Bilingual Housing Counselor I

Description

This team member must be fluent in both Spanish and English to serve all the following roles in a bilingual capacity. Responsible for providing education, advice, coaching, and counseling for prospective homebuyers and/or those seeking to improve their financial circumstances in person, by telephone or web-based in one-on-one, small group, and large workshop settings. Understand and carry out our mission in service of the community. Serve as an advocate for the client in achieving their homeownership and money management goals. Prepare accurate budget and action plan documents and maintain comprehensive online counseling files. Participate in the design and implementation of new financial services to enhance existing Homeownership Center services. Candidates who demonstrate strong performance may be eligible for advancement, with the potential to grow into Housing Counselor II or III positions. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Educate Prospective Homebuyers: 

1. Responsible for teaching regular group classes for homebuyer education in both English and Spanish and managing course materials and content to maintain program relevance and compliance with standards.
2. Research new and innovative adult education techniques and develop recommendations.  
3. Develop and implement strategies for outreach to and engagement of Spanish-speaking families and other underserved communities seeking NWGB’s homeownership programs (homebuyer education, homeownership counseling, down payment assistance, post-purchase services, home improvement loans, etc.)

• Counsel Existing and Prospective Homebuyers: 

1. Meet in person, by phone, and video conference for one-on-one or small group counseling on pre- and post-purchase issues in both English and Spanish.
2. Coordinate with Lender and Loan Processor to identify most appropriate Down Payment Assistance funds and complete tasks to facilitate that assistance.
3. Identify and Develop New Products and Services: Collaborate with staff and external partners to create and implement creative solutions to neighborhood and organizational challenges. 

• Maintain Files and Records: 

1. Use both electronic databases and hardcopy files to manage client data and compliance information.
2. Prepare and Error-Check Reports: Compile accurate reports from on-line systems.   
3. Translate key documents and promotional materials from English to Spanish.

Competencies

• Be a solutions-oriented problem solver who advocates for the client and is understanding and nonjudgmental.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with calmness and courtesy.
• Demonstrate good judgment, common sense, maturity, and team spirit.  
• Requires attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, public relations, and interviewing skills. 
• Excellent time management skills.

Benefits: 

• 15 days of paid vacation annually
• 4 hours of sick leave per month
• 13 fully paid holidays
• Hybrid work schedule after introductory period 
• Employer-Assisted Home Purchase

Health & Wellness Benefits:

• Group health insurance (75% employer-paid)
• Health Savings Account eligible if enrolled in group health insurance 
• Dental insurance (100% employer-paid)
• Vision insurance (100% employer-paid)
• Life insurance (100% employer-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% employer-paid)
• Long-term disability (100% employer-paid)
• Employee Assistance Program 

Retirement Benefits:

• Employer matching contributions up to 5% 

Requirements

 Required Qualifications

• HUD Certified Housing Counselor (or ability to obtain within three (3) months)
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Proficient in the use of computers, including use of Microsoft Office software

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of counseling, teaching, real estate sales, or non-profit affordable housing experience.
• Proficient in the use of Salesforce CRM

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the following activities:

• Lifting up to 10-20 pounds.
• Carrying up to 10-20 pounds.
• Frequent standing and sitting.
• Ability to focus for long periods of time on projects.
• Ability to reach, stoop, and lift.
• Ability to drive a car.