Housing Specialist (Hilo)

Reports To: Program Manager

Location: Hybrid (Hawaiʻi residents only)

Schedule: 32-hour workweek, 4-day full-time position

Salary: $60,000 annually

Position Summary

The Housing Specialist plays a pivotal role in delivering direct services to clients of Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA). This includes providing financial and housing education, individualized coaching, and case management. This role ensures compliance with HUD standards while supporting clients in achieving their financial and housing goals.

Key Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Facilitate financial and housing education group workshops.
• Provide individualized financial coaching and housing counseling for clients enrolled in HCA’s Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) services.
• Manage case files for FOC clients from enrollment through exit, including support with HCA match savings accounts and Hawaii Community Lending (HCL) loans.
• Refer clients to employment coaching, small business training, and additional resources to address their financial and housing needs.
• Identify rental deposit, down payment, and closing cost assistance programs and resources.
• Conduct loan closings with qualified homebuyers and consumer loan borrowers.

Marketing and Partnerships

• Conduct outreach to promote the Financial Opportunity Center, HCA services, HCL loan products, and mortgage assistance.
• Network with key stakeholders, including residents, service providers, housing developers, county agencies, and employers, to enhance the presence and reputation of HCA.

Compliance and Quality Control

• Ensure timely data entry of all client interactions and services into the client management system to maintain up-to-date records.
• Document all communications with clients, including dates, methods of contact, and summaries of discussions, to ensure a comprehensive client history.
• Conduct thorough financial assessments for each client, analyzing income, expenses, debts, and assets to develop accurate financial profiles.
• Assist clients in creating realistic monthly spending plans that align with their financial goals and obligations.
• Maintain communication with clients following HUD regulations and standards.
• Attend weekly/monthly team meetings with the Program Manager and/or HCA Executive Staff to review client pipelines and participate in training.
• Sign and submit time sheets to the Director of Programs for review and approval.

Staff Training and Capacity Building

• Share knowledge with other branches and headquarters on effective practices, competitive intelligence, business opportunities, and needs.
• Engage with HCA and HCL co-workers to foster a positive work environment through training, coaching, development, and motivation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Programs.

Qualifications

Required

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel) and online platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Comfortable speaking one-on-one with individuals and in front of families and groups.
• Strong team player who can work independently.
• HUD Certification in Homeownership Education and Counseling (to be secured within the first 6 weeks of employment).
• Ability to teach in group settings.
• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred

• Knowledge and understanding of Hawaiian culture and values.
• Experience in finance, housing, lending, or education.
• At least 1 year of case management experience.
• Familiarity with online platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Basic understanding of Hawaiian Homelands.
• Willingness to travel and work weekends and outside regular office hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) when necessary.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Office Access: Must be able to safely and independently climb up and down stairs to access the office and utilize office facilities, including the restroom.
• In-Office Requirement: Must be able to work in an in-office setting up to four times per week as part of the hybrid work schedule.
• Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of equipment, materials, and information for outreach, workshops, and community activities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $60,000 annually.
• Paid Time Off: Available after six months of employment.
• Benefits: Healthcare, Temporary Disability, Workers' Compensation, Group Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) match after 12 months of employment.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training in Hawaiʻi and the continental United States

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person