Homeowner Advocate - Affordable Mortgage Solutions - 2024-25

Homeowner Advocate – Affordable Mortgage Solutions

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands-on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps National members serve the community in direct service and capacity building activities.

What will you do?

The homeowner advocate AmeriCorps member will act as a liaison between applicants and Affordable Mortage Solutions team. They will serve as the main point of contact as each potential homeowner goes through the lending process. The AmeriCorps member will simplify the loan originating process for the applicant by building relationships, understanding the applicant’s challenges, and providing one on one support. The member will be encouraged to identify areas of our current process where applicants may struggle and provide feedback to AMS staff, so improvements can be made.

• Navigate homeowner files in the loan origination software (Encompass).
• Research and study applicant’s data collected at the front end of the process for each future homeowner.
• Learn the terms of acceptance for each future homeowner.
• Understand the partnership requirements to buy a Habitat home.
• Study loan origination handbook and become versed with AMS processes.
• Provide recommendations to staff on milestones where feedback from the homeowner should be collected.
• Contact the future homeowner to ensure communication from AMS is received and understood.
• Help the applicant understand what documentation is acceptable for loan processing, (e.g., paystubs, bank statements and tax returns cannot be processed through pictures taken with mobile devices.)
• Assist the future homeowner in understanding deadlines and maintain ongoing communication to ensure documentation is submitted in a timely manner (not to include collecting payments or notifying homeowners of delinquent mortgage payments).

This position will focus on mortgage services aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver
• Nearest metropolitan area: Denver, CO
• Full-time staff: 81
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 21
• Number of homes to be built: 26
• Activities and attractions: Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver provides endless potential for adventure and exploration, with all the perks of a major metropolitan city. Metro Denver has quick access to outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, biking, camping and more. There are endless ways to get out and about in the city as well. The perks of city living include excellent bike paths and a multitude of affordable eateries, craft breweries, sports events, and music venues. At the end of each day, AmeriCorps members can rest and relax in free 3-bedroom condos owned by Habitat Metro Denver. Each unit has private bedrooms, a full kitchen, outdoor space and designated parking. Join a community that has a lot to offer, grow as an individual, become a member of a team, and most importantly, help hardworking families achieve their dreams of homeownership.
• Unique projects: This AmeriCorps member will create a manual that streamlines the loan sale process.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $18,700 for approximately 10 ½ months of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395, upon successful completion of service (lifetime maximum of two full education awards).
• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Personal and medical leave — approximately 10 days total.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Child care benefits, if you qualify.
• Worker’s compensation insurance.

Supplemental Benefits

• Free housing -OR- housing stipend paid directly to your landlord ($450 per month)
• Relocation reimbursement ($500)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.