Announcement

Housing Counseling Services Coordinator

Four Directions Development Corporation

20 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473

 

Background:

Four Directions Development Corporation (FDDC) is a non-profit, certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to improve the social and economic conditions of the four Native American tribes in Maine – the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot – through education and investment in affordable housing, tribal business ventures, and Native entrepreneurship.  We offer lending, financial literacy, housing counseling and business technical assistance services to tribal members in both housing and business development. 

Position Summary:

The Housing Counseling Services Coordinator is responsible for the design and implementation of home ownership readiness programs created specifically for the members of the five Native American Communities in Maine. The Housing Counseling Services Coordinator promotes financial skills and financial self-sufficiency of families and individuals in the five Native Communities in Maine through varied programs and individualized counseling. The Housing Counseling Services Coordinator will provide financial counseling services to members of the five Native Communities in Maine who are in financial distress and help them move towards financial security. The Housing Counseling Services Coordinator will assist the Portfolio Manager and/or Loan Officer in helping delinquent borrowers develop a payment plan and re-stabilize their financial lives.  The Housing Counseling Services Coordinator will also raise awareness of energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable housing options for FDDC clients and will promote the FDDC energy efficiency loan incentive program.

 Responsibilities:

  • Provides outreach into the five Native Communities in Maine, develops new markets, provides financial education, and participates in community outreach and financial literacy coalitions and working groups.
  • Develops and presents group and individual financial education curriculum, including mini-presentations on relevant topics, such as credit card usage and predatory lending.
  • Provides financial counseling, budgeting, and case management services, develops  workout plans with delinquent borrowers, the Lending Officer, and/or the Portfolio Manager.
  • Assists the Portfolio Manager with collection of delinquent accounts and loan modifications.
  • Provides accurate and timely reports.
  • Assists with VITA training and follow-up activity.
  • Fundraising: The Housing Counseling Services Coordinator will scan for new and existing grant opportunities that can be used to support the Housing Counseling program and will assist the grant writing team with writing sections of the application, collecting data, and developing pro-formas.

 Qualifications:

  • This is a senior position in this field.  Three to five years of housing counseling experience or experience providing counseling services or technical assistance services in a Native Community strongly preferred, but not required.  
  • Certification in Homeownership Counseling strongly preferred, required within a twelve (12) month period. 
  • Knowledge of Homeownership Lending basics required within a six (6) month period.  
  • Collections experience with a mission driven or non-profit organization preferred.
  • Experience assisting with grant writing preferred.  Strong writing skills required.
  • Strong presentation and verbal communications skills required.
  • Self-direction, organization, motivation and attention to detail required.
  • Demonstrated sensitivity to low-income borrowers and a strong desire to work in Native American communities is essential.  Native American ancestry preferred. Prior experience working with Native American communities strongly preferred.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in related area of study (e.g. Social Services, Human Development program, business administration or finance) or an equivalent combination of experience and education required. 
  • Strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
  • Current valid State of Maine driver’s license, safe driving record and reliable transportation required.

 Compensation:

Competitive salary based on experience, plus a generous benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement, and generous leave and holiday policy.

 How to Apply:

Interested individuals please send a resume and cover letter to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Please write “Housing Counseling Services Coordinator” in the subject line of your message. Interviews for this position will begin during the week of October 17th.