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