Housing Counselor (Maryland)

Position Summary: The Bilingual Housing Counselor provides direct housing counseling and group education to LEDC clients on the homebuying process, affordability and financial capability, rental counseling, post-purchase, foreclosure prevention, and first-time homebuyer programs. The counselor serves clients throughout the Metropolitan area and Baltimore, works closely with the Housing Counseling Team, and reports to the Housing Counseling & Services Program Manager – Maryland.

This position requires working one evening per week (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) and at least one Saturday per month.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide individual housing counseling to support clients in achieving their housing goals, including:
• Rental counseling
• Affordability and financial capability
• Pre-purchase counseling for prospective homebuyers
• Post-purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling
• Analyze clients’ financial capacity and develop individualized action plans
• Assist clients with applications for down payment assistance, homeowner assistance, and affordable rental programs
• Maintain communication with professionals involved in the homebuying process, including lenders, underwriters, realtors, and settlement agents
• Provide technical assistance, including document collection, application submission, and follow-up
• Conduct group workshops and presentations on housing counseling topics
• Conduct outreach to promote housing counseling services
• Document services, maintain case files, and track clients case management and data using CounselorMax and other systems in accordance with program requirements
• Assist with program reporting and administrative requirements in a timely and accurate manner
• Participate in housing counseling initiatives across LEDC service areas
• Obtain and maintain required certifications, including HUD and NCHEC certifications, and participate in professional development opportunities

Specific duties may vary based on program needs, funding requirements, and operational priorities. As the role evolves, additional responsibilities may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:

We recognize that candidates may meet these qualifications in different ways and encourage individuals with a passion for community-centered work to apply, even if their experience does not align perfectly with every item listed.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages.
•  Ability to study for, pass, and obtain the HUD Housing Counseling Certification in the first three months of employment.   HUD Housing Certification at time of hire strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree & 2 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and program goals. 
• Strong customer service orientation with a friendly, patient, and professional demeanor.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize deadlines.
• Detail-oriented and dependable, with strong follow-through and documentation practices.
• Flexibility to work evenings and Saturdays as required to meet client and program needs.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, problem-solving, and culturally responsive communication.

Additional Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of down payment assistance programs in the DMV area
• Knowledge of affordable housing regulations, eligibility requirements, and compliance standards.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications within the designated timeframe
• Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed, to support program delivery and community events.
• Ability to travel to support clients, programs, events, and other office locations.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• HUD Housing Counseling Certification at time of hire. 
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Creative, solution-oriented approach to client support and case management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience using CounselorMax or comparable client management databases.
• Prior experience in client-facing, case management, administrative, or community-based service roles.

LEDC will cover the cost of up to three attempts to obtain the HUD certification. Continued employment in the role is contingent upon obtaining certification within the required timeframe.   

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanners.
• The office environment is generally climate-controlled; however, temperatures may vary, and some individuals may find it too warm or too cool at times.
• Hybrid Work Model: LEDC maintains a hybrid workplace model. In-office schedules vary by team, but all staff are expected to be able to report to the office any day of the week, as needed.
• Schedule: Typical office hours are 9am-5pm, however the finalized schedule is approved by this position’s supervisor. This is a full-time, exempt position, which typically requires 40 hours per week. Some travel or work outside of normal hours may be required.
• Travel: This role requires occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and events within the DMV region. Rarely, occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Primary Reporting Location: 12520 Prosperity Drive, Suite 200 Silver Spring, Maryland

Physical Requirements:

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some or all of the following may be required.:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods (e.g., sitting at a desk).
• Ability to move about the office to access files, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to occasionally move/lift/carry up to 10–20 pounds (e.g., office supplies, files, equipment).
• Constant operation of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and scanner.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment (copiers, printers, scanners, telephones)
• The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, external stakeholders and clients who have inquiries about our services and/or their cases. The incumbent must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Constantly views and reads information on a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet).
• Ability to hear and respond to spoken communication during meetings, calls, and office interactions.
• Regularly works in an office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to enter and move through commercial buildings, including navigating stairs, elevators, hallways, and uneven surfaces.
• Occasionally required to travel to external locations for meetings, trainings, or events.

This list is not exhaustive, and other reasonable physical requirements may be assigned as needed to support the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $58,467.00 to 66,974.00, commensurate with experience and team budget and covers all hours worked. LEDC provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Options for employer-paid healthcare, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid sick leave, vacation, and personal days.
• Additional benefits and resources to support employee wellbeing.

How To Apply:

Send your cover letter* and resume to housingjobs@ledcmetro.org, with a subject line of: Bilingual Housing Counselor - MD. No phone calls please!

*In lieu of a cover letter, you may send your responses to the following questions: 

• Why are you interested in the Bilingual Housing Counselor - MD role?
• How do your skills and experiences make you a good candidate for the Bilingual Housing Counselor role?
• How do your values and experience align with LEDC’s mission to drive economic growth in our region by equipping individuals with the skills and resources to achieve financial prosperity through homeownership and building thriving businesses?