Job Description

Compensation: $65,000 to $80,000 annual plus excellent benefits

*** This position full-time and ON-SITE in our DTLA HQ office***

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

PACE is local community nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to provide job training and placement services for the Asian Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles. PACE has since expanded into a variety of service areas, all tailored to meet the growing and changing needs of the multi-ethnic communities in Los Angeles County. Now, in addition to job training and employment services, significant PACE programs encompass: Business 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 our wide scope of services 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 of being responsive to community needs and is known for creating innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. Visit our website to learn more about our organization: https://pacela.org/

PACE Finance Corporation (PFC) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic LOAN COUNSELOR I to join our Lending Team. Under the supervision of the Loan Manager, the Loan Counselor I will provide support to small businesses seeking loans for business growth and operation needs, with a primary focus on assisting senior loan counselors and managing a portfolio of smaller or less complex loans. This entry-level role is designed for individuals who are developing their skills in loan packaging, financial counseling, or loan servicing. The Loan Counselor I will shadow and assist senior loan counselors, gaining experience in loan structuring, credit evaluation, and borrower support while handling smaller loans under guidance. The position will collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure loan processes are conducted efficiently and in compliance with organizational policies. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to start or advance their career in small business lending and community development finance, while contributing to the organization’s mission of expanding access to capital for underserved communities.

2) WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Assist and shadow senior loan counselors in working with small business owners to assess financial needs, package loan applications, and provide basic financial counseling on loan options.
• Support loan underwriters by gathering and organizing borrower documentation and assisting with preliminary review of financial statements and creditworthiness under supervision.
• Collaborate with the loan servicing team to help track payments, maintain borrower records, and provide post-loan support for a portfolio of smaller loans.
• Report directly to the Loan Manager, providing updates on assigned loan files, documentation progress, and borrower interactions.
• Coordinate with internal departments such as accounting, compliance, and operations to support proper documentation and ensure adherence to lending policies.

3) MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Loan Support & Counseling (45%)

• Assist senior loan counselors in helping small businesses prepare loan applications, gather required documentation, and organize loan submissions to ensure files are complete and compliant with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Provide basic financial counseling to small business owners on loan application processes and documentation requirements, under guidance.
• Support the underwriting process by assisting with preliminary financial reviews and gathering information to help assess borrower creditworthiness.
• Help ensure loan files are accurate, complete, and updated in the loan management system.

Outreach and Customer Support (30%)

• Serve as an initial point of contact for small business owners with smaller or less complex loan requests, providing general guidance and updates on loan status.
• Support outreach activities by helping to coordinate or participate in community events, workshops, or borrower information sessions alongside senior staff.
• Assist in maintaining relationships with key community partners and small business networks by providing administrative and follow-up support.

Post-Loan Support & Administrative Tasks (15%)

• Assist in monitoring borrower accounts, helping track payments and compliance with loan terms.
• Help identify basic issues (e.g. missed payments) and escalate to senior counselors or servicing staff for resolution.
• Provide administrative support for loan modifications, deferments, or other borrower support activities as needed.
• Perform other related duties, special projects, or tasks on an ad-hoc basis as assigned by the Loan Manager to support lending operations and organizational goals.

Data Tracking & Compliance (10%)

• Maintain organized records of loan applications, borrower interactions, and support activities in the loan management system.
• Assist with data collection for internal reporting, audits, and compliance reviews, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.

Education & Experience

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance, Economics or related. Coursework or certifications in credit analysis, financial analysis, or related are a plus.
• Some experience (including internships, volunteer work, or entry-level roles) in financial services, lending, customer service, or a related area is preferred.
• Interest in community development, small business lending, or nonprofit financial services.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and financial analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills with a focus on building relationships
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting
• Effective problem-solving and mediation skills
• Bilingual skills highly desired

5) 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
• This position is on-site in our DTLA office

6) 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
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately.

7) APPLICATION PROCESS

• All applicants MUST apply directly 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 role. Reasonable accommodations 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.

PACE Finance Corporation is a private not-for-profit corporation that provides employment, small business assistance, education, housing and other community services in the Los Angeles County and County areas. PACE Finance Corporation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

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