Position Summary 

The Foundational Housing Counselor serves as the primary entry point into the homeownership program, guiding prospective homebuyers through the early stages of their journey to sustainable homeownership. This position conducts intake, financial assessments, housing counseling, and underwriting readiness evaluations while developing individualized action plans that prepare clients for mortgage readiness. 

In addition to direct client services, this role supports the development of standardized policies, referral pathways, reporting systems, and operational processes that improve program effectiveness and strengthen regional collaboration. The Foundational Housing Counselor plays an integral role in creating a consistent client experience, expanding access to homeownership, and supporting strategic partnerships that generate referrals and program growth. 

Essential Responsibilities 

Client Intake, Assessment & Counseling 

• Serve as the initial point of contact for prospective homebuyers by conducting intake interviews, determining program eligibility, and assessing financial readiness. 

• Review income, assets, debt, credit, and supporting documentation to identify barriers to homeownership and develop individualized action plans. 

• Provide one-on-one pre-purchase housing counseling, financial capability coaching, and education on budgeting, savings, debt management, and credit improvement. 

• Monitor client progress and prepare participants for successful transition to advanced housing counseling, mortgage services, or lending partners. 

Underwriting & Program Support 

• Evaluate client files for alignment with organizational and lending guidelines and recommend actions to improve mortgage readiness. 

• Assist clients in gathering documentation and preparing complete underwriting files. 

• Maintain accurate, compliant client records and document services in MpactPro and other required systems. 

• Track client outcomes, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with HUD, funding, and organizational requirements. 

Community Partnerships & Program Development 

• Coordinate referrals from community organizations and provide counseling services through strategic partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). 

• Build and maintain relationships with referral partners to increase access to homeownership services. 

• Assist with the development of standardized policies, procedures, forms, referral pathways, educational materials, and operational improvements that support organizational growth and future regional collaboration. 

• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Required 

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Business, Finance, Education, or a related field, or equivalent experience. 

• HUD Housing Counselor Certification or ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire. 

• Minimum of two years of experience in housing counseling, financial coaching, mortgage lending, underwriting support, or a related field. 

• Knowledge of personal finance, budgeting, credit, mortgage readiness, and basic underwriting principles. 

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and client management software. 

Preferred 

• Experience with affordable housing or nonprofit housing programs. 

• Familiarity with mortgage lending guidelines and underwriting processes. 

• Experience developing program procedures, community partnerships, or referral networks. 

Core Competencies 

• Client-centered service and coaching 

• Financial analysis and problem-solving 

• Case management and organizational skills 

• Relationship building and collaboration 

• Effective communication 

• Attention to detail and regulatory compliance 

• Continuous improvement and adaptability 

Working Conditions 

This position requires the ability to work in both office and community settings, travel locally for meetings and outreach, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Flexible scheduling and occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to meet program