Housing Counselor

Position Summary 

The Housing Counselor is responsible for providing professional counseling in the area of pre-purchase, rental and fair housing, homeownership, financial coaching, post purchase, property tax services, and foreclosure prevention. Following the National Industry Standards of Homeownership and HUD guidelines, counselors assess, provide education, and guide clients towards the goal of having affordable, stable housing. Counselors coordinate with landlords, lenders, and servicers, acting as advocates for clients in an effort to obtain the best mortgage products or mediate issues.  

This position reports to the Housing Counseling Manager. This is a hybrid position, with in-person work conducted at Congreso’s main office and occasionally in the community. Work location is subject to change based on program needs.  

The Housing Counselor applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role. 

Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision. We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ , and women to apply. Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Essential Functions 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential 

functions listed below. 

• Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
• Performs pre-purchase, post purchase, rental, and default and delinquency housing counseling in accordance with PHFA, DHCD, and National Industry standards and best practices.
• Completes comprehensive intake assessment that includes review of credit history, income, and savings to determine eligibility for housing, and other diversified assistance programs.
• Makes recommendations for clients to improve credit, build savings, and navigates housing concerns and goals.
• Attends diversion court and advocates for clients to prevent client mortgage foreclosure.
• Works with banks, realtors, and lending institutions to meet the needs of our clients.
• Performs all case management data entry in funder and agency databases.

• Supports the Housing Counseling Manager with reporting as necessary.
• Helps facilitate PHFA workshops that meet the financial needs of clients (Pre Purchase, Fair Housing, Foreclosure Prevention, and Anti-Predatory Lending)

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

All Staff Competencies 

• Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
• Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
• Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
• Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
• Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
• Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills required

Supervisory Responsibilities: