JOB TITLE: Credit Support Counselor

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Credit Counseling Certificate at time of hire, or within 180 days from hire

STATUS: Salaried

POSITION REPORTS TO: Executive Director - Housing

JOB SUMMARY: The Credit Support Counselor is responsible for advising and educating individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. Provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explaining loan requirements or restrictions. Help to develop debt management plans, advise on credit issues, or provide budget, mortgage, and bankruptcy counseling.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

1. Advise clients or respond to inquiries about financial matters in person or via phone, email, Web site, or Internet chat.

2. Interview clients by telephone or in-person to gather financial information.

3. Assess clients’ overall financial situation by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports or other financial information.

4. Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.

5. Create action plans to assist clients in obtaining permanent housing via rent or mortgage programs.

6. Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet financial goals.

7. Negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients to arrange for payment adjustments, interest rate reductions, time extensions, or to set up payment plans.

8. Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.

9. Manage Individual Deposit Accounts-Savings program with matching funds which requires ongoing credit counseling and education.

10. Recommend education materials or resources to clients on matters such as financial planning, budgeting, or credit.

11. Teach courses or seminars on topics such as budgeting, managing personal finances, or financial literacy.

12. Explain services or policies to clients, such as debt management program rules, the advantages and disadvantages of using services, or creditor concession policies.

13. Maintain or update records of client account activity, including financial transactions, counseling session notes, correspondence, document images, or client inquiries.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION (required and preferred):

Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance or Accounting or 5 years in related experience may substitute for a college degree. A Credit Counseling Certificate is required at the time of hire, or must be obtained within 180 days of hire. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in financial assistance and housing programs.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

Skills and Knowledge of:

· Landlord/tenant laws; consumer and mortgage lending practices and public/Indian housing regulations.

· Applicable sections of HUD code of federal regulations and other laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.

· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

· Sensitivity to Native American culture.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to establish and maintain relationships with applicants, employees, tribal members and the general public.

· General office policies, principles and practices.

· Strong conflict resolution techniques and skills.

· Ability to work independently, prioritize workload and adapt to changes in workload demands.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this class.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb stairs; use hands to operate, finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

Credit Support Counselor