Default & Foreclosure Counselor Consultant (Bilingual English/Spanish)

Organization: Hacienda Community Development Corporation 
Date Posted:  March 25, 2025
Location: Portland, OR 
Position Type: Consultant
Duration: April 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025 (potential extension)
Language Requirement: Bilingual English/Spanish
Certification Requirements: HUD Counseling Certificate, Foreclosure Intervention & Default Counseling Certification
Benefits: Ineligible
Compensation: $28 - $34/hour, depending on experience 
Expected Clients & Hours Per Week: 2 - 7 clients and 2 - 4 hours per client.

BACKGROUND:

As a HUD-certified agency, Hacienda offers a range of services to help individuals achieve homeownership, including education, pre-purchase and post-counseling, financial resources, default prevention, and other home-buying support. The Default Counselor Consultant will assist clients in a situation of default or foreclosure with counseling and support with the goal of achieving the best expected outcome, depending on their case. This service requires adherence to HUD guidelines and involves assessing clients’ financial situations, 1-1 counseling, creating action plans, providing financial education, and coordinating resources to support homeowners in their specific situations.

CONSULTANT ACTIVITIES:

Counseling and Client Support:

• Receive an assigned case from Hacienda’s Homeownership Manager and review the files and documentation related to the case. Complete Hacienda´s intake process complying with required procedures, data entry and organizational policies.
• Establish contact with the client and conduct one-on-one counseling sessions in English or Spanish to assist homeowners with default prevention in compliance with HUD guidelines.
• Keep regular communication (phone, text, email) with clients to ensure counseling support is effective.
• Provide financial wellness, default prevention, and foreclosure education based on clients' needs.
• Support assigned client with their interviews (virtually or in-person) at the Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance Center.  Follow-up with client after resolution conference to confirm outcome of case.
• Work with clients to develop financial assessments and action plans, which include:
  • Money Management: Assist in creating budgets or expense tracking mechanisms and discuss debt restructuring options.
  • Prioritizing the order of payment of non-mortgage debts.
  • Develop a strategy for mortgage loan repayment: Discuss with clients the default terms and the default process and develop a strategy.
  • Assess the client´s eligibility for financial assistance programs and provide appropriate referrals.
  • Ongoing Support: Provide follow-up and ongoing assistance.

• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in electronic or paper formats per HUD and funder guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to all City, State, Federal, and funder regulations.
• Provide thorough documentation, case notes, and data management in Hacienda’s client database.
• Follow HUD and funder guidelines for follow-up communication with clients.

• Bilingual English and Spanish are required, as well as the ability to speak, read, and write clearly and accurately in each language. 
• Proficiency in reading financial documents such as bank statements and credit reports.
• Strong analytical skills in interpreting financial data.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
• Competency in financial calculations, including front- and back-end ratios.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Commitment to a client-centered approach and high-quality customer service.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships with clients and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks independently.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Team-oriented mindset with collaborative execution of projects.
• Passion for community development, particularly within the Latino and low-to-moderate-income communities.
• Understanding of social justice issues and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Availability for occasional evening and Saturday events.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with databases such as Outcome Tracker or Salesforce.
• Ability to conduct online research and use scheduling software.

• HUD Counseling Certificate required.
• Foreclosure Intervention & Default Counseling Certification
• NFMC Required Coursework:
  • Course 1: HO345 Foreclosure Intervention & Default Counseling Certification, Part 1
  • Course 2: HO307 Advanced Foreclosure: Case Study Practicum