POSITION SUMMARY:

The Homeownership Specialist, under the direction of the Assistant Housing Director, is responsible in coordinating, developing, and meeting goals of all homeownership programs for Sault Tribe Housing including Down Payment Assistance, Lease to Purchase, Individual Development Account, Sanitation, Weatherization, Owner Occupied Rehab, Home Rehabilitation, and Home Improvement Programs. This position is responsible for providing homeownership training, counseling, advocacy, and support to tribal members who wish to pursue homeownership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Manages all phases of the application process; ensures accurate application, files, and waiting lists for all Homeownership programs.
• Assesses clients' overall financial situation by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information.
• Completes financial assessments through home visits to place participants in appropriate homeownership programs.
• Facilitates homeownership training and counseling for a number of programs under the department.
• Provides follow-up and assistance to selected participants to ensure the successful completion of program activities.
• Provides technical assistance to homeowners facing maintenance, foreclosure, and budgeting issues.
• Performs home visits to provide safety inspections, financial assessments, and program explanations, ensures compliance with program policy, and provides technical assistance.
• Reviews credit reports and determines corrective action in order to assist clients with repairing credit.
• Advocates on behalf of low-income tribal members seeking homeownership through local banks and credit unions and real estate agencies.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Assists in Tribal land lease conveyance for Housing Authority properties; open houses, showings, executing sales agreements, and attending closings.
• Develops, formats, and mails quarterly homeownership newsletter to all participants.
• Promotes HUD Section 184, USDA Rural Development, and Veterans loan programs.
• Teaches courses and seminars on topics, such as homebuyer education, budgeting, credit repair, or financial literacy.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, outside vendor/service providers, banks, credit unions, credit reporting agencies, real estate brokers, appraisers, title companies, and other housing professionals, HUD, Veteran Affairs and USDA Government Agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position light with the lifting of 20 pounds and frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of near vision, typing; frequent sitting, use of hearing, midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, driving, bending; occasional standing, walking, carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, manual handling and smell. Working conditions include frequent exposure to extreme weather, heat/cold, wet/humidity, noise and vibration and air quality. Potential hazards include constant client contact and computer use; frequent infectious exposure and equipment use and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, chemicals, insecticides/pesticides, and needles/syringes.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate's Degree in Business, Office Administration or Human Services preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience working in housing, real estate, or lending services required.

Certification/License: Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver's license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of or ability to learn of mortgage lending principles and practices is required. Knowledge of credit reports and scoring is preferred. Knowledge of Indian Housing programs, NAHASDA, and other funding sources is preferred. Knowledge of Tribal trust land leasing policies and procedures is preferred. Knowledge of Financial Education Training accreditation is preferred. Must have excellent organization skills; organizing work, prioritizing tasks, and managing time. Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a diverse range of audiences and settings. Strong problem-solving skills are preferred. Must have excellent public relations/customer service skills and be able to exhibit a friendly and positive attitude. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers, and the general public. Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a diverse range of audiences and settings. Must be flexible and available to work various shifts, including nights and weekends. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.