Job Title: Budget & Housing Counselor
Job Summary:
The Budget & Housing Counselor will assist Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)communities by helping individuals improve their financial stability and housing outcomes. This roleinvolves providing client advocacy, financial education, and casework support, as well as promotingHousing and Financial Stability Services to strengthen the overall quality of life for residents. The Budget& Housing Counselor will guide clients in budgeting, managing finances, and navigating housing-related challenges to achieve long-term financial empowerment and stability.
Duties/Responsibilities:
* Assess customer needs for the HFS program via phone, walk-ins, or appointments.
* Conduct pre-screening and application processing for the HFS program.
* Provide case management and maintain customer files, including case notes, in areas such as
budgeting, homeownership, foreclosure prevention, and homelessness support.
* Maintain and update client billing databases and tracking.
* Promote HFS programs through public speaking and community outreach events.
* Represent NMCAA at fairs, expos, and educational sessions.
* Gather feedback from customer groups to assess program effectiveness.
* Teach courses on financial fitness, homeownership, and home maintenance as directed by HFS
Program Manager.
* Review and update curricula annually with FMS staff.
* Manage class attendance, evaluations, and special events.
* Distribute educational materials and housing packets.
* Participate in staff meetings and training sessions.
* Meet Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) and Community Services Block Grant
(CSBG) performance targets and report on progress.
* Submit programmatic reports and complete additional duties as needed.
* Complete other duties and responsibilities as required.
Required Skills/Abilities:
* A commitment to the NMCAA philosophy and mission.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality.
* Ability to engage with co-workers and clients in a positive, non-judgmental, and courteous manner.
* Ability to offer innovative solutions, collaborate as a team member, and prioritize tasks.
* Ability to perform physical tasks as required by the job.
* Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and multitask.
Education and Experience:
* BA/BS in a relevant field or a high school diploma with 5 years equivalent experience is required.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
* Regularly requires keyboarding, sitting, phone work, and filing.
* Consistently involves extended periods of time working on a computer.
* Occasionally requires travel by car and/or air.
* Requires lifting up to 50lbs.
* Often requires bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and/or twisting to access computers,
files, and records.
* This position is based in an office setting, using standard office equipment such as computers,
phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Travel Requirements:
* Travel within the county or surrounding counties to meet with clients, community partners, teach HFS
courses, and attend all-staff meetings as required.
* Potential travel outside the county or surrounding counties for training, if required.
Licensing and Other Requirements:
* Valid driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance is required.
* Reliable transportation is essential for job functions.
* Pass a comprehensive background check.
* Must pass HUD certification exam within 90 days of hire.
Work Hours:
Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm.