Homeowner’s Advocate

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Homeowner’s Advocate is responsible for administering the Delinquency Procedures set forth by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s Finance Corporation, and for counseling families on budgeting and the financial obligations of home ownership.

Counsel and advise delinquent homeowners to assist them in bringing their accounts up to date including written correspondence, phone contacts, and home visits. Implement procedures to work with delinquent homeowners including:

• Send a first late notice on the 15th of the month;
• Make phone contact prior to the end of a month (approximately seven days after notice by mail);
• Send a second late notice on the last day of a month (written correspondence between steps with complete documentation);
• Send third late notice if no response is received by the 45th day;
• Send a 60‑day pre‑foreclosure letter if approved by the Finance Director;
• Make personal contact and/or a site visit if no response is received within 10 days.

Conduct a financial analysis and/or budget update while conducting a site visit, in addition to gathering outside photos or video of the structure.

Report on the findings of site visits to the Finance Director providing recommendations for future action; all correspondence and documentation related to the site visit should be documented in program files. Provide findings of facts, and recommendations to the Finance Board if the payment is more than 90 days late.

Identify solutions for delinquent accounts, if applicable, including modifications, involuntary payroll deductions, garnishments, payment agreements, forbearance relief, or deed in lieu of foreclosure. Utilize software collection tools (i.e., daily tickler report, loan flags, etc) when counseling and advising clients.

Prepare a list of delinquency contacts as well as payment history reports for files of homeowners recommended for foreclosure. Query internal system(s) and generate various letters to delinquent homeowners. Prepare quarterly delinquency reports for the Finance Director as requested. Keep full documentation of all correspondence both oral and verbal, in the account holder’s personal loan service file.

Schedule home visits and inspect properties under foreclosure immediately after a sheriff’s sale. Keep the Real Estate Agent informed as the foreclosure commences. Accurately process and enter daily payments and ACHs into mortgage software.

Perform HUD 184 delinquent loan reporting. Work closely with Finance Corporation attorney(s) on all legal action regarding delinquent accounts and foreclosure actions. Processing and reconcile daily payments and ACHs. Other Duties as assigned by supervisor.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Finance preferred, or experience necessary to counsel clients on budgeting and financial matters required.

Possess a working knowledge of foreclosure assistance available through other agencies that may be of assistance to program clients.

Knowledge and understanding of the services provided and procedures followed by the MCT Finance Corporation.

Must have the ability to learn collection laws and Tribal court policies and procedures regarding legal action pertaining to housing.

Interviewing and counseling skills in order to effectively communicate with delinquent homeowners and set up action plans.

Working knowledge of computers, including word processing and query capabilities.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to relate to all types of people in a friendly, positive and professional manner.

Excellent organizational skills.

Must have a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and the use of a privately owned vehicle for business purposes.