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HOUSING COUNSELOR – FORECLOSURE PREVENTION


The Housing Counselor – Foreclosure Prevention is a member of the Community Housing Network (CHN) Housing Counseling department, and will be primarily responsible for delivering Foreclosure Prevention workshops and individual Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation counseling.  The staff member holding this position will be a trained and certified MSHDA Housing Counselor, with previous related work experience and additional training in Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation.  In addition, this position will serve as the Housing Counseling Department Team Leader, providing daily technical and case management assistance to department staff members. 


Position Responsibilities 



  • Assists with the development and implementation of CHN’s Foreclosure Prevention programming, procedures, curriculum, presentations and marketing materials 

  • Provides individual client/household counseling using the following techniques and tools: 

  • Interviews clients in a confidential manner to obtain basic information about the clients and their housing needs or problems

  • Assists clients in creating and analyzing a household budget

  • Evaluates clients’ eligibility for loss mitigation options and other alternatives to avert foreclosure

  • Applies a working knowledge of applicable mortgage and real estate laws and regulations

  • Effectively communicates complex information regarding foreclosures and the alternatives to foreclosure

  • Negotiates with lenders and other creditors on behalf of clients. 

  • Refers clients to appropriate resources and ensures applications for funds/assistance have been made

  • Negotiates workout agreements and coordinates multi-organizational, cooperative efforts to assist clients

  • Monitors clients’ progress toward meeting their prevention and/or mitigation plans 

  • Develops and maintains relationships with appropriate lender, servicer, and processor staff members 

  • Plans and facilitates Foreclosure Prevention workshops 

  • Works with the CHN Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps AmeriCorps member to market the Foreclosure Prevention program to target populations, community partners, human service organizations and local units of government 

  • Maintains current and accurate client files in the case management system 

  • Tracks and reports all required program activities including:

    • Workshop presentations

    • Workshop attendees

    • Individual counseling sessions

    • Program referrals

    • Client outcomes through pre- and post-counseling and workshop surveys and interviews 

  • Prepares and submits monthly MSHDA billing reports 

  • Represents CHN at community forums, presentations, and other related events 

  • Attends appropriate certification and developmental training sessions 

  • Provides program and policy recommendations 

  • Provides daily technical and case management assistance to Housing Counseling department staff members 

  • Provides Homebuyer Education group and individual counseling and credit counseling services to clients as needed and as time permits to assist the Housing Counseling Department 

  • Other relevant duties as assigned

Position Competencies: 



  • Job Knowledge – Thorough understanding of banking, mortgage and credit products and laws; Knowledge of current foreclosure laws and procedures; Knowledge of consumer protection laws and practices; Knowledge of consumer financial assistance programs; Solid understanding of the components of personal budgets and budgeting techniques 

  • Interpersonal skills – Excellent telephone and one-on-one communication skills; Processes both verbal and non-verbal communication; Ability to be empathetic while separating emotion from situations 

  • Negotiation – Ability to effectively negotiate win-win results for clients and other participating parties 

  • Technical - Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Explorer.  Experience with entering and maintaining data in a case management system is desirable.

Position Requirements:



  • Possess and maintain individual certification as a MSHDA Housing Counselor 

  • Previous successful experience delivering group and individual Foreclosure Prevention and Mitigation counseling and services 

  • Possess a valid driver’s license, have reliable transportation, and agree to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance that meets minimum organization requirements throughout employment 

To Apply for the position of Housing Counselor please submit resume HERE