Foreclosure Prevention/Mortgage Default Counselor

PLEASE NOTE: We need a person with lending experience; and foreclosure experience is a definite asset. Second language is also helpful but not required. This is a nonprofit. We go the extra mile(s) to help people save their homes!

We are also looking for people who have the ability to speak the following languages: Russian, Chinese, Korean, Spanish or Cambodian along with a fluent ability to read, write and communicate in English.

TO APPLY:

Salary: $38,000 to $42,000 depending on experience.; medical, dental, vacation, sick, holidays. A One year position to start with and continuation depending on funding.

Status: Full-time Position

Reports to: Program Manager

Work Location: Shoreline, WA or TBD

DEADLINE: Position open until (10) Foreclosure Counselors are hired. Start date begins October 1, 2011.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Persons of all abilities, color, sexual orientation, Veterans, and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.

JOB SUMMARY:
The foreclosure-intervention counselor assists homeowners of all ages and abilities who are facing the loss of their homes because of financial difficulties. These counselors are required to have a strong technical background, with emphasis on foreclosure laws; credit counseling; and the mortgage, mortgage insurance, and real estate industries. It is crucial that foreclosure counselors be artful negotiators, facilitating outcomes that are acceptable by both the homeowner and the mortgage holder, as well as determining if there is an appropriate alternative to foreclosure, by evaluating the situation and helping both parties decide on the best workout option. Some of these options include special forbearance, loan modification, partial claim, short sale, or deed-in-lieu. By utilizing strengths-based counseling and inspiring homeowners with praise, empowering them with education, explaining the process, identifying options, guiding the homeowner, and restoring hope and confidence; a foreclosure-intervention counselor can effectively assist all homeowners in trouble, even those who will ultimately lose their homes.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND TASKS:

• 65% Provide customer-service oriented one-on-one counseling to households who are at imminent risk of losing their housing. Activities include conducting an in-depth assessment of the household's situation, developing housing stability plans (including budgets), negotiating with lenders by phone to implement agreements to help households keep their housing or initiate transitions to alternative housing; Be highly knowledgeable about strategies to help households maintain housing stability. Conduct thorough intake, inform households of their rights and responsibilities under applicable WA State foreclosure laws, refer households to community services (including legal representation) and other resources;
• 20% Maintain accurate and confidential client files. Perform accurate and timely data entry that is necessary for program administration and funding requirements. Manage caseloads in an efficient manner while maintaining a high quality of service; Participate in case conferencing, program facilitation and development with other mortgage services staff. Provide coverage for peers during vacation or leaves of absence;
• 10% Assist the Program Supervisor in continual program evaluation efforts, program advocacy, and development of systems and procedures to enhance Mortgage Counseling Services;
• 5% Participate in program, department, community and agency-wide meetings and committees as required and/or as time allows.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Persons of all abilities, color, sexual orientation, Veterans, and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Requires one of the following:

• At least four years of experience in a social service, lending or other related setting; OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Business or other related field with two years of experience in social service, lending or other related setting; OR
• Any combination of education, experience and measurable performance that demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent organizational, listening, written and verbal communication skills, including ability to respond to callers with patience, objectivity and nonjudgmental attitude.
• Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and problem-solve.
• Knowledge of home buying process and housing resources.
• Ability to work individually in a self-directed manner and as part of a team, good interpersonal skills and positive attitude.
• Analytical skills in finance, credit, and mortgage lending industry
• Experience or equivalent in business, economics, or finance classes
• Ability to provide budgeting assistance and direction to clients; comfortable dealing with financial issues and discussions;
• Ability to work individually in a self-directed manner and as part of a team; ability to lead group meetings and education forums;
• Self-motivated with an ability to prioritize and problem solve;
• Ability to use basic computer software (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Internet Search engines, Web based databases) to write correspondence, develop household budgets, maintain statistics, perform research and other computer related tasks;
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for the purposes of meeting with clients who are unable to meet during business hours.
• Willingness and ability to work with people from a variety of racial, cultural, educational and economic backgrounds with various lifestyles, abilities, and sexual orientations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in mortgage default and delinquency counseling;
• Knowledge of WA State Housing Finance Commission HouseKey loans and down payment assistance loans;
• Experience in negotiating repayment plans with lenders or creditors or other relevant mediation or negotiation experience;
• Fluency in one or more of the following languages; Spanish, Russian, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese.

The Agency:

Parkview Services http://www.parkviewservices.org is a growing non- profit organization that has been supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families since 1967. Please explore our website for details on Parkview Services programs and activities.

Location:

Our offices are located in Shoreline Washington.

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