Homeownership Counselor

Counseling and Education Manager Position Summary Our Homeownership Counselors provide personalized, one-on-one homebuyer and homeowner coaching to help customers reach their personal goals.

Our Homeownership Counselors can talk with customers about the process of buying a home, available resources that may be available to assist with the homebuying process, how to plan for a home purchase, what to do if your mortgage payment isn’t affordable, and much more.

About nwwpa

• We work with customers to understand what is happening and what comes next when it comes to your home.
• Our team is a valuable resource for anyone in the Western Pennsylvania area who has homeownership on their minds.
• All NWWPA Homeownership Counselors are credentialed by NeighborWorks America, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
• We also operate on a 4-day workweek and recognize all federal holidays.
• For more than 50 years, NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania (NWWPA) has promoted stable, vibrant communities by providing our neighbors with comprehensive homeownership services.
• Legendary community organizer Dorothy Richardson founded our organization, then known as Neighborhood Housing Services, to address the lack of safe and affordable housing on Pittsburgh’s Northside.
• The success of Richardson and her neighbors, using a resident-led model, inspired a national network of community-based organizations.
• Today, NWWPA is a leader in sustainable homeownership, preparing first-time homebuyers and supporting homeowners in Western Pennsylvania through online education and one-on-one counseling.
• Our team of experienced housing counselors and educators adhere to the highest standards of quality and accountability in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Through virtual meetings, assigned actions plans, and learning modules customers will work with a Homeownership Counselor to define their own needs, timelines, and goals.
• NWWPA works with individuals and families looking to purchase a home as well as those looking to preserve homeownership in the event of foreclosure proceedings.
• Provide customer-driven pre-purchase and post-purchase counseling services including foreclosure prevention virtually through Zoom video conferencing technology; Maintain knowledge of referral opportunities and resources as appropriate (to include down payment assistance grants, bankruptcy and other legal issues, home improvement, local government resources, and housing assistance programs); Accurately and consistently update and maintain customer records in Salesforce for effective compliance, billing, and relationship management; Present various customer and partner education series in-person or virtually as necessary; Complete all relevant training and certifications within 18 months including HUD Housing Counselor certification, including annual travel to attend NeighborWorks National Training Institutes (NTIs) at varying locations across the country; and Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Preference will be given to individuals with at least two years experience in: Housing, financial, or foreclosure counseling Retail or mortgage lending Candidates without above backgrounds should have experience in case management, mental health counseling, customer service/relationship building, education or other customer-facing related area Independent learning style that can be supplemented with trainings, team meetings, and shadowing opportunities Strong interpersonal skills and a customer service orientation including a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to working towards individual’s goals and success measures Candidates must possess reliable transportation to travel to events and to the office on a regular basis.

Preferred

• General flexibility and willingness to adapt to rapid changes including comfort with new technologies and record management systems Additional preference will be given to individuals who currently hold a HUD Housing Counselor certification but training and support will be provided Status: Position is full-time and will require some evening and weekend hours with possible travel to various work sites, trainings, and partner meetings.

Benefits

• Neighborworks offers a comprehensive benefit package including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage, vacation and sick time, life insurance, 401k with discretionary company match, mileage and expense reimbursement.

Salary Range

$44,000- $48,000 Terms: This position and all NWWPA services currently operate on a hybrid model, including some in-office requirements during the tenure of the position, and any candidate must be flexible as such. All candidates must either reside in or relocate to the Southwestern PA area within 6 months of hire.

Learn more at

. NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We make employment decisions based on job related criteria, regardless of age, sex, race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other non-work related criteria. EEO/M/F/D/V employer. We value diverse voices and ideas and encourage applicants of all identities to apply.