Overview
The Program Coordinator for the HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program plays a critical back-office role in the administration and servicing of the program on behalf of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). This position is responsible for the accurate intake, review, and processing of HomeFirst applications, including eligibility verification, document review, fund reservation, and coordination of loan closing logistics.
The Program Coordinator works with housing counselors, lenders, and attorneys who submit applications and documentation on behalf of program participants. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in mortgage lending, residential real estate transactions, or housing finance, and is comfortable navigating loan files, income documentation, and property eligibility requirements with precision and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Application Intake & Eligibility Review
- Receive and log HomeFirst applications submitted by housing counseling agencies on behalf of homebuyers.
- Review and verify required application documents, including homebuyer education certificates, Certificates of Eligibility, bank pre-approvals, and signed sales contracts.
- Verify applicant income and confirm eligibility in accordance with HomeFirst program guidelines.
- Confirm property eligibility based on geographic location and property type requirements.
- Review mortgage pre-approval letters and confirm that lenders are participating lenders in the HomeFirst program.
- Identify documentation deficiencies and communicate them to the appropriate housing counselor or program contact.
Fund Reservation & Closing Coordination
- Reserve HomeFirst funds upon completion of a satisfactory eligibility review.
- Receive and review lender commitment letters to confirm loan terms and program compliance prior to closing.
- Coordinate the confirmation of closing dates and manage scheduling logistics with relevant parties.
- Authorize and release down payment assistance funds for closing in accordance with program procedures.
- Prepare and review closing documentation, including promissory notes and mortgage/security instruments.
Program Administration & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files, program records, and databases for all active and closed applications.
- Monitor application pipeline and track status of applications through intake, review, reservation, and closing.
- Prepare reports to support internal monitoring, compliance reviews, and program reporting to HPD.
- Ensure post-closing documentation is received, recorded, and properly filed in accordance with program requirements.
- Identify workflow issues and escalate complex cases or compliance concerns to the Director of Programs.
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, public administration, housing, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
- 2–4 years of experience in mortgage processing, residential lending, loan origination support, or housing finance.
- Working knowledge of mortgage documentation, income verification processes, and residential real estate transactions strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with affordable housing programs, homebuyer assistance programs, or government-funded housing finance initiatives is a plus.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written communication skills; comfort communicating with external program partners (housing counselors, lenders, attorneys) in writing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with case management systems, loan origination software, or housing databases is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
Please send resume and cover letter to careers@nhsnyc.org
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity in all its forms and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every candidate and employee feels respected and supported. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage candidates from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities to apply.