Student Loan Empowerment Case Manager/Housing Counselor

Description

Position Summary:

Student Loan Empowerment Case Manager:

The student loan empowerment case manager (SLECM) will develop and implement support for people with higher education debt, including information and guidance on how to:

· Explore loan repayment options

· Support access to loan forgiveness, cancellation, and discharge programs

· Help to apply for consolidation, deferment, and forbearance

· Resolve issues with loan servicers and lenders

· Get out of default to prevent wage garnishments, social security offsets, and tax intercepts 

In addition, SLECMs will provide one-on-one sessions (averaging 4 sessions per

client) to go over student loan assessments/financial assessments, individual financial health planning sessions, referral

linkages, and follow-up. Case management will offer services in credit protection resources, private loan refinancing,

loan consolidation, interest deduction, and default/delinquent loan prevention. Services will also address eligibility

criteria and the different loan repayment options, including Fresh Start, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program,

extended repayment plan, and graduate and income-based plans. Furthermore, staff will work collaboratively to

address the comprehensive financial health and well-being of participants by providing additional emergency

assistance, housing services, healthcare linkages, and benefits entitlement services through direct referrals to other

LSSSC program services.

Part of the responsibility for this position is housing counseling duties which the successful candidate will provide upon becoming HUD Certified Housing Counselor and then, will be able to provide Individual pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention/intervention counseling, financial capabilities coaching, homebuyer education, homeless/displacement counseling, and group education services.

Housing Counseling Responsibilities

· Conduct 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 HomeKeeper (Salesforce) program

· 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.

Requirements

Education

· Associate degree (required) but bachelor’s degree (preferred) in human services, business, or related field OR

· At least two (2) years’ experience in banking, lending, real estate, student financial aid, case management or related area AND two (2) years of experience working with people in need of assistance OR

· An equivalent combination of training and experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

· 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 the home buying process.

· Knowledge of lending products and various homeowner assistance programs.

Ability to Compare Financial Information

· Ability to calculate loan rates/terms.

· Knowledge of housing and economic self-sufficiency issues, as well as community resources.

· 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 workload.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook

· Bilingual competence preferred, but not required.

Certificates