Homegrown Program Grant Underwriter

Pay Range

$25.00/hr – $25.00/hr

Funding Notice

Position funded through the Home Grown Grant Program for a defined term of 1-3 years. Employment with NHS is strictly at‑will and contingent on ongoing grant funding.

Basic Job Function

The Program Grant Underwriter evaluates and determines eligibility for the Home Grown Purchase Assistance Grant Program. Conducts comprehensive application reviews, analyzes supporting documentation, verifies program compliance, and issues grant approval or denial decisions. Ensures each applicant meets all City of Chicago Department of Housing requirements and provides clear communication throughout the application lifecycle. Monitors the grant from application through closing and remains responsible for compliance tracking during the five‑year recapture period.

Principal

Job Duties & Responsibilities Application Intake & Documentation Review

• Request, collect, and review all required application documentation from prospective home buyers.
• Verify eligibility based on income, household composition, property characteristics, and other Home Grown program criteria.
• Identify missing or unclear information and follow up with applicants promptly.

Application Communication & Case Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective home buyers.
• Communicate status updates, application issues, and final determinations in a clear and timely manner.
• Provide guidance to applicants regarding documentation requirements and next steps.

Underwriting & Eligibility Determination

• Analyze applicant documentation, including income verification, mortgage details, homebuyer education certificates, property information, and credit considerations.
• Assess applications using established underwriting standards, program rules, and City of Chicago requirements.
• Issue formal grant approval or denial letters in accordance with eligibility outcomes.

Team Leadership & Workflow Oversight

• Establish and manage an application review team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Provide training, support, and quality control for team members involved in application intake and review.
• Collaborate with Program Administration and other internal teams to maintain coordinated program operations.

Grant Monitoring & Compliance Oversight

• Monitor the status of approved grants through the mortgage loan closing process.
• Ensure all required documentation is collected and properly recorded before closing.
• Track grant compliance during the five‑year recapture period, documenting changes in occupancy status, property transfers, or other triggering events.

Compensation & Benefits

$25/hour

• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Team spirit, excellence in customer service

Position Qualifications Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, public administration, urban planning, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of underwriting, lending, housing program administration, or grant eligibility determination experience.

Desired Skills

• Experience with income verification, mortgage documentation, or affordable housing programs strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with HUD requirements, down payment assistance programs, or government‑funded housing initiatives is a plus.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing sensitive documentation.
• Ability to manage deadlines and coordinate multiple applications simultaneously.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and digital documentation management.

Competencies

• Strong commitment to equity, confidentiality, and high‑quality service to diverse applicants.
• Customer/Client Focus
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Problem‑solving
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Collaboration & teamwork

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

This position involves a combination of office‑based work, virtual communication, and occasional community engagement. Some evening or…