NACA Counselor

Multiple Locations

COMPENSATION: $65,000 to $100,000+ (including substantial production incentives)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: NACA Offices Nationwide

CONTACT: [email protected]

BENEFITS: Comprehensive package: single/family health, vision, dental, 401(k) and more

WEBSITE: www.naca.com

NACA COUNSELOR

The NACA Counselor serves as the primary point of contact with the Member from the initial counseling session through closing (referred herein as “NACA Counselor”). The NACA Counselor assists low-and-moderate income people, and those subjected to systemic racism to achieve affordable homeownership (referred herein as “Members”) with the best mortgage in America while earning considerable income.  NACA’s Best in America Mortgage outstanding terms are – no down payment, no closing cost, no mortgage insurance, no credit score consideration, at a below market fixed interest rate. The NACA mortgage and other homeownership programs are superior to other homeownership programs. NACA Counselors are provided an instant pipeline of homebuyers.

The NACA Counselor’s performance requirements and compensation is outcome based with pay incentivizing positive outcomes for the Members. NACA Counselors continued employment is contingent on successful completion of their NACA training, becoming HUD-Certified, and licensed as a Mortgage Loan Originator (“MLO”) in the state/s where her/his office originates NACA loans.

NACA is aggressively hiring hard-working, relentless, and dedicated individuals who are willing and eager to provide comprehensive housing counseling, and to fight for economic justice and racial equality. To help in the provision of affordable homeownership and fight for economic justice, NACA is the organization to work for, with unprecedented opportunities for staff to do well financially by doing good.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The NACA Counselor manages a pipeline of Member files assigned to her/him and provides comprehensive, individual housing and financial management counseling services in a local NACA office or by video conferencing.

The NACA Counselor helps Members overcome the roadblocks that prevent them from qualifying for a mortgage loan and purchasing a home. The NACA Counselor ensures effective and timely communication with Members, staff and NACA management.  She/he explains the mortgage criteria, requests necessary information and documents, assess readiness for homeownership, and determines an affordable mortgage payment considering each Member’s particular circumstances and goals based on NACA’s policies and procedures. The NACA Counselor also works with Members to address and improve their financial management skills.  In addition, NACA Counselors must be knowledgeable with all NACA programs to provide counseling, assistance and solutions to homebuyers, homeowners, and renters with an unaffordable housing payment.

The NACA Counselor utilizes NACA’s state-of-the-art client management system software called NACA-Lynx which enables paperless comprehensive housing counseling and mortgage processing. The NACA Counselor work with Members to become qualified primarily for the NACA Mortgage based on NACA’s character-based underwriting criteria and compensating factors (“NACA Qualification”). While this can be achieved quickly for some Members, it may take several months or longer for others. A NACA Mortgage Specialist reviews the NACA Counselor’s assessment to confirm if the Member should be NACA Qualified or requires additional counseling or documentation. NACA Counselors are provided support staff and processes to assist in their success. 

The NACA Counselor utilizes problem solving skills and financial management guidance to help Members achieve affordable homeownership always maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor while providing outstanding customer services. She/he must be able to work independently with Members and in coordination with other NACA departments. The NACA Counselor must manage their time effectively to provide accurate, comprehensive counseling sessions within specified time limits. 

The NACA Counselor provides comprehensive housing counseling as well as the mortgage related activities described below. The NACA Counselor’s daily responsibilities include working with Members on the following:  

  • Provide a clear direction for a path towards their homeownership goals and improve their financial management skills.
  • Utilize NACA-Lynx to accurately complete documentation and data entry for efficient and paperless NACA Qualification and mortgage processing.
  • Document files with written narratives and identify action items for the Member to complete after each counseling session.
  • Review payment history, income, liabilities, assets, and other criteria to determine eligibility for the program, readiness for home ownership and mortgage payment affordability.
  • Develop a realistic monthly budget and address budget issues. This includes calculating a monthly cash flow surplus to establish a Member’s long term affordable mortgage payment. 
  • Work with Members for as long as it takes to resolve payment history issues, to reduce debt and/or adjust expenses as needed to meet their purchase goals. 
  • Define a plan to save the minimum required funds to make the home purchase. 
  • Determine a maximum affordable mortgage payment and define a path to achieve Member’s homeownership purchase price/goal.
  • Examine and process documents and address issues as needed.
  • Address NACA Qualification conditions (if any) within 48 hours.
  • Provide information on alternative mortgage products and options for the Member to make a well-informed home purchase and mortgage decision.
  • Assist Members to purchase within their affordability and eligibility.
  • Maintain communication during the Member’s housing search to address any changes to the criteria used for their NACA Qualification.  
  • Review and process Member’s application for NACA Credit Access to ensure the Member and the property adhere to NACA’s criteria.
  • Assist in submitting the Member’s mortgage application.
  • Address lender conditions.
  • Assist the Member through closing to facilitate the mortgage process. 

Other Activities and Requirements

  • Present Home Buyer Workshops.
  • Assist in outreach activities focused on low- and moderate-income communities, churches, job sites, events, etc.
  • Participate in regular trainings.
  • Participate in NACA events and campaigns.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Advocacy in Support of NACA’s Mission

Participate in advocacy campaigns as needed. NACA continues its aggressive advocacy in fighting for economic justice for low to moderate income and people of color by addressing the racial wealth disparity gap and other issues. Employment with NACA requires ongoing participation in NACA’s advocacy, campaigns, outreach, community organizing, and other activities as determined by NACA. This includes supporting and actively promoting NACA’s tactics and mission of fighting for economic justice.  This is also important for NACA’s continued success and in expanding NACA’s purchase and other programs. NACA staff have a tremendous impact on the Members and communities they serve. For more information about NACA or its history and programs, visit www.naca.com.

COMPENSATION

NACA Counselor’s total compensation consists of Base Pay, Overtime, Performance Pay, and Monthly Bonus Payment (must be a licensed MLO to receive Performance Pay and a Monthly Bonus). NACA does not allow any NACA employee to charge the Members or others for any service provided, nor to add any product to the loan, receive a referral fee, or do anything else to increase compensation.

NACA Counselor’s compensation is structured to allow her/him to earn an overall compensation from $65,000 to $100,000+ with a significant portion from their Performance Pay. The NACA programs are so outstanding that a significant portion of the compensation is the Performance Pay.  The NACA Counselor achieving the minimum requirements will earn a minimum of $65,000 per year with the opportunity and expectation to earn significantly higher compensation. The Base Pay is $15.00 per hour, or greater if required by state law, plus any applicable overtime. The Base Pay is to compensate for training time, outreach, NACA’s advocacy campaigns, and other activities set forth by NACA and not to be considered the main source of compensation. NACA Counselors may be required to participate in NACA campaigns and events, which may occur on weekends, weekdays, or require extended hours. The compensation for these events may be different than what is stated herein as determined at NACA’s sole discretion.

Performance Payment

Performance Payment is significantly higher for services provided to Members in greatest need of NACA’s program(s). These Members are low to moderate income Members and higher income Members purchasing in low to moderate income areas.  The NACA Counselor earns Performance Payment for the following outcomes subject to criteria and counseling requirements.

  1. NACA Qualifications
  2. Closed NACA Purchase Loans
  3. Closed NACA Refinance/Rehab Loans
  4. Bonus Payment for NACA Loans

TIME DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

A NACA Counselor works approximately 45 to 50+ hours weekly and as necessary to meet the demands of the job. Basic work hours are: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays and some late night(s). Two Saturdays are additionally required every month for homebuyer workshops and/or counseling scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A NACA Counselor may be required to work increased hours and weekends for campaigns, events, and other activities at NACA’s sole discretion. NACA Counselors must maintain attendance and punctuality to ensure accountability to team members, management, and their assigned Members.

NACA Counselors are required to work from a NACA office where they can be most effective and receive ongoing support. NACA may hire a NACA Counselor to work temporarily or permanently from their home using video conferencing based on NACA’s needs and individual circumstances. At NACA’s sole discretion, and based on company needs, NACA may allow a NACA Counselor to work a hybrid work schedule working certain days from the office and from their home.  To be considered for a hybrid schedule, the NACA Counselor must demonstrate effective pipeline management, productivity, and excellent customer service.  NACA Counselors living where NACA does not have a NACA office may be eligible to work full-time from home provided they meet the above requirements.  NACA Counselors who work from home must also have adequate internet connection and a private working environment free from distractions.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

NACA Counselors must demonstrate effective counseling, understanding of NACA’s policies and procedures, and obtain their licenses and certifications during the 12-week training and development period, which NACA may change at its discretion (“Development Period”). During the Development Period the NACA Counselors must:  1. become HUD Certified through the HUD certification process; 2.  become a licensed MLO through the National Mortgage Licensing System; and 3. meet NACA’s Pre-purchase program training requirements. During the initial six months of employment including the Development Period, NACA Counselors can receive Performance Pay for NACA Qualifications and NACA closings without having to meet the monthly or quarterly minimum requirements.

Employment at NACA is contingent upon successfully completing the Development Period requirements and meeting NACA’s performance requirements.  NACA Counselors are provided with free comprehensive training, including classes, test preparation, support, mentorship, and training to be effective NACA Counselors, and the opportunity to create a strong base of Members. It is the NACA Counselor’s responsibility to study and utilize the support and tools provided by NACA to meet the training requirements, pass the exams/tests, and meet the licensing/certification requirements. NACA provides and pays the costs associated with certifications, including training and study time, pre-licensing education coursework, materials, tests, additional state class requirements, fingerprints, continuing education, and other requirements consistent with NACA’s policies and current regulations. NACA also provides pre-purchase training and ongoing support.  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

NACA seeks leaders and educators with a positive and open attitude, a strong work ethic, relentless commitment to success, attention to detail, and the ability to meet aggressive deadlines and achievable goals. They are expected to have a high level of core competencies and skills as part of their personal characteristics and professional experiences in the following areas: communication, organizational skills, professionalism, customer service, time management, positive leadership, computer skills and mission driven. The Core Competencies & Skills are described in detail at www.naca.com.

Education & Certifications

  • High School graduate or equivalency – Required
  • Bachelor’s degree – Preferred
  • Mortgage, real estate, or finance courses – Highly Preferred

Experience & Skills

  • At least two years demonstrating some or all the following:
  • Mortgage brokerage, origination and/or processing;
  • Counseling or social work, such as managing a caseload;
  • Relevant experience: finance, teacher, mortgage loss mitigation, accounting, real estate brokerage training and/or experience, financial counseling or advisory role, or adult education;
  • Ability to write and speak languages other than English, particularly Spanish, is a plus.
  • Ability to present concepts in a one-on-one settings as well as in front of large groups.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must complete an application by clicking the Apply tab.

NACA is an equal opportunity employer. Minority and bilingual individuals, particularly those who speak and write in Spanish, as well as second chance applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. To follow-up and for inquiries regarding this and other positions contact NACA’s HR Department at [email protected].

This job description is solely for descriptive purposes with NACA reserving the right to make unilateral changes to this job description. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment with employment at NACA on an “at-will” basis.

ABOUT NACA

ABOUT NACA

NACA is the preeminent non-profit homeownership and advocacy organization in the country. Founded in 1988, NACA has won campaigns against some of the country’s most powerful companies and individuals engaged in predatory and discriminatory lending. NACA’s success is a result of its relentless confrontational advocacy as well as state of the art systems and operations. NACA is well positioned for the future with more than $20 billion from major lenders, of which $15 billion is from Bank of America, to fund its extraordinary mortgage.

NACA has more than three million Members and 47 offices. NACA has established an outstanding record of success over four decades for its effective operations and aggressive advocacy against predatory and discriminatory lenders. NACA stands out in the following areas:

  1. Provides the best mortgage in America with no down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no mortgage insurance, at a below market fixed rate without consideration of one’s credit score;
  2. Is the largest and most effective HUD approved counseling organization;
  3. Has been on the forefront of fighting against abusive and discriminatory lending practices; and
  4. Saved more than 500,000 homeowners with an unaffordable mortgage from foreclosure during the mortgage crisis.