Homeownership Counselor

WHO IS CHI?

Community Housing Innovations (CHI) is a not for profit housing and human services organization that aims to support social and economic independence. Our vision is to end generational poverty and foster upward mobility by ensuring that all families and individuals live in quality housing, have a home of their own, and a job to support them. We believe quality, affordable housing is the foundation for prosperity, personal fulfillment, and success.

WHAT DOES CHI OFFER?

CHI employs a team of hard working, compassionate people who want to give back to others in their community. We are proud to offer:

• Generous Paid time off
• Personal and Sick Days
• Health insurance and health reimbursement account 
• Dental and vision plans
• Flexible spending account
• AFLAC supplemental insurance
• Dependent Care Spending Account
• Commuter Transit and Parking Account
• Working Advantage, Employee Perks
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Monthly trainings and career development plans

JOB SUMMARY

Provide counseling and pre-purchase education to homeownership clients on a one-on-one and/or group basis and administer grants for the homeownership program. Ensure that all grant funds are dispersed in a timely manner to qualified applicants. Work closely with team members to organize outreach and present education seminars in order to maintain and grow the First Time Homebuyer Education program. Ensure all client files are audit ready for grant and funding compliance.

Pay: $27.88 an hour, $57,990.40 annually 

FLSA: Non Exempt. 

Schedule: 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

Location: White Plains, NY/Fishkill NY  

First Time Homebuyer Counseling:

• Manage intake of homeownership applications, including organizing files and maintaining waitlist.
• Review all grant applications to determine the eligibility of an applicant for a grant, to assist in the purchase of their first home. Conduct an eligibility and affordability analysis for every completed application that is submitted adhering to the PB 11B-IRS Form 1040 Income and Asset Guidebook for Homeowner Program Guidelines. Including but not limited to, the reviewing of credit report, income documentation, monthly household budgets, verification of employment and other relevant documentation required as part of the application review process.
• Provide face to face, phone or internet counseling to first time homebuyers. Prepare individualized action plans for clients as needed.
• Review and update the grant wait list on a weekly basis.
• Provide counseling to all First Home Club and Smart Move participants and oversee their application and progress for the duration of the program.
• Evaluate and provide counseling to all eHome America student. Approve and/or decline certificates.
• Submit lender invoices when applicable to accounting.
• Maintain all client files to ensure files are in compliance with HUD. Observe all regulatory and reporting requirements to ensure all files are audit ready.
• Create a client/case profile utilizing the web-based client management system, Counselor Max.
• Become a HUD Certified Housing Counselor within the first six months of employment.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Grant Administration:

• Review grant applications deemed complete and eligible to finalize eligibility for the AHC First Time Homebuyers grant.
• Schedule and conduct grant certificate meetings in Westchester and Long Island and via video conferencing; topics include review grant guidelines, program requirements, rules, and procedures with the client. Document in Counselor Max
• Review all proposed purchases for eligibility under the Grant Program Requirements before a home purchase contract is signed; affordability may be reviewed by Director
• Collect and review all required pre-closing documents: mortgage loan commitment, home inspection report, HUD Planner’s scope of work, 1003, purchase contract, title report, etc.