The Homewnership Advisor/Financial Coach provides individualized counseling and education services to Trellis clients and leadership to the Homeownership Center.  The Homeownership Advisor/Financial Coach will assist the Chief Homeownership Officer with training for team members and clients and prepare various management reports as assigned.  The Homeownership Advisor/Financial Coach uses independent judgment and discretion to determine the customer’s options for homeownership and home preservation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Meet with customer to provide pre-purchase housing and financial coaching.  Explain service delivery model; collect intake information; pull credit report and review with client.
• Analyze customer’s financial status, cash flow, and credit to determine readiness or lack thereof for homeownership.  Determine customer’s desire and ability to reach the goal of homeownership.  When working with a Foreclosure Client, the Homeownership Advisor/Financial Coach will help the client determine the various loss mitigation options to assist the client in keeping or transitioning from the home. When working with financial capability clients, the Homeownership Advisor/Financial Coach will work on helping the client to change financial behavior.  
• Create and implement action plan and time frame to overcome obstacles and accomplish goal of homeownership.  If no action plan is needed (to remedy any credit issues, payoff debt, etc.), then provide customer with program or loan prequalification analysis at the first individual counseling session.  If action plan is necessary, prequalify the customer once he/she has completed action plan.
• Be knowledgeable of all Trellis programs and loan products and be familiar with programs of loan products available in the private sector that best suit the needs of the client.
• Create customer file and promptly input new client data into client management system.  Update counseling information after each additional counseling session.
• Promptly respond to client requests.  Perform regular follow up with clients.  Periodically review files with Chief Homeownership Officer.
• Assist with other outside counseling and teach or assist with Homebuyer Education and Financial Literacy classes as needed.
• Assist Trellis in outbound phone calls providing phone counseling to Freddie Mac  Homeowners.
• Assist with office duties such as answering the telephone at the front desk when needed.
• Assist Trellis with outreach events that include weekends and evenings when needed.
• Participate in periodic meetings as requested.
• Abide by all written policies and procedures established by Trellis Follow National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling.

COMPETENCIES

To perform in the position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Mortgage and Housing Industry Knowledge – Must possess strong knowledge in the area of mortgage default and/or foreclosure intervention counseling, specifically relating to current industry practices of loss mitigation including loan repayment, forbearance, modification, refinance, loan assumption, short sale, deed-in-lieu, community referrals, and other remedies available to homeowners to avoid foreclosure. The Foreclosure Intervention Counselor should understand the structure of the primary and secondary markets, the collection and loss mitigation functions of those entities collecting mortgage payments, household financial management and budgeting, and be familiar with state and federal regulations regarding the foreclosure process. The counselor should possess the skills to obtain pertinent client information, analyze financial and property data, and understand the client’s goals to work with servicers to determine the client’s options for foreclosure avoidance and assist the client to make informed decisions on their options.
• Customer Service - Personable, professional manner. Responds promptly and effectively to requests for service and assistance and meets commitments; addresses customer needs and constructively engages customer feedback to improve service. Ability to maintain composure under pressure and to handle stressful situations with ease.
• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to listen and obtain full picture of issues while maintaining composure and resolving conflicts in a calm manner. Maintains confidentiality of borrower communications and information.
• Oral Communication -   Ability to interpret information and respond clearly to questions and concerns.  Must present information that is clear to all parties including borrowers and servicers. Ability to speak and understand Spanish is strongly preferred.
• Written Communication - Able to read and interpret written information. Able to write effective business communications; edits work for spelling and grammar. Ability to read and write Spanish is a plus.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts appropriately under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.

Computer Skills - Must be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with HCO is a plus.

Experience – Minimum of 5 years’ experience in housing/credit counseling, mortgage servicing, or mortgage lending including experience with individual borrower financial/budget analysis and customer service.

Education - Bachelor's degree (B. A.) or Associates degree and five (5) years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Send cover letter and resume to HR@trellisaz.org.