Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago · 1 month ago
Homegrown Program Grant Underwriter
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$25/hr - $25/hr
3+ years expNeighborhood Housing Services of Chicago is seeking a Homegrown Program Grant Underwriter responsible for evaluating and determining eligibility for the HomeGrown Purchase Assistance Grant Program. The role involves comprehensive application reviews, compliance tracking, and communication with applicants throughout the grant lifecycle.
Financial ServicesLendingMortgageNon Profit
Responsibilities
Request, collect, and review all required application documentation from prospective homebuyers, ensuring completeness and accuracy
Verify eligibility based on income, household composition, property characteristics, and other HomeGrown program criteria
Identify missing or unclear information and follow up with applicants promptly to obtain clarifications or additional documentation
Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective homebuyers throughout the underwriting review
Communicate status updates, application issues, and final determinations in a clear and timely manner
Provide guidance to applicants regarding documentation requirements and next steps
Analyze applicant documentation, including income verification, mortgage details, homebuyer education certificates, property information, and credit considerations
Assess applications using established underwriting standards, program rules, and City of Chicago
Issue formal grant approval or denial letters in accordance with eligibility outcomes
Establish and manage an application review team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance in all underwriting decisions
Provide training, support, and quality control for team members involved in application intake and review
Collaborate with Program Administration and other internal teams to maintain coordinated program operations
Monitor the status of approved grants through the mortgage loan closing process
Ensure all required documentation is collected and properly recorded before closing
Track grant compliance during the five-year recapture period, documenting changes in occupancy status, property transfers, or other triggering events
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in finance, business, public administration, urban planning, or related field
Minimum of 3–5 years of underwriting, lending, housing program administration, or grant eligibility determination experience
Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret financial and eligibility documentation
High attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing sensitive documentation
Ability to manage deadlines and coordinate multiple applications simultaneously
Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and digital documentation management
Strong commitment to equity, confidentiality, and high-quality service to diverse applicants
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Adaptability
Collaboration & Teamwork
Preferred
Experience with income verification, mortgage documentation, or affordable housing programs
Familiarity with HUD requirements, down payment assistance programs, or government-funded housing initiatives
Benefits
Health, dental, vision insurance
Paid time off
Company
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago is a nonprofit organization that provides mortgage lending services.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Anthony Simpkins
President and CEO
Donna Clarke
Chief Operating Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase