The Financial Education Specialist is responsible for the promotion and growth of the housing counseling program. This position complements the work and mission of the North Side Community Federal Credit Union, a 38 year old community development financial institution focused on expanding the financial and educational opportunities available to low and moderate-income members of the community.

Financial Education Specialist Responsibilities:

• Represent the Housing Counseling Program as the initial point of contact, providing triage and intake, and scheduling appointments as needed.
• Organize and provide financial education classes covering the topics of, but not limited to: money management, credit, mortgage loans, shopping for a home, post-purchase concerns, foreclosure prevention and avoiding predatory loans.
• Develop outreach strategies and educational materials as needed for the program. Includes creating and disseminating flyers, networking with organizations to bring classes to other sites, and creating and updating classes and counseling sessions materials.
• Establish and promote the Credit Builders Club and Home Buyers Club. Follow-up and maintain a pipeline of clients, and track success stories
• Identify and maintain relationships with mortgage lenders, real estate agencies, title insurance companies, etc. Identify programs that will assist first time homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Provide housing counseling services by meeting one-on-one with clients interested in, but not limited to: home buying and maintaining homeownership through delinquency counseling.
• Maintain client files and provide case management services. Follow up with clients concerning matters discussed in counseling sessions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required: A competitive applicant must have a BA or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Must have at least 1-year experience in one-on-one and group financial counseling with low and moderate-income people. Must enjoy working with people, have excellent interpersonal skills, proven initiative and creativity, good public speaking skills and the ability to work independently. Strong computer skills are a must.
• Spanish fluency required.
• Preferred: Loss mitigation and default counseling experience. Knowledge of Making Home Affordable and Illinois Hardest Hit Fund® programs. Certification as Housing Counselor by NeighborWorks or equivalent national agency.

POSITION TYPE: The position is part time and will require schedule flexibility, including some evening and weekend commitments. Three (3) references will be requested of applicants who will be given further consideration.

SALARY: We offer a competitive non-profit salary based on qualifications and commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY: Please send your resume and cover letter to Jennifer Pallas at housing@northsidecommunityfcu.org. Please no phone inquiries.