HFHSTW Mission Statement: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Position Summary: The Homeownership Counselor is responsible for carrying out the affiliate’s homeownership client intake, counseling, education, and closing process, with particular emphasis on either preparing applicants for successful partnership in HFHSTW’s homeownership program or successful qualification with an outside lender, utilizing HUD compliant practices.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks 

Homeownership Counseling Activities

           Pass HUD certification exam within 2 months of hire

           Counsel clients and keep records in compliance with all HUD certification requirements 

Orient clients to the St. Tammany Homeownership Center services and accept intake packet

Document household income, expenses, debt, and other required information

Identify potential loan programs for income level

Discuss underwriting criteria and pros and cons of Habitat and outside loan options

Collect credit report fee, run initial credit report, and review with homebuyer

Identify credit challenges

Facilitate analysis and modification of homebuyer household budget

Conduct calculations including affordability based on income and debt

Create written action plan for resolution of credit, budget, and/or other issues

Provide structured follow-up to written action plan

Document all activity in Counselor Max client management system

Screen/coordinate participants through available Individual Development Account Programs

Make referrals to other lenders or entities for additional services as needed

Homeownership Education Activities

Teach/Facilitate the following:

Financial Fitness classes

Homebuyer Education classes

Additional classes as needed

Identify and engage subject matter experts for classes as appropriate

Loan Origination Activities

Obtain and maintain requirements for Qualified Loan Originator status per Habitat for Humanity International requirements

Conduct regular income and credit verification throughout the partnership phase for HFHSTW homebuyers

Conduct final loan qualifying activities as HFHSTW acts of sale approach

Perform loan origination for HFHSTW closings using Calyx Point system

Work with outside lenders of non-Habitat clients, including packaging USDA 502 Direct loans

Obtain homeownership counseling and education certifications as required

Obtain USDA 502 Direct loan packaging certification

     General 

           Ensure all record keeping, tracking and reporting is complete, timely, and in compliance with appropriate guidelines.           

           Participate in community housing-related groups and coalitions

Report non-routine matters to your supervisor timely

Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

    Commitment and willingness to advocate for HFHSTW’s mission and Strategic Plan

Sensitivity to the needs of, and ability to work well with, low-income and diverse family units

Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of homebuyer information

Proven ability to plan and organize, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, and meet strict time lines under considerable changes in priorities at times

Capacity to develop and maintain successful and productive business relationships with Homebuyers, Volunteers, Board of Directors, co-workers, and outside entities

Excellent communication, interpersonal, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

    Strong working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Ability to maintain a professional manner in all situations

Professional appearance – business casual applicable to the work of the day

Strong commitment to professional development

Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

Self-motivated – ability to work independently

Comfort with public speaking

Ability to organize time, thoughts and energy on the job

Commitment to a Drug & Smoke Free workplace

Commitment to OSHA safety and reporting requirements to interface with CEO’s staff safety designee

Commitment to follow any applicable pandemic protocols

Ability to legally work in the United States

Education Requirements 

Four-year degree, plus two years of experience in housing counseling/education/non-profit residential lending strongly preferred

Five years of relevant experience may be substituted for the degree

Current or recent housing counseling certification preferred

Special Position Requirements

Availability outside of regular business hours, generally evenings

Reliable insured transportation

Ability to be insured by HFHSTW’s automobile insurance carrier

Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements 

Ability to communicate and exchange information

Ability to sit for extended periods of time

Ability to stand for extended periods of time

Ability to walk for extended periods of time

Ability to use fingers to type, grab & manipulate

Ability to identify, recognize, perceive, observe, and assess potential issues/concerns

To apply: email your resume to Tori Simmons at tsimmons@habitatstw.org