Housing & Financial Program Specialist - Bi-Lingual

NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region; Beloit (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region is seeking a motivated Bilingual Housing & Financial Program Specialist (English/Spanish) to join our Rockford/Beloit team. This full-time, on-site role provides individualized housing counseling, financial coaching, homebuyer education, and foreclosure prevention assistance across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

The position supports outreach, partnership development, and expanding NWBR’s services while traveling to serve clients in Rockford, Beloit, and

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish with the ability to communicate effectively with clients verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area, including Rockford, Beloit, and surrounding communities.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn specialized client management software.
• Experience or familiarity with foreclosure prevention counseling, mortgage delinquency assistance, and loss mitigation processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized housing counseling to individuals and families preparing for homeownership.
• Assist clients in evaluating mortgage readiness, understanding the homebuying process, and identifying barriers to successful homeownership.
• Develop personalized action plans to help clients achieve their housing and financial goals.
• Guide eligible clients through down payment assistance programs, including program requirements, documentation, and application processes.
• Provide foreclosure prevention counseling and assistance to homeowners experiencing mortgage delinquency or financial hardship.
• Help homeowners understand available loss mitigation options, including repayment plans, loan modifications, forbearance, and other potential foreclosure alternatives.
• Assist clients in communicating with mortgage servicers, gathering required documentation, and navigating loss mitigation processes.
• Provide ongoing guidance and referrals to appropriate housing and community resources.
• Support additional housing counseling services as assigned and appropriate to certification and training.

Skills

Fluency in English and Spanish

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Team collaboration

MS Office proficiency

Willingness to travel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

HUD Housing Counselor Certification

Post-secondary education in finance, business, human services, or related field

Job description

Salary: $45,000–$52,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: On-site, with office locations in both communities and travel throughout the surrounding service area

Company Description

Founded in 1979, NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region (NWBR) is an established nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding housing opportunities, strengthening financial stability, and building thriving communities throughout Southcentral Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, NWBR is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency and a chartered member of NeighborWorks America, a nationally recognized network of organizations committed to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for individuals and families.

For more than 45 years, NWBR has helped individuals and families navigate the path to sustainable homeownership and greater financial independence. Our comprehensive services include homebuyer education, individualized housing counseling, financial coaching, down payment assistance, foreclosure prevention, and post-purchase support. We also provide affordable housing opportunities for vulnerable populations through our housing initiatives.

Through strong partnerships with financial institutions, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders, NWBR connects individuals and families with the education, resources, and personalized guidance needed to make informed housing and financial decisions.

As our organization continues expanding its services throughout the Blackhawk Region, including Rockford and surrounding Northern Illinois communities, we remain committed to addressing housing disparities, removing barriers to homeownership, and creating lasting opportunities for financial and housing stability.

Our Mission: Bridging the gap in housing disparity by creating affordable living opportunities.

Position Overview

NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region is seeking a motivated, compassionate, and highly organized Bilingual Housing & Financial Program Specialist (English/Spanish) to join our growing team.

This full-time position will serve individuals and families throughout Rockford, Illinois; Beloit, Wisconsin; and surrounding communities in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

With office locations in both Beloit and Rockford, the specialist will work directly with clients, build community relationships, and support NWBR's expanding services across the region.

The specialist will provide individualized housing counseling, financial coaching, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention assistance, and guidance navigating affordable homeownership programs. This position also plays an important role in community outreach, partnership development, and expanding awareness of NWBR's services.

Key ResponsibilitiesHousing Counseling & Homeownership Support

• Provide individualized housing counseling to individuals and families preparing for homeownership.
• Assist clients in evaluating mortgage readiness, understanding the homebuying process, and identifying barriers to successful homeownership.
• Develop personalized action plans to help clients achieve their housing and financial goals.
• Guide eligible clients through down payment assistance programs, including program requirements, documentation, and application processes.
• Provide foreclosure prevention counseling and assistance to homeowners experiencing mortgage delinquency or financial hardship.
• Help homeowners understand available loss mitigation options, including repayment plans, loan modifications, forbearance, and other potential foreclosure alternatives.
• Assist clients in communicating with mortgage servicers, gathering required documentation, and navigating loss mitigation processes.
• Provide ongoing guidance and referrals to appropriate housing and community resources.
• Support additional housing counseling services as assigned and appropriate to certification and training.

Financial Coaching & Education

• Work individually with clients to assess their financial circumstances and establish achievable financial goals.
• Provide education and coaching related to budgeting, credit improvement, debt management, savings, and financial preparedness.
• Help clients understand credit reports, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop strategies for long-term financial stability.
• Assist with planning and facilitating financial education and homebuyer education workshops in English and Spanish.

Community Outreach & Partnerships

• Represent NWBR at community events, educational workshops, and outreach activities throughout the service area.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, lenders, real estate professionals, employers, and other referral partners.
• Increase awareness of NWBR's housing counseling, financial coaching, foreclosure prevention, and homeownership assistance programs.
• Support NWBR's continued growth and community engagement in Rockford, Beloit, and surrounding communities.
• Identify opportunities to connect underserved households with available housing and financial resources.

Program Administration & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records in accordance with organizational policies and applicable program requirements.
• Document counseling sessions, client progress, action plans, and program outcomes.
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and compliance requirements associated with housing counseling and financial assistance programs.
• Maintain organized client files and ensure required documentation is completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure consistent, high-quality client services.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and financial circumstances.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple client cases and responsibilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn specialized client management software.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the assigned service area, including Rockford, Beloit, and surrounding communities.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in housing counseling, mortgage lending, banking, financial services, real estate, or nonprofit community development.
• Familiarity with the homebuying process, mortgage financing, credit counseling, and down payment assistance programs.
• Experience or familiarity with foreclosure prevention counseling, mortgage delinquency assistance, and loss mitigation processes.
• Experience providing financial education, coaching, or individualized client services.
• Knowledge of affordable housing resources and programs in Wisconsin and Illinois.
• Post-secondary education in finance, business, human services, community development, or a related field.
• HUD Housing Counselor Certification.

HUD Certification

Current HUD Housing Counselor Certification is preferred but not required at the time of hire.

Candidates who are not currently HUD-certified must be willing and able to obtain certification within a timeframe established by NWBR.

NWBR supports professional development and training opportunities to help employees build expertise in housing counseling and financial empowerment.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who believes that access to reliable information, financial education, and affordable homeownership opportunities can change lives.

The ideal candidate is approachable, resourceful, detail-oriented, and committed to helping individuals and families move toward greater housing and financial stability.

Successful candidates will demonstrate initiative, professionalism, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn. They will be comfortable working directly with clients while also representing NWBR within the communities we serve.

Why Join NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region?

At NWBR, our work creates meaningful opportunities for individuals, families, and communities.

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a direct impact by helping individuals and families work toward homeownership and financial stability.
• Join an established, mission-driven nonprofit with more than 45 years of community service.
• Support the growth of housing counseling and financial education services throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
• Develop professional expertise through training and opportunities to obtain HUD Housing Counselor Certification.
• Work collaboratively with community partners and a dedicated team committed to expanding access to affordable housing opportunities.

Join NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region and help create pathways to stronger financial futures, sustainable homeownership, and healthier communities.