Housing Counselor (I, II, III)

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California began in December 1944 when a group of Lutheran congregations in San Diego came together to discuss how to better assist families in need. They began discussing how to form a Welfare Commission. Their vision expanded when they came together with another group of Lutheran congregations in Los Angeles having the very same conversation. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California was officially incorporated in 1946 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service agency. The mission has stayed true to its earliest beginnings, to be a servant to those in need. Today LSSSC serves thousands of individuals and families throughout Southern California with over 70 different programs/services at nearly 20 different locations. We are part of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network and strive to serve those in need with dignity and respect.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s Mission: Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable people in Southern California.

Housing Counselor I – $22.00-$23.50 per hour.

Housing Counselor II – $24.00-$25.50 per hour.

Housing Counselor III – $26.00-$31.00 per hour.

The three levels (I/II/III) are distinguished by the level of responsibility, qualifications, and experience required.

FOR ALL THREE LEVELS:

The Housing Counselor is responsible for providing information and guidance to individuals that will enable them to meet their housing goals. They are well versed in housing options and financial analysis. Housing Counselors must be solutions oriented and problem solvers who are understanding and non-judgmental. They are the client’s advocate.

The Housing Counselor provides the following comprehensive services: Individual pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention/intervention counseling, financial capabilities coaching, homebuyer education, homeless/displacement counseling, and group education services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conducts group intakes and collect required documentation, authorizations, and disclosures.
  Counsel and interview clients with respect to their overall financial situation as it relates to home ownership, budgeting, debt reduction, credit re-building and education.
• Create a budget and a detailed action plan for all clients.
• Create and ensure completion of a client’s file per organizational and HUD guidelines.
• Enter and maintain client data in HUD regulated CMS.
• Adhere to all guidelines related to the confidentiality of client records and information and requirements per the HUD Housing Counseling Handbook and National Industry Standards for Homebuyer Education and Counseling.
• Proactively manage workload, calendar, and client appointments to help meet the goals of the organization and serve clients effectively.
• Assist with facilitating education workshops, including scheduling, marketing, and procuring speakers.
• Foster and maintain relationships with industry agents to build agency networks which promote program’s mission.
• Travel to areas outside of office for additional training, education, or presentations.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience building collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints.
• Be able to work within team structure; and be able to negotiate and manage conflicts.
• Good working knowledge of housing programs and services for underprivileged communities.
• Knowledge of housing and economic self-sufficiency issues, as well as community resources.
• Knowledge of mortgage lending products and various homeowner assistance programs.
• Ability to compare financial information.
• Ability to calculate loan rates/terms.
• Ability to perform duties in a confidential manner.
• Detail oriented with ability to organize complex material in clear and concise manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to structure and convey information for a large group in a manner that is engaging and approachable.
• Demonstrated skill in organizing time and prioritizing a case workload.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook

Housing Counselor I Education and Experience (Required):

• College degree in human services, sociology, or related field (preferred) OR
• At least two (2) years’ experiences in housing or real estate, financial management, or related area AND two (2) years of experience working with people in need of assistance
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience will be evaluated.
• Housing Counselor I position does not require HUD Certification upon hire, but staff will have 120 days to pass the HUD Certification test. Once staff become HUD Certified, they will move to a Housing Counselor II position.

Housing Counselor II Education and Experience (Required):

• College degree in human services, sociology, or related field (preferred) OR
• At least two (2) years’ experiences in housing or real estate, financial management, or related area AND two (2) years of experience working with people in need of assistance.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience will be evaluated.
• Certification as a HUD Certified Housing Counselor required.

Housing Counselor III additional Qualifications, Education and Experience (Required):

• Assist Housing Counselor Supervisor with data reporting.
• Assist Housing Counselor Supervisor with additional needs, including supporting staff, interim supervisory coverage when Supervisor is not available.
• College degree in human services, sociology, or related field (preferred) OR
• At least two (2) years’ experiences in housing or real estate, financial management, or related area AND two (2) years of experience working with people in need of assistance.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience will be evaluated.
• Must have HUD Certification for two years or more.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL THREE LEVELS:

Language Ability:

Must read, speak and write fluent English.

Communication:

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with clients and staff.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 – $31.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• San Bernardino, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)