Title: Financial / Housing Counselor 

Pay range: $22.00/hour to $23.15/hour with$1.68/hour additional for fluent Spanish speaker, plus generous benefits package    

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt 

Reports to: Director of Counseling 

About OnTrack WNC: 
OnTrack WNC is Western North Carolina’s trusted non-profit source for financial education and counseling. Since 1973, the organization has helped individuals achieve financial goals through education, counseling, and support to overcome crises, afford basic needs, and make sound financial decisions rooted in their values. 

Position Summary 

The Financial/Housing Counselor is responsible for delivering high-quality financial and housing counseling services in line with the organization’s vision, regulatory/funding requirements, and policies/procedures. The counselor will work with individuals and families to identify financial and housing goals, consider options, and choose personalized actions toward their goals. Ontrack WNC is proud to offer opportunities for advancement for staff that seek to grow in their skills and career including coordination of specific programs, when available.  

Essential Functions 

Provide financial/housing counseling services.  

  • Conduct set number of appointments per week, including at least one evening per week, up to one Saturday every other month, and other weekends and evenings infrequently, as needed. 
  • Partner with each client to develop strategies for meeting their financial/housing needs. 
  • Interact with clients in a responsive, helpful, positive manner in person and via phone, video calls, emails, and texts. 
  • Document all counseling activities and outcomes in line with organizational policies and procedure. 

Participate as an active and engaged member of the counseling team. 

  • Attend staff meetings, actively participate, and provide thoughtful input. 
  • Participate in group and independent projects as needed to further team or agency objectives. 
  • Support and staff outreach events and other community-based initiatives as needed. 
  • Serve as an OnTrack WNC ambassador and liaison when interacting with clients, community partners, and other stakeholders. 
  • Respect and contribute to OnTrack WNC’s commitment to inclusion. 
  • Think broadly and creatively about how we can do what we do better. 

Take ownership of personal work and timely communication. 

  • Learn procedures and incorporate any updates into your work. 
  • Share and accept ideas and feedback.  
  • Respectfully engage in open and honest communication with coworkers and supervisor. 
  • Provide timely and thoughtful responses to emails, voicemails, and other communications. 
  • Work to remain organized, manage job responsibilities efficiently, and ask for help when needed. 

Provide agency support. 

  • Obtain and renew required certifications, including HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling). Certification training and support will be provided, and fees are paid by OnTrack. 
  • Build out monthly service schedule in line with agency policies, procedures, and guidelines, including some evening and Saturday availability. 
  • Embrace a learning spirit by seeking out and sharing information and resources related to financial and housing resources, products, trends, etc. 
  • Participate as an active and engaged member of the OnTrack WNC team, attending meetings and other agency engagements as assigned. 
  • Support OnTrack WNC as needed by filling in for staff absences, supporting program roll outs, etc.  
  • Respect and embody OnTrack WNC’s Inclusion Statement. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Preferred Skills & Experience 

  • Ability to stay on task, manage multiple priorities, and consistently meet deadlines.  
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining attention to detail and quality.  
  • Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex, and confidential issues and situations. 
  • Experience analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives, and making appropriate recommendations.  
  • Experience establishing and maintaining effective collaborative working relationships with colleagues/peers. 
  • Experience connecting with people from varying communities and identities, ensuring the development and delivery of culturally responsive services. 
  • Although not required, the following are preferred: 
  • Experience working in an individual or group counseling environment. 
  • Experience with financial principles or the housing industry. 

Working Conditions and Environment 

This position is based at OnTrack’s main office, with all staff currently working remotely on Fridays (subject to change). It requires the ability to sit for long periods, use typical office equipment, and occasionally travel for local or regional meetings and events.   
 

OnTrack also provides significant employee benefits: 

Medical insurance (Employees pay $50/month)  

Life and Disability insurance (no cost to employee) 

401(k) retirement plan (after one year, OnTrack WNC contributes 5% of your annual pay) 

OnTrack WNC provides 14 paid holidays/year, and you’ll be eligible for 18 days of paid time off (PTO) in the first year. PTO increases with length of employment. 

To Apply: 

Submit a compelling cover letter, resume, and professional references to emilyr@ontrackwnc.org with a subject line of "Housing / Financial Counselor - Your Last Name". Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.