to improve the communities we serve.

CHN Housing Partners: CHN is a highly seasoned, nonprofit affordable housing developer, housing service provider and residential mortgage lender that works with its partners to solve major housing challenges for low-income people and under-served communities. Through our partnerships we have developed over 7,000 affordable homes, and each year serve over 60,000 families through a wide array of housing services.

We work in Ohio and neighboring states, including Michigan, to preserve and expand affordable housing, and build equitable communities. By investing in affordable housing, we are investing in families, communities, and the economy. We are investing in the power of the permanent address.

CHN offers the following benefits to its employees: Medical (including dental and vision options), Vacation, Personal and Sick Leave; Paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave; Paid Holidays; Life Insurance; 401K Plan, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Position Summary: The Housing Counselor and Educator, Certified, will lead and support CHN Housing Partners’ group and community education efforts, as well as provide one-on-one counseling services.

CHN Housing Partners' Financial Mobility Department provides ongoing training to its housing counseling staff. If not already certified, the Housing Counselor and Educator will provided education necessary to attain HUD Housing Counseling certification.

As a NeighborWorks America member, CHN supports staff in attaining NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC) certifications (e.g. Financial Capabilities, Pre-Purchase Homeownership Education, Homeownership Counseling, Post-Purchase Homeownership Education, and/or Foreclosure Intervention and Default Counseling).

The rate of pay for this position is $47,500 – $50,000 per year, commensurate with experience (paid at an hourly rate; FLSA Non-Exempt).

A comprehensive list of essential duties and responsibilities can be found below.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Group and Community Education (60%)
• Lead CHN Housing Partners’ in-house, monthly Homebuyer Education course and Financial Capabilities/Money Management course. Classes may be held in the evening and/or on weekends, scheduling flexibility is required.
• Lead and/or participate in community education at CHN Housing Partners or off-site at partner organizations.
• Work with program manager to develop curriculum based off of client need.
• Build relationships with bank partners and keep up-to-date with mortgage and first-time homebuyer products that may be beneficial to CHN’s clients.
• Attend outreach event to promote CHN Housing Partners’ services and expand our work in the community in which our clients live.
• Housing and Financial Counseling (30%)
• Meet individually with clients to:
• Learn and document client’s financial and/or homeownership goal;
• Create a sustainable spending plan, based on current income and expenses;
• Review credit reports and provide guidance around credit repair;
• Determine eligibility for income and household support programs;
• Link residents to mainstream financial products, particularly those that promote savings;
• Review short- and long-term goals and create a work plan with steps to reach each goal;
• Provide consistent and timely follow-up to residents in alignment with funder guidelines.
• Maintain a caseload of 4-6 counseling clients per week.
• Enter client-level data into Salesforce. Ensure data is accurate, entered in a timely manner, and meets all funder guidelines. Similarly, ensure all physical files meet funder guidelines and are maintained appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned – maintain all relevant certifications; cross-training with other CHN programs / departments is highly encouraged. (10%)
  
  

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

Required:

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent
  
  
  

Experience:

• 3+ years of housing counseling, financial coaching, class instruction, or experience/work in a similar field
  
  
  

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work with families on goal setting, especially as it relates to economic mobility.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate well.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with persons of diverse backgrounds. Able to accommodate clients with varied needs.
• Strong computer skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and with Customer Relationship Management software.
  
  
  

Other:

• If not already certified, the Housing Counselor and Educator will be required to attain certification within 6 months of hire. Travel to training event may be required.
• Financial Mobility would like to expand its reach into the communities it serves – minor travel may be required for outreach events.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends (depending on outreach event and education schedule)
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• LSW or degree in Social Work
• Proficiency in Spanish
• Working knowledge of Salesforce
• Prior project management experience
  
  
  

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other standards.
• Regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other standards.
  
  
  

Why Should You Apply?

• You want to be part of an organization where the work you do will have a positive and lasting difference in the community.
• Great benefits.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training and/or professional development.
  
  
  

M/F/V/D/EOE