Application Guide

How to Apply for Intake Specialist

at NeighborWorks America

🏢 About NeighborWorks America

NeighborWorks America's Housing Development Fund is a unique community development financial institution that has been creating affordable housing opportunities since 1989. What makes this organization special is its dual focus on both affordable homeownership and rental housing, helping low- to moderate-income households achieve housing stability. Working here means contributing directly to community development and social impact through housing solutions.

About This Role

As an Intake Specialist, you'll serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking housing counseling and education services. This role involves managing client inquiries, maintaining accurate records in Salesforce, and supporting clients through the initial stages of their housing journey. Your work directly impacts families' ability to achieve homeownership and housing stability through professional guidance and support.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves responding to housing counseling inquiries via phone and email, creating new client files in Salesforce with accurate documentation, and following up with clients about required paperwork. You'll balance intake form assistance with maintaining existing client records, ensuring all interactions are professional and supportive while managing multiple priorities in a remote work environment.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for NeighborWorks America

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who NeighborWorks America Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of customer service experience specifically in lending, banking, or housing sectors (not just general customer service)
  • Demonstrates exceptional written and oral communication skills with experience handling sensitive client information professionally
  • Possesses strong technological proficiency with Salesforce experience and comfort pulling credit reports
  • Shows proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining meticulous attention to detail

📝 Tips for Applying to NeighborWorks America

1

Highlight specific experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems in your resume - this is a core requirement for managing client files

2

Quantify your customer service experience with metrics (e.g., 'managed 50+ client inquiries weekly' or 'maintained 95% accuracy in data entry')

3

Demonstrate knowledge of housing counseling terminology and processes, even if indirectly through related lending or banking experience

4

Emphasize your experience handling sensitive financial information and maintaining client confidentiality

5

Showcase your ability to work independently in a remote setting while maintaining productivity and professional communication

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with client intake processes in housing, lending, or financial services', "Examples of how you've managed sensitive client information and maintained data accuracy in previous roles", "Your understanding of affordable housing challenges and why you're passionate about this mission", 'How your technological skills (especially with Salesforce or similar systems) will contribute to efficient client file management']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review NeighborWorks America's specific affordable housing programs and services in detail
  • → Understand the Housing Development Fund's history and impact since 1989 in community development
  • → Research current affordable housing challenges and policies in the US to demonstrate contextual knowledge
  • → Familiarize yourself with housing counseling certification requirements and processes
Visit NeighborWorks America's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience handling sensitive client information and maintaining confidentiality in previous roles
2 How would you handle a client who is frustrated about eligibility requirements for housing counseling services?
3 Walk us through your process for ensuring data accuracy when creating and maintaining client files
4 What experience do you have with Salesforce or similar CRM systems for client management?
5 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple client inquiries, data entry, and follow-up requirements simultaneously?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only general customer service experience without highlighting specific housing, lending, or banking context
  • Failing to demonstrate technological proficiency or specific CRM experience in your application materials
  • Showing lack of understanding about the sensitive nature of housing counseling and financial information handling

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to NeighborWorks America!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →