Wildfire Mortgage Loan Officer

JOIN THE DevNW TEAM AS OUR NEW Wildfire Mortgage Loan Officer in a 3-Year Limited Duration Role

DevNW and our CDFI partner, Community Lending Works (CLW) are fostering vibrant, inclusive communities by prioritizing housing, asset development, wealth building, and small business development. To do this work we are deconstructing pervasive systems of oppression such as racism, classism, or sexism that maintain persistent disparities and perpetuate deep imbalances in power, opportunity, and wealth.

This is a Limited Duration, 3-year position funded through the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) ReOregon Housing Support Services Program, which provides federal Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery resources to households impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Wildfires and Straight-line Wind Events. DevNW is responsible for delivering Down Payment Assistance and Housing Counseling to wildfire survivors in Clackamas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties. 

The Wildfire Mortgage Loan Officer role’s critical contributions to this work are the following:

• Originate and underwrite Down Payment Assistance (DPA) loans for wildfire survivors in Clackamas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion Counties, ensuring compliance with Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) requirements and program guidelines.


• Provide mortgage affordability management and DPA loan underwriting services, including assessing each household’s financial situation, conducting Duplication of Benefits checks, and ensuring affordability within program guidelines.


• Review primary mortgage terms from external lenders to ensure they meet ReOregon program requirements for non-predatory, affordable mortgages.


• Assist survivors in completing DPA applications, gathering required documentation such as income verification, environmental review, inspection reports, etc., and maintaining complete files in Neighborly, the State’s system of record.


• Support award consultations with applicants, explaining calculations, contingencies, and timelines.


• Collaborate with DevNW Housing Counselors, real estate agents, escrow officers, title companies, and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) staff to ensure timely closing and compliance with program standards.


• Provide post-closing servicing support for DPA recipients including monitoring, subordination, and payoff processing.


• Document and report activities monthly in alignment with OHCS reporting requirements.

It is CRITICAL that you have…

• Current Oregon state Mortgage Loan Originator license and NMLS SAFE Act–compliant loan originator status.


• Minimum of 2 years of professional mortgage lending experience.


• Experience originating first and second mortgage products, preferably including affordable housing, DPA, FHA, VA, or USDA loans.


• Ability to explain the mortgage and homebuying process clearly to survivors, many of whom are first-time buyers and may be navigating trauma from wildfire impacts.


• Ability to analyze financial situations (income, assets, debt, credit history) to determine program eligibility.


• Demonstrated ability to manage loan requests in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working with diverse communities and households with low to moderate incomes.


• Commitment to ethical standards, ensuring survivors receive transparent and accurate information.

It is GREAT if you have…

• Experience working with wildfire survivors, disaster recovery, or HUD and CDBG-DR funded programs.


• Knowledge of Community Land Trusts (CLT) or affordable housing models.


• Bilingual Spanish/English skills (verbal and written).


• Previous banking or consumer lending experience.


• Experience assisting low-income, first-time homebuyers.

Example tasks/responsibilities:

• Educate wildfire survivors and community partners about DPA, mortgage products, and homeownership requirements.


• Originate and process DPA loans, ensuring compliance with affordability guidelines, DOB calculations, and income certifications.


• Guide survivors through the application and underwriting process, ensuring Neighborly files are complete.


• Coordinate with inspectors, appraisers, and OHCS to ensure properties meet environmental and health/safety standards.


• Submit timely draw requests to OHCS for DPA funding and ensure accurate payment of benefits at closing.


• Provide annual servicing communications for silent-second loan holders.


• Prepare program and funding reports; ensure files meet OHCS audit and compliance standards.


• Build partnerships with referral sources, including DevNW housing counselors, realtors, and wildfire recovery organizations.

Apply for this opportunity to support DevNW’s suite of programs and services by providing an introduction letter detailing your interest that includes the following by priority date September 12, 2025:

1. Describe how your journey thus far has prepared you for the key contributions of this position.


2. Tell us about your experience helping a first-time or disaster-impacted homebuyer overcome challenges in qualifying for a mortgage.


3.  Curent resume
   
   

DevNW is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. Applications for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed.  We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.  If you meet key qualifications for the job, and believe you would be the best fit, we would encourage you to apply; please use your cover letter or introductory email to explain how you will accomplish parts of the job for which you have less experience.  If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us.

DevNW values diversity and supports a welcoming, inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive. We value a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.