HUD Certified Counselor

• Base Pay $23.50 - $24.50 / Hour
• Relocation Expense Covered No
• Employee Type Non Exempt FT
• Required Degree 2 Year Degree
• Manage Others No

• Name Human Resources

Purpose of Position
The HUD-Certified Housing Counselor provides comprehensive counseling to individuals and families seeking support with home ownership, rental housing, foreclosure prevention, credit improvement, budgeting, and long-term housing stability. This role maintains certification through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and follows all HUD guidelines and ethical standards.

CERTIFICATION

Required:

• HUD Certification required; however, if hired, will be granted the opportunity to become HUD certified within 90 days of hire. Employees who earn the HUD certification within 90 days of hire receive a 3–5% rate increase.
• Applicants with certifications from the Neighbor Works Center for Home ownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC) will be given higher consideration in the applicant pool.

CORE DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES (Abbreviated):

Counseling Services

• Provide one-on-one and group housing counseling in the areas of:
• Pre-purchase/home buying education
• Credit and budget counseling
• Rental counseling
• Foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation
• Assess clients’ financial and housing situations, develop action plans, and provide ongoing support to help clients achieve housing goals.
• Interpret client credit reports to assess financial health; provide guidance on improving credit scores and resolving negative accounts as part of the housing readiness process.
• Evaluate client income, expenses, and debt to determine affordable housing options and develop sustainable household budgets.
• Assist clients at risk of foreclosure by reviewing their mortgage status, evaluating hardship circumstances, and explaining available loss mitigation options (e.g., loan modification, repayment plans, forbearance, short sale, deed-in-lieu).
• Assist renters in understanding lease agreements, tenant rights and responsibilities, and strategies for maintaining stable housing.
• Guide clients through available local/state rental assistance programs and connect them with legal aid or emergency resources when needed.

Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client files and records in accordance with HUD, agency, and grantor requirements.
• Maintain and manage an average caseload of 50 clients, ensuring timely follow-up, progress tracking, and documentation in compliance with HUD and agency standards.
• Enter data into required databases (e.g., Counselor Max and other systems as required).

Outreach and Education

• Conduct the First Time Homebuyer/Post Purchase workshops and seminars on topics such as homebuyer education, financial literacy, and tenant rights. Workshops are held weekdays and weekends accordingly.
• Partners with community organizations, lenders, realtors, and public agencies to promote housing counseling services and expand client outreach.

Program Development and Support

• Assist in the development and implementation of housing-related programs and materials.
• Stay updated on housing policies, HUD regulations, and best practices through continued education and professional development.
• Support agency reporting and funding efforts by contributing data and narratives for grants and audits.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, pre-implementation and community events.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments and external partners to coordinate client services and referrals.

EDUCATION AND/OR

EXPERIENCE:


Bachelor’s Degree in the field of business, counseling, social work, education or related human service field. An Associate’s Degree may substitute with at least two years of related experience.

OTHER…