Credit Counselor

Background:

Redbud Financial Alternatives is a small non-profit CDFI loan fund currently focused on consumer and auto lending in Hazard, Kentucky. Redbud anticipates expanding its lending product over time including home repair and home purchase mortgages. Redbud transforms credit from an obstacle to an opportunity for Appalachian Kentuckians through strong community partnerships and the strategic pairing of responsible loan products and relevant financial education/coaching. Redbud is a rapidly growing organization with ample opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Position Summary:

Redbud is looking for a highly motivated, curious, and mission-minded credit counselor to assist clients with meeting their financial goals. The Credit Counselor also works in collaboration with the CDFI Managing Director, the Director of Lending, and the Board of Directors to assess clients’ overall financial situations. The position is available immediately.

Responsibilities:

1. Credit Counseling

a. Assess client’s overall financial situation by reviewing income, assets, debts, expenses, credit reports, or other financial information, including meeting with clients at the request of the Loan Officer, presenting to Loan Committee, and monitoring and responding to portfolio performance.

b. Create debt management plans, spending plans, or budgets to assist clients to meet their financial goals.

c. Calculate client’s available monthly income to debt obligations.

d. Recommend strategies for clients to meet their financial goals, such as borrowing money through loans or loan programs, declaring bankruptcy, making budget adjustments, or enrolling in debt management plans.

e. Interview clients by telephone or in person to gather financial information.

f. Explain general financial topics to clients, such as credit report ratings, bankruptcy laws, consumer protection laws, wage attachments, or collection actions.

g. Prepare written documents to establish contracts with or communicate financial recommendations to clients.

2. Lending

a. Manage and facilitate loan origination and servicing, including meeting with clients at request of the CDFI Director, Director of Lending, and presenting to the Loan Committee.

b. Track, monitor and report development services provided.

c. Ensure all lending activity is conducted in compliance with lending policies.

3. Compliance

a. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

b. Ensure compliance with all grantors or funder-imposed restrictions.

Requirements

REQUIRED – While the ideal candidate will have credit counseling experience, the lending side can be taught, and so Redbud is prioritizing searching for a highly motivated and mission-minded individual who is passionate about rural communities and/or Appalachia.

Education and experience

· 2 years of relevant experience and/or a Master’s degree in a related field

Skills and competencies

· The Credit Counselor must be a self-starter. While the Redbud team will be able to provide initial instruction and direction, the Credit Counselor is ultimately responsible for financial education for the clients and must be able to make independent decisions and know when to ask for help.

· Passion and respect for Appalachia and the challenges of rural, persistent poverty communities and the families living in them

· Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to deliver financial education to management, the board, committees, funders, policy makers, and outside groups

· Comfort with technology including Microsoft Office (especially Excel), apps, and cloud-based software

· Patience with repetitive tasks requiring attention to detail

· Willingness to think creatively

PREFERRED

· 2 years of credit counseling experience

· 2 years of lending experience

· 2 years of non-profit experience

· 2 years of CDFI experience

· 1 years of customer service

· Familiarity with Salesforce

Compensation

$45,000 to $55,000 with excellent benefits and growth potential

How to apply:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, citizenship, disability, military leave or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to james@redbudloan.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Ability to Relocate:

• Hazard, KY 41701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person