Job Description: HUD-Certified Housing Counselor
Position Title:: HUD-Certified Housing Counselor
Department: Housing and Community Services
Reports To: Director of Housing Services
Position Summary
The HUD-Certified Housing Counselor provides comprehensive housing counseling services to individuals and families seeking to obtain, maintain, or improve stable housing. Counseling services may include pre-purchase homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, rental counseling, financial capability coaching, fair housing education, homelessness prevention, post-purchase counseling, and default/delinquency intervention. The Housing Counselor works directly with clients to assess housing needs, develop individualized action plans, provide referrals to community resources, and maintain compliance with HUD and other funding requirements.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesHousing Counseling Services (60%)
- Conduct one-on-one housing counseling sessions in accordance with HUD regulations and agency policies.
- Complete housing assessments to identify barriers to housing stability and homeownership.
- Develop individualized housing action plans with measurable goals and follow-up activities.
- Provide counseling in areas including:
- First-time homebuyer preparation
- Mortgage readiness
- Rental counseling
- Foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation
- Homelessness prevention
- Post-purchase homeowner support
- Financial management and budgeting
- Fair housing rights and responsibilities
- Assist clients in understanding mortgage products, credit reports, debt management, and housing affordability.
- Provide referrals to community resources and supportive services as needed.
- Conduct follow-up appointments to monitor client progress and outcomes.
Education and Workshop Facilitation (15%)
- Facilitate HUD-approved homebuyer education workshops and other housing-related trainings.
- Develop and update educational materials and presentations.
- Deliver financial capability and housing stability workshops for individuals and groups.
- Support outreach efforts to increase community awareness of housing counseling services.
Documentation and Compliance (15%)
- Maintain accurate and timely client records in agency databases and HUD-approved systems.
- Complete required documentation, case notes, action plans, and client outcome tracking.
- Ensure compliance with HUD Housing Counseling Program requirements and agency standards.
- Prepare files for internal and external monitoring, audits, and grant reviews.
- Track performance measures and report outcomes as required by funders.
Partnerships and Community Engagement (10%)
- Build and maintain relationships with lenders, landlords, real estate professionals, social service providers, and community organizations.
- Participate in community events, outreach activities, and housing fairs.
- Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to support client success.
- Stay informed on local housing market trends, housing policies, and available resources.
Required Qualifications
- Current HUD Housing Counselor Certification required.
- Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, public administration, finance, community development, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing counseling, financial counseling, case management, workforce development, or a related human services field.
- Knowledge of housing counseling principles, mortgage lending, fair housing laws, landlord-tenant issues, and financial capability education.
- Strong interviewing, assessment, and client engagement skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and client management/database systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive client information.
Preferred Qualifications
- HUD Certified Housing Counselor with experience in multiple counseling disciplines.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Experience working with low- to moderate-income households.
- Knowledge of local housing assistance programs and community resources.
- Experience with grant-funded programs and compliance reporting.
Core Competencies
- Client-Centered Service
- Cultural Competency
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Data Management and Documentation
- Time Management and Organization
- Public Speaking and Workshop Facilitation
- Collaboration and Relationship Building
- Attention to Detail and Compliance
Working Conditions
- Combination of office, remote, and community-based work environments.
- May require evening or occasional weekend workshops and outreach events.
- Local travel required for community meetings, outreach activities, and client services.
- Ability to sit, stand, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.
Performance Indicators
- Number of counseling sessions completed.
- Client goal attainment and housing outcomes.
- Workshop attendance and participant satisfaction.
- Timely and accurate documentation.
- Compliance with HUD and grant requirements.
- Successful completion of program reporting and monitoring reviews.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
