Loan Counselor I in Los Angeles, California at Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

PACE is a local community nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to provide services for communities in the greater Los Angeles area. PACE’s services include Business Development; Workforce Development; Early Childhood Education (Head Start); Financial Education and Asset Building; Housing and Rehabilitation Services; Weatherization and Energy-conservation programs; and Affordable Housing Development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year with approximately 350+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation for being responsive to community needs and known to create innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. Visit our website to learn more about our organization: https://pacela.org/

PROGRAM SUMMARY

PACE BUSINESS promotes the start-up, stabilization, and growth of small business communities through one-on-one business consultation, training, workshops, events, and access to capital. The Los Angeles Business Source Center provides direct technical assistance - including general business services, financial services, access to capital, and technology – to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

https://pacelabdc.org/

POSITION SUMMARY

The Loan Counselor I will be mainly responsible for building, growing, and managing a portfolio of business loans, primarily with start-ups, microenterprises, and small businesses. This role requires proactive outreach, networking, and relationship-building to generate qualified leads, while assessing creditworthiness and recommending financing solutions. The Loan Counselor will work closely with small business owners to provide technical assistance and guide them through the loan process. In addition, the Loan Counselor must be available to participate in community events, workshops, and business networking activities to expand visibility, build referral pipelines, and most importantly, attract new clients.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Outreach (30%)

• Prepare outreach materials and presentations to increase awareness of loan programs and technical assistance services.
• Conduct outreach and community engagement activities to generate new loan leads.
• Support the program in networking and relationship-building with community partners, banks, and business associations.
• Participate in business forums, partner meetings, and community events to connect with potential clients.
• Help prepare outreach materials and presentations to increase awareness of loan programs and technical assistance services.
• Build visibility and awareness of loan products through presentations, workshops, and client engagement.

Loan Intake & Client Assistance (50%)

• Meet with microenterprises and small businesses to gather financial and business information for loan intake.
• Provide clients with financial literacy so clients can understand loan requirements, terms, and repayment expectations.
• Refer clients to different financial products both in-house and external based on business needs.
• Assist clients in completing loan applications and preparing supporting documents.
• Review client information for accuracy and completeness before submission for credit review.
• Maintain ongoing communication with clients to track application progress and ensure follow-up.

Data Tracking & Compliance (15%)

• Track client progress and document outcomes in compliance with program requirements.
• Maintain accurate loan records and client interactions in designated systems.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, lender/funder requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Support reporting requirements by submitting timely and accurate loan activity data.
• Assist other team members with maintaining client documentation and data.

Organizational Support (5%)

• Participate in staff meetings, training, and special projects.
• Coordinate events and workshops for PACE Business.
• Support cross-functional collaboration to meet lending and organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES, & SKILLS

Education & Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Finance, Economics or related. Coursework or certifications in credit analysis, financial analysis, or related are a plus.
• Two-year experience in financial services, lending, customer service, or a related area.
• Interest in community development, small business lending, or nonprofit financial services.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and financial analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, building and stewarding an organizational culture that embraces inclusion.
• Have excellent communication skills – both written and spoken; ability to communicate and deliver clear, concise, effective manner for internal and external stakeholders.
• Build positive, effective, collaborative cultures and teams wherever you work, including willingness to share skills and knowledge with others.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Excellent customer service skills with a focus on building relationships
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective problem-solving and mediation skills
• Familiarity with CRM or loan management systems
• Ability to work with low-income individuals and groups of multi-background.
• Bilingual skills highly desired

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass employment and professional verification/reference check
• Must possess valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation as local travel may be required on occasion

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Pay range is $65,000 to $80,000 annual depending on experience
• Affordable and robust Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance plans for employee plus family with generous employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement plan
• PTO, paid holidays, and sick leave

APPLICATION PROCESS

• All applicants MUST apply on our website by uploading a resume AND completing our online application to be considered: See link to apply: https://pacela.org/about/work-at-pace/
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position has been filled.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

These physical demands represent the requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Loan Counselor I role. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the described essential functions. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, talk, and hear. The employee will frequently use their hands and fingers to operate a computer, handle documents, and perform data entry. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and lift or move items up to 25 lbs. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision for reading documents and working on a computer.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCES, & SKILLS

Education & Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Finance, Economics or related. Coursework or certifications in credit analysis, financial analysis, or related are a plus.
• Two-year experience in financial services, lending, customer service, or a related area.
• Interest in community development, small business lending, or nonprofit financial services.