Company Overview
El Centro, Inc. is dedicated to strengthening communities and enhancing the lives of Latinos and other underserved populations through educational, health, wealth, and advocacy opportunities. Our mission drives us to create impactful programs that foster empowerment and equity.
Job Overview
The Housing Coordinator serves as El Centro's lead staff member for housing stability, homeownership education, and asset-building initiatives. The Coordinator is responsible for coordinating housing-related educational programs, providing individualized housing coaching, strengthening partnerships with financial institutions and housing industry professionals, and supporting families as they work toward purchasing, maintaining, and protecting their homes.
The Housing Coordinator oversees El Centro's Bienvenido a Mi Casa (Welcome to My Home) Program while also coordinating all homebuyer education activities offered by El Centro, including workshops, presentations, special events, and collaborative educational opportunities with community partners. The Coordinator works closely with families to increase financial readiness, improve access to housing resources, and develop long-term strategies for building and preserving generational wealth.
The position also oversees El Centro's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and ITIN application support services, recognizing the critical role tax preparation and financial documentation play in mortgage readiness and economic stability. In response to emerging community needs, the Housing Coordinator additionally supports asset protection initiatives by connecting families with trusted legal partners and resources designed to safeguard homes, property, and other family assets.
This position aligns with El Centro’s long-term goal of moving families from Housing Stability → Homeownership → Asset Protection → Generational Wealth.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee all housing and homeownership education activities offered through El Centro, including classes, workshops, seminars, and special events.
Lead implementation of the Bienvenido a Mi Casa Program, including participant recruitment, enrollment, coaching, retention, and outcome tracking.
Coordinate homebuyer education classes and workshops in partnership with lenders, realtors, title companies, housing agencies, attorneys, and other community partners.
Develop annual calendars for housing education opportunities and ensure programs are accessible, culturally responsive, and aligned with community needs.
Monitor participant progress toward homeownership goals and provide individualized guidance and support throughout the homebuying process.
Provide one-on-one housing coaching and strengths-based case management to individuals and families seeking to purchase, maintain, or preserve housing.
Meet regularly with participants to establish and monitor goals related to savings, budgeting, debt reduction, credit improvement, tax preparation, and mortgage readiness.
Assess barriers to homeownership and coordinate referrals to internal and external resources as appropriate.
Support participants in accessing public benefits, financial assistance programs, and other services that contribute to housing stability.
Maintain accurate participant records, case notes, action plans, and follow-up documentation.
Coordinate El Centro's annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
Recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers, community partners, and tax preparation sites as needed.
Assist with outreach and participant recruitment for VITA services.
Coordinate services that support the preparation and filing of accurate Federal and State income tax returns for low-income individuals and families.
Support ITIN education, application assistance, and referral processes for individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security Number.
Provide year-round education and coaching to help families understand tax responsibilities, maximize available credits, and prepare for future tax seasons.
Assist housing program participants in understanding how tax documentation impacts mortgage eligibility and financial readiness.
Coordinate El Centro's Asset Protection Protocol and related educational activities.
Work collaboratively with legal aid organizations, attorneys, estate planning professionals, and other partners to help families protect homes, property, businesses, and financial assets.
Educate community members on topics such as property ownership, wills, powers of attorney, transfer-on-death deeds, estate planning, and other asset preservation strategies.
Identify emerging community concerns related to housing security, property ownership, and wealth preservation and assist in developing educational responses.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, real estate professionals, title companies, housing agencies, legal partners, and community organizations.
Represent El Centro at housing-related coalitions, community meetings, partner events, and professional networks.
Collaborate with internal departments to ensure clients receive coordinated and holistic support across Education, Health, Wealth, and Advocacy programs.
Participate in community outreach and recruitment efforts that increase awareness of housing and financial empowerment opportunities.
Maintain accurate records and participant data in agency databases and reporting systems.
Track program outcomes related to housing education, home purchases, VITA participation, ITIN applications, asset protection services, and other performance measures.
Collect participant success stories and testimonials.
Assist with preparation of grant reports, funder updates, program evaluations, and internal reporting requirements.
Work collaboratively with staff across all departments to strengthen integrated service delivery.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, agency events, and advocacy initiatives.
Carry out the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of El Centro.
Perform other duties as assigned.
KEY COMPETENCIES/SKILLS
· Strong relationship-building and partnership development skills
· Knowledge of homeownership, mortgage readiness, and housing systems
· Financial coaching and goal-setting skills
· Case management and client engagement experience
· Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish
· Public speaking and workshop facilitation skills
· Organizational and project management skills
· Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
· Data management and reporting skills
· Cultural responsiveness and community-centered practice
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database systems
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
· Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Housing, Community Development, Business, Finance, Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or related field preferred.
· Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in housing counseling, financial education, community development, nonprofit services, case management, banking, lending, real estate, or related field.
· Experience working with low- to moderate-income families preferred.
· Experience facilitating adult education workshops and community presentations preferred.
· Experience coordinating partnerships and community-based programs preferred.
· Bilingual (English/Spanish)
· Experience working with Latino communities strongly preferred.
· Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the service area.
· Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for community events and outreach activities.
Preferred Requirements
· HUD Housing Counseling certification or willingness to obtain certification.
· Experience with VITA programs, tax preparation, ITIN assistance, or financial coaching.
· Familiarity with mortgage lending, credit building, and homeownership programs.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
· Demonstrated commitment to economic mobility and wealth-building opportunities for Latino families and underserved communities.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
· Ability to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Join us in creating meaningful change through dynamic outreach efforts! This role offers an inspiring environment where your leadership can empower communities while advancing your career in social impact work.
Pay: $19.40 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
