Program Associate Jobs in Council Bluffs, IA (NOW HIRING)

Description

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha believes everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. The Program Associate is an essential member of the Homeownership Programs team, working collaboratively across departments to help families successfully navigate the journey to homeownership.

In this role, the Program Associate partners closely with the Homeownership Counseling, Mortgage, Construction, and Finance teams to coordinate participant files, maintain program documentation, and ensure families receive seamless and supportive experience. The Program Associate collaborates with internal teams to identify next steps, remove barriers, share information, and keep participants progressing toward homeownership.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about providing outstanding customer service. They thrive in a team-oriented environment, communicate effectively across departments, and are committed to supporting Habitat's mission by helping families achieve safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Requirements

What You'll Do

Support Families on Their Homeownership Journey

• Partner with the Homeownership Counseling team to transition participants into the Homeownership Program.
• Maintain regular communication with families, providing updates, answering questions, and connecting them with appropriate resources.
• Help participants understand program requirements and navigate important milestones throughout the homeownership process.
• Support homeowner orientations, closing preparations, celebrations, and family engagement activities.

Coordinate Across Departments

• Work closely with Mortgage, Construction, Acquisition, Finance, and Program staff to ensure participant files continue moving smoothly through the process.
• Assist the Mortgage team with gathering and organizing documentation needed for underwriting and loan approval.
• Coordinate home selection activities, purchase agreements, and closing timelines.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to share updates and support participant success.

Maintain Program Documentation & Records

• Ensure participant files are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
• Document participant activity and maintain records within Habitat Omaha's client management systems.
• Monitor program milestones and communicate status updates to internal stakeholders.
• Assist with preparing reports, program metrics, and grant-related documentation.

Improve the Participant Experience

• Partner with team members to identify and resolve barriers that may delay a family's progress.
• Recommend process improvements that strengthen collaboration and enhance the participant experience.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to a positive team culture.

What You'll Experience

Mission-Driven Impact
Every interaction, conversation, and milestone you support helps families move closer to achieving affordable homeownership.

Collaboration & Connection
You'll work closely with colleagues across multiple departments and build meaningful relationships with participants throughout their journey.

Professional Growth
You'll gain exposure to housing programs, mortgage processes, customer service, and nonprofit operations while developing skills that support long-term career growth.

Meaningful Milestones
From home selections to closings, you'll play a role in some of the most important moments in a family's journey.

What Success Looks Like

• Families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the homeownership process.
• Participant files and documentation are accurate, complete, and move efficiently through program stages.
• Communication between families and internal teams is proactive, timely, and clear.
• Program milestones are met, and barriers are addressed effectively.
• Reports and records are accurate and available for organizational planning and compliance needs.
• Participants experience exceptional customer service and a positive Habitat Omaha experience.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience in customer service, housing programs, mortgage lending, loan processing, nonprofit services, or related fields is a plus.
• Experience working with diverse populations and community-focused programs preferred.

Strengths & Capabilities

• Customer Service: Passionate about serving others and creating positive experiences.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organization: Strong ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Collaboration: Effective at working across teams and building positive relationships.
• Problem-Solving: Able to identify issues, explore solutions, and support participant success.
• Confidentiality: Exercises sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Adaptability: Flexible and comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented  environment.

Additional Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database systems.
• Previous mortgage loan officer, loan assistant, or loan processing experience is beneficial.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Commitment to Habitat Omaha's mission and values.

Why It Matters

The Program Associate helps turn the dream of homeownership into reality. Through strong communication, thoughtful coordination, and exceptional customer service, this role ensures families receive the guidance and support they need to successfully complete their homeownership journey.

By connecting people, processes, and resources, the Program Associate helps Habitat Omaha build more than homes, it helps build stability, opportunity, and brighter futures for families across our community.

Equal Opportunity Policy

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha (Habitat Omaha) actively recruits, employs, trains, and compensates employees regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Habitat Omaha complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including workplace harassment.   

At Habitat Omaha, we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work. Our vision is to see a world where everyone has a safe, affordable place to live, and we know our company runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. Our dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion is clearly reflected in the work that we do externally in the community, as well as internally with our employment practices.