JOB TITLE: Housing Counselor

PROGRAM: Housing Advocacy (HAP)

REPORTS TO: Housing Advocacy Program Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

HOURLY RATE: $25.20

POSITION SUMMARY

The HUD-Certified Housing Counselor provides direct, client-centered housing counseling services to low- and moderate-income individuals and families. This role supports clients in achieving stable housing, financial wellness, and long-term housing goals through education, individual counseling, and advocacy. Services may include rental counseling, pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention, financial coaching, and housing workshops, in accordance with HUD and Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Client Services

Conduct intake assessments to determine client housing needs, goals, and barriers

Provide individualized counseling on rental, pre-purchase, foreclosure prevention, and financial capability topics

Develop action plans and support clients in implementing strategies to reach housing stability

Review and explain credit reports, assist with budgeting, and recommend debt reduction strategies

Group Education & Outreach

Facilitate group workshops such as first-time homebuyer education, tenant rights, eviction prevention, and credit building

Participate in outreach events and community resource fairs to promote housing services

Collaborate with local partners, landlords, and agencies to support client success and resource navigation

Compliance & Documentation

Maintain accurate and timely client files in database or other HUD-compliant systems

Track services, outcomes, and deliverables in accordance with HUD, IHDA, and other funder requirements

Assist with data collection and reporting for grant compliance and program evaluation

Uphold all confidentiality and data protection policies

Program Development & Continuous Learning

Stay current on HUD regulations, IHDA policies, and relevant housing laws and programs

Attend required training and continuing education (minimum of 30 hours every 2–3 years)

Participate in Housing Action Illinois training, networking, and professional development opportunities

Contribute to program planning, outreach strategy, and quality improvement initiatives

MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, urban planning, finance, or related field

HUD Housing Counselor Certification

Fluent in reading, writing and speaking in Spanish and English

Minimum of 2 years of experience in housing counseling, social services, financial coaching, or related field

Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of HUD Housing Counseling requirements, allowable services, and reporting standards

Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and compassionately across diverse audiences

Comprehensive knowledge of housing rights, credit and lending practices, and the Illinois housing landscape—including rental laws, tenant-landlord protections, mortgage processes, foreclosure prevention, and fair housing regulations.

Ability to assess needs, create action plans, and maintain accurate, timely documentation

Knowledge of credit, budgeting, debt reduction, and financial empowerment strategies

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and housing counseling software (e.g., mPact Pro)

Ability to lead workshops and outreach events on housing and financial topics

Professionalism in managing competing priorities and maintaining composure during high-pressure or fast-paced situations

Understanding of confidentiality protocols and secure client data handling

Ability to provide services through a strength-based, client-centered and equity-focused lens

Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team environment

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

Regular travel to partner agencies and a second site in Kankakee

Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods

May involve occasional evening or weekend work depending on client needs and events

Benefits Health Insurance Dental Insurance 401 Paid time off