Homeownership Program Associate

The Homeownership Program Associate’s (HOPA) primary focus is recruitment and retention of potentially qualified partner families into the Habitat first-time home-buying program or the homebuyer readiness pre-program, and supporting family partners in meeting their goal of becoming a future homeowner. The HPA works in collaboration and cooperation with the Homeowner Services Team to ensure seamless delivery of service to partner families in their preparation for homeownership, adding capacity to the team to serve more families in affordable homeownership

Outreach and Recruitment

Recruitment

• Conduct and assist in the planning of orientations and informational sessions for potential program applicants; virtually and in-person
• Attend other recruitment events hosted by strategic partners and other relevant organizations
• Facilitate outreach to organizations that can provide assistance to us in meeting our recruitment goals, and developing relationships with organizations that can further assist applicants that cannot currently be accepted into the program
• Engage in research with other appropriate HFH affiliates to get new ideas, research best practices and foster relationships
• In collaboration with the Marketing Team and Director of Homeowner Services, draft written and oral content related to social media marketing, program informational and promotional materials, as well as other online or written materials

Applicant Processing

• In collaboration and cooperation with other Homeowner Services staff, processes questionnaires and/or applications submitted by prospective applicants
• Ensure thorough and complete applications, which may include requesting additional information from applicants where incomplete questionnaires or applications are received and additional follow-up, as needed
• Send out required approval, denial or incomplete application letters, as needed
• Follow through with applicant life cycle: pre-selection, selection and interview processes to ensure a smooth transition into the HFHC program, or referral to other appropriate resources

Habitat Readiness Pre-Program

• If determined that an applicant who is close to qualifying can benefit from additional one-on-one support to get them qualified within the following 6-months, they can be invited to join our Habitat readiness cohort. This position will serve as main staff liaison to families choosing to participate in the Habitat readiness cohort.
• Ability to take on small caseload of applicants as volume necessitates, ensuring timely collection and review of financial documentation, along with two monthly one-on-one sessions per participating applicant
• Ability to assist applicants in setting and reaching financial goals that assist in their ability to seamlessly enter the homeownership program in a six-month timeframe

Manage Financial Updates of Partner Families

• Serve as support to this function with the rest of the Homeowner Services staff
• Ability to take on caseload of family partners as volume necessitates, ensuring timely collection and review of financial documentation with partner families, as needed
• Coordinate with Homeowner Services Finance Coordinator to determine priorities and when additional meetings with families are needed
• Alert HS leadership immediately of any adverse financial changes experienced by partner families
• Serve as backup to Homeowner Education and Support Coordinator for meeting Homebuyer Education needs, particularly for

the Pre-Program classes.

Administrative Support- We are in the process of securing a new Homeowner Services software and information management system. The duties here range from training for and utilizing the new database, data entry, and comprehensive information management and analysis. It can also include the following:

• Entering families’ application information when accepted and new information periodically over time, as a partner family and homeowner
• Run reports as requested
• Provide general administrative support for the department- including but not limited to organizing, physical filing, virtual data organization etc.

Seasonal VITA Tax Site Support (as needed)

• Attend training with The CASH Campaign of Maryland to prepare for coordination of VITA tax site at Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake
• Work with Homeowner Services leadership to establish a VITA site that meets and exceeds all CASH Campaign and IRS Regulations
• Work closely with The CASH Campaign of Maryland to recruit, train, and schedule volunteer tax preparers between February and April, at a predetermined schedule, re-assessed annually
• Operate VITA site on up to several weekday(s) and Saturdays from January through April, at a pre-determined schedule re-assessed by Habitat annually
• Maintain files, prepare interim and final reports, and otherwise meet requirements for the CASH Campaign of Maryland

General departmental support

• Regularly answer phone calls and emails from prospective program applicants
• Serve as backup to other staff, as needed
• Regular attendance at partner family dedications and other homeowner events
• Provide backup support for sweat equity management, as needed

Qualifications:

• Associate’s and/or relevant experience required, Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 1-3 years of work experience in financial literacy, financial services, human services or related field(s) preferred
• Previous tax experience desired, but not required
• Bi-lingual preferred- English and Spanish- speaking
• Upbeat, positive, outgoing personable and able to relate well with diverse populations and age groups, able to work in a variety of settings to ensure good working relationships across all constituencies
• Experience and proficiency in utilizing social media in a professional environment, and utilizing online communications platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. to conduct meetings for both large and small groups
• Comfortable presenting publicly to a wide variety of audiences, including large and small group settings
• Working knowledge of financial literacy, budgeting, and homebuyer readiness, information and materials
• Comfort and experience with providing training and guidance to low-to-moderate income population
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail in maintenance of client information and recordkeeping principles
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients in sensitive, sometimes stressful circumstances
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Comfortable traveling to and working in various locations throughout Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County and/or Howard County
• Community relations experience and ability to work with volunteers
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite
• Possesses attention to detail, work accuracy and organization
• Able to work independently and with deadlines; demonstrates flexibility with changing assignment priorities
• Presents full, regular, and predictable attendance
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to analyze and solve problems
• Ethical Conduct
• Mission driven
• Maintains a level of confidentiality at all times
• Diversity/Inclusion principles are essential
• Results Driven
• Demonstrates Initiative
• Stress Management/Composure

This job operates in a professional office environment, off- site venues, at outside event areas in various weather conditions and at times, remotely. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The role may require for special events and/or requests occasional use of construction equipment such as saws, hammers, levels, ladders etc. and abide by all related construction safety requirements.

No Direct Reports

Eligible for the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Company Paid Life AD&D, 403B, Gym Reimbursement, Cell Phone Reimbursement, Mileage Reimbursement