MORTGAGE COUNSELOR COMPENSATION: $60,000 to $100,000+ (based on substantial production incentives) LOCATION: NACA Offices Nationwide CONTACT: HR Department: jobs@naca.com BENEFITS: Excellent single/family health, vision and dental PPO with 70% employer contribution & 401K. Website: www.naca.com EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: With more than 25 years on the front lines of the battle for economic justice, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) fights on behalf of working people against predatory lending practices, and ensures that its Members can build strong, stable neighborhoods through affordable homeownership. NACA is a high-profile organization with over two million Members and a tremendous track record of success assisting hundreds of thousands of homeowners and homebuyers ( Members ). NACA has set the national standard for assisting low to moderate income people to achieve the dream of affordable homeownership. NACA is growing nationwide to significantly increase the number of people and communities it serves with its extraordinary mortgage programs. The Mortgage Counselor ( MC ) provides comprehensive, individual, face-to-face housing counseling services in a local NACA office to primarily homebuyers in NACA s Purchase Program. Additional counseling is provided to homeowners through NACA s HomeSave program. A MC must be an advocate who provides comprehensive counseling and affordable outcomes. The MC helps homebuyers overcome the roadblocks that prevent them from purchasing a home. This consists of individual counseling to qualify for NACA s Best in America mortgage. NACA is the only job in the counseling and mortgage industry where an employee can provide primarily low and moderate income borrowers with an incredible mortgage, and make considerable income without engaging in abusive lending practices. The MC must be a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. S/he is the Member s primary point of contact through bank application while adhering to NACA s established requirements. The MC essentially manages his/her own pipeline of Members while working within the underwriting guidelines for NACA s Best in America mortgage. The MC ensures effective and timely communication, explaining and requesting necessary documents, determining readiness for homeownership and an affordable mortgage payment. S/he works with the Member to address and improve their financial management. The MC needs to maintain a professional demeanor and provide outstanding customer service at all times. The MC must also educate the Member on their next steps at each stage of the process and utilize problem solving skills in order to provide sound counseling, and help the Member overcome obstacles. S/he must be able to work independently with Members. The MC must also have the ability to manage time effectively without procrastinating or avoiding tasks and must complete effective counseling sessions within specified time limits in an accurate manner, prioritizing ready Members and effectively managing their calendar, correspondence with Members, and pipeline. The NACA mortgage and homeownership program are so superior that they require minimal marketing efforts. NACA provides an instant pipeline of homebuyers without the need to generate leads which allows the MC to be dedicated to counseling Members, and to assist them in securing the NACA Mortgage. The Mortgage Department is primarily responsible for processing and closing the loan including addressing lender conditions, obtaining title and homeowners insurance. Ver. 18.1 Mortgage Counselor Page: 1
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: The MC provides comprehensive housing counseling to pre-approve a homebuyer for the NACA Mortgage or other mortgages ( NACA Qualification ). This requires full documentation based on NACA s policies and procedures. For some Members, this can be achieved quickly while for others it may take several months or more. The NACA Mortgage Department and authorized Office Manager review the NACA Counselor s assessment of the Members readiness for homeownership with a realistic purchase price for their desired area. The NACA Underwriter makes the final determination on whether the Member should be NACA Qualified, and who may require additional counseling or documentation. The specific job responsibilities include the following: Work with NACA s software to accurately complete documentation and data entry for efficient and paperless qualification. Write narrative analyses and action plans to document next steps after each counseling session. Qualify Members by reviewing payment history, liabilities and other credit information. Work with Members to develop an affordable budget and address budget issues. Work with the Member to calculate a monthly surplus to demonstrate that the Member can afford the mortgage payment and has the minimum required funds necessary for NACA Qualification. Examine and process documents, addressing issues as needed. Determine readiness for homeownership based on NACA Qualification criteria: eligibility, readiness, affordability and funds. Understand the Member s motivation to become a homeowner and provide clear direction. Work with Members to improve their financial management. Determine a maximum affordable mortgage payment and purchase price. Address NACA Qualification conditions (if any) within 24 hours. Educate the Member about alternative mortgage products or solutions. Mortgage Origination: Assist Members during the housing search to purchase a home in his/her desired community. Review Member s application for NACA Credit Access (i.e. meets the underwriting criteria). Submit Member s mortgage application. Fulfill tasks that require origination licensing (discuss change of circumstances, loan updates, etc.). Advocacy in support of NACA s Mission: Employment with NACA requires on-going participation in NACA s advocacy, outreach, community organizing, and other activities as determined by NACA. S/he needs to support and defend the organization s philosophy, tactics and advocacy. Such participation in and support of NACA s confrontational advocacy campaigns and other activities is important in achieving NACA s mission of advocating for economic justice and expanding NACA s best in America homeownership program. While these activities may impact the MC s Performance Pay compensation, they are crucial for NACA s continued success and for meeting NACA s mission. Other Activities: Present at Home Buyer and Purchase Workshops. Assist in outreach focused on low/moderate income communities, churches and job sites. Other duties as assigned. TIME DEMANDS: Approximately 50 hours weekly and as necessary to meet the demands of the job. Typical working hours are: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays, two late nights, plus approximately a half-day two weekends every month for Home Buyer Workshops and/or counseling. During NACA s Events (which are up to five days each including weekends) and other campaign activities, MCs may be required to work increased hours, subject to NACA s discretion. Ver. 18.1 Mortgage Counselor Page: 2
COMPENSATION: The compensation consists of the Base Pay and Performance Pay with no additional pay from Members, others, or for other services. The MC receives an hourly wage rate of $8.00, greater if required by law, plus any overtime ( Base Pay ). This is a minimum cash-flow each pay period to compensate for outreach, NACA s advocacy campaigns and other activities that may reduce the time available for obtaining Performance Pay. If the MC did not begin his/her employment as a Mortgage Counselor ( MC ), during their first six months of employment Development Period the Base Pay would be $12.00 per hour plus any overtime. The total compensation is structured so a MC can earn an overall compensation from $60,000 to $100,000+. This expectation is based on at least 10 Members being NACA Qualified and 5 to 10+ closings a month. Performance Pay: NACA compensates the MCs for their results by providing Performance Pay as described below where the Counselor has counseled the Member according to NACA s Policies and Procedures. Performance Pay is significantly higher for Targeted Members who are low and moderate-income individuals or purchasing in low-moderate income communities. NACA focuses on Targeted Members who need the NACA program the most since they are often overlooked, exploited or rejected by lenders. NACA is committed to providing at least 70% of its mortgages to low and moderate income individuals and communities. Targeted Members: Members whose income is less than 80% of the median income in the Metropolitan Statistical Areas ( MSA s ) or assessment area where the Member intends to purchase. Targeted Areas: Properties in a census tract where the tract medium family income percentage is less than 80% of the MSA. Non-Targeted Members: Members who are not Targeted Members or purchasing in a Non-Targeted Area, cannot purchase a property which cost exceeds the Maximum Acquisition Cost for the area. 1. NACA Qualifications The MC must be actively employed at time of NACA Qualification. Also the MC is responsible for re-qualifications at no additional compensation: Targeted Member: $100 per NACA Qualified Member. Non-Targeted Member: $50 per NACA Qualified Member. 2. Loan Closings (must be actively employed at time of loan closing): MC completed the Member s Qualification: Targeted Member: $500 per Closed Loan (total of $600 with NACA Qualification payment) Non-Targeted Member: $300 per Closed Loan (total of $350 with NACA Qualification payment) If the MC did NOT complete the Member s Qualification and there is no Office Manager in the local office, who would be responsible for originating the mortgage, the MC receives: Targeted Member: $200 per Closed Loan Non-Targeted Member: $150 per Closed Loan 3. Monthly Bonus (MCs who exceed the expected five (5) closings per month): Eligibility: Seven (7) or more closings per month; and 70% or more of the Closed Loans, who the MC Qualified, are Targeted Closed Loans; Ver. 18.1 Mortgage Counselor Page: 3
Bonus: $100 for each Closed Loan PERFORMANCE: The MC is required to NACA Qualify a minimum of ten (10) Members a month with the expectation of significantly more with the majority to Targeted Members. If this requirement is not met, the MC would be subject to performance or disciplinary action including but not limited to termination. The MC is required to provide comprehensive counseling that improves a Member s financial management including: increased savings, decreased debt, improved credit score, improved payment history, on-time rental payments after history of missing payments (thereby stabilizing current housing situation), or stopping over drafting after a history of NSF fees. These are some of the basics of good counseling that NACA monitors. Performance Pay may be reduced, eliminated or shared as determined by NACA management, in its sole discretion, including but not limited to: shared work; poor/ineffective counseling, inaccurate or incomplete submissions, missing timelines, did not adhere to NACA s policies and procedures, or meet other requirements or metrics. CORE COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS: S/he is expected to have all of the following personal characteristics and professional experiences: Communication: Works effectively with Members and NACA staff with ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with the utmost sensitivity to confidentiality and a need to know work ethic. Is an educator who appropriately persuades and influences, and who readily shares information or knowledge needed by others. Organizational Skills: Able to prioritize, schedule and handle a fast-paced, challenging workload. Keeps multiple tasks moving toward completion including working with tickler lists and other electronic reporting and tracking mechanisms. Professional Skills: Detail oriented and well organized, ability to work under pressure, ability to work independently with only general supervision, and strong problem-solving skills. Understanding of his/her own strengths and weaknesses as well as when to seek assistance. Professionalism: Demonstrates professionalism internally and externally. Adheres to direction as presented by management, performs all job duties as assigned, adjusts to changes on short notice, works diligently to achieve goals, takes responsibility for own actions/work product, and implements plans for self-improvement. Customer Service: Provides effective solutions and follow-up with Members and others. Has a highly developed sense of integrity and commitment to customer satisfaction, as well as strong interpersonal skills, to provide top-level customer focused services at all times. Able to understand, anticipate and address customer needs and handle customer concerns in a sensitive and professional manner. Time Management: Arrives ready to work at the scheduled hour, uses time effectively, does not procrastinate or avoids tasks, and completes assigned duties within specified time limits in an accurate manner. Positive Leadership: Leads and influences others by example. Takes pride in his/her job, open to new ideas, and demonstrates a can do attitude particularly when challenged by obstacles. Creates and supports a positive work environment. Computer Skills: Strong data entry and typing skills with ability to work with NACA s software to accurately complete documentation and data entry for efficient and paperless counseling. Mission Driven: Energy and enthusiasm for NACA s mission of affordable home ownership for all, addressing mortgage discrimination and fighting for economic justice. Willing and able to participate in NACA s aggressive advocacy campaigns and activities. Ver. 18.1 Mortgage Counselor Page: 4
JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education: B.A. or B.S. Preferred High School Graduate or Equivalency Required Mortgage, real estate or finance courses Highly Preferred License: Licensed as Mortgage Loan Originator ( MLO ) A MC must keep his/her individual license active and in good standing with the NMLS system in the respective states in which the MC is authorized to conduct business and cooperate with the NACA Compliance Department at all times. Experience: At least two years demonstrating some or all of the following: Mortgage brokerage, origination and/or processing Counseling or social work, such as school guidance Relevant experience: teacher; customer service; mortgage loss mitigation Real estate brokerage and/or knowledge Financial counseling or advisory role HISTORY AND OVERVIEW: NACA (naca.com), is one of the most exciting organizations in the country. NACA is a national non-profit homeownership, HUD-certified housing counseling and community advocacy organization. We are a high-profile organization whose affordable mortgage programs and community advocacy are frequently featured in the national, international and local media. NACA is the largest and most effective homeownership organization in the country and is rapidly growing with 47+ offices nationwide and a counseling center in Charlotte. We are hiring many additional staff for existing and new offices nationwide, local organizers, and directors based in the Boston corporate office. NACA is the premier homeownership and advocacy organization that is both respected and feared. As a result of NACA s large and growing membership nationwide, NACA is now increasingly focused on harnessing its power to demand economic justice for all. Started in 1988, NACA has a strong track-record of successful advocacy against predatory and discriminatory lenders. NACA s success is a result of its aggressive, confrontational advocacy. We have taken on campaigns against some of the country s most powerful companies and individuals and won. NACA has revolutionized mortgage lending with its mortgage programs and advocacy. NACA continues its aggressive advocacy for working people and communities in the fight for economic justice and affordable homeownership for all. In addition to affordable homeownership, this includes taking on issues such as student debt, tax equity, voter access and other economic justice issues. In addition to its advocacy efforts, NACA has established the national standard for homeownership programs. NACA s industry-leading programs include: Purchase For homebuyers who will be owner-occupants, the Purchase Program makes the right to affordable homeownership a reality for homebuyers. By basing its mortgage underwriting criteria on homebuyers overall circumstances and not on traditional risk-based pricing or credit scores, NACA provides broad access to its best-in-class mortgage a mortgage with no down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no requirement for perfect credit and always at a below-market, fixed interest rate. NACA has $13 billion in mortgage commitments from the country s largest lenders to support this program. Renovations For Purchase Program homebuyers whose property is in need of repairs, NACA s Home and Neighborhood Development ( HAND ) department assists them throughout the repair and renovation process. Ver. 18.1 Mortgage Counselor Page: 5
Homeowner Assistance For Purchase Program homeowners who experience financial difficulties, NACA s Membership Assistance Program ( MAP ) provides services including mortgage modifications, payment agreements and financial assistance to help avoid foreclosure. Home Save For homeowners with an unaffordable mortgage, NACA is the largest and most effective program in providing affordable solutions to over 250,000 at-risk homeowners nationwide. NACA has been able to restructure unaffordable mortgages by permanently reducing interest rates and reducing outstanding principle balances to achieve affordable mortgage payments. For more information about NACA and its history and programs, visit www.naca.com. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must complete the application at www.naca.com. NACA is an equal opportunity employer. Minority and bilingual individuals, particularly those who speak and write in Spanish, are strongly encouraged to apply. To follow-up and for inquiries regarding this and other positions contact NACA's HR Department at jobs@naca.com or call 617-250-6222. This job description is solely for descriptive purposes with NACA reserving the right to make unilateral changes to this job description including the compensation for all staff or on an individual basis. NACA may also change the compensation during campaigns, activities and events at its discretion. This does not constitute a contract for employment. Nothing herein shall limit NACA in its sole discretion from terminating an MC for any reason or no reason with employment on an at-will basis. Ver. 18.1 Mortgage Counselor Page: 6