Life As A Counselor
Housing counselors have the rewarding career of helping people in their community. They help people buy their own homes. They help people get back on track with their mortgage payments to prevent foreclosure. They help people get back on track with rent payments to prevent eviction. The more stable the housing in a community is, the more stable the community is.
Starting salaries are around $42,000 and seasoned counselors can earn upwards of $70,000. Housing counselors do not need a college degree. Housing counselors must be HUD-certified before they can provide any counseling services, but there are many resources to help someone become certified within a couple of months. All organizations employing housing counselors support the continued training of the counselors so they are better prepared to help others.
Southwest CDC was looking for a new housing counselor. A man was showing his son how to search for job opportunities online. He used himself as an example. He filtered a search engine with his background information, he had real estate and banking experience, and the Southwest CDC post came up. He was so intrigued by the position he applied, and was accepted. Nearly 10 years later, he is still a housing counselor helping people.
Counselors working in HCAC member organizations have the benefit of working within the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC) network, which is dedicated to maintaining high standards.
How to become a Housing Counselor
To become a Housing Counselor you must pass the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, certification and work for a HUD-approved agency. Your HUD certification will only be valid if you are employed by a HUD-approved agency.
HUD provides free training modules and guides. The exam fee ranges from $60-$100, based on whether you take it online or in a testing facility. If you are employed by a HUD-approved agency, they may be able to sponsor your certification.
The first step for many Housing Counselors is to get hired by a HUD-approved agency, and then gain HUD housing counseling certification. Learn more about the HUD certification exam on the certification website.
