Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Work Availability
Quote
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Sandra Castano

Teaneck,NJ
Sandra Castano

Summary

Direct experience in implementation, development, and/or management of federal, state, or local housing programs and initiatives. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, problem solve and be persistent. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks and duties. Demonstrate sensitivity to issues of low-to-middle income populations. In-Depth knowledge of community development programs and resources. Over ten years of consecutive work experience in the non-profit sector.

Overview

14
years of professional experience

Work History

HUD Certified Housing Counselor, North Hudson Community Action Corporation
Union City, NJ

Department Head Coordinator
01.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Provide comprehensive individual housing and credit counseling sessions to clients in the community, including, but not limited to: financial literacy, tenant advocacy, fair housing, pre and post purchase counseling, budgeting, homeownership education, and foreclosure prevention
  • Identify emerging needs, issues and trends among low-and moderate-income residents that affect home ownership and neighborhood construction revitalization
  • Experience with providing community referrals to family shelters and support services to homeless, low-income, domestic violence victims, elderly, disabled and formerly incarcerated population
  • Employ bilingual marketing strategies and responsible in implementing a curriculum for financial literacy workshops/programs for adults and teens throughout the community while in effort to increase public awareness of all NHCAC programs
  • Enhance the performance of the staff through effective leadership, coaching, and definition of expectation; facilitate and strengthen the ability of staff to problem solve and develop skills
  • Foster a positive and strong organizational culture that will value accountability, collaboration and help attract and retain a successful and committed department
  • In accordance with grant requirements, complete all quarterly and annual reporting to various funders.

Bergen Federal Credit Union
Hackensack, NJ

Branch Operations Manager, Loan Underwriter, Financial Literacy Instructor
01.2009 - 01.2016

Job overview

  • NMLS# 143308
  • Oversaw daily operations, including supervision of Member Service Representatives, adherence to policies, equipment operation/repair, maintenance of database, secured opening and closing operations, cash/ ledger balances, etc
  • Supervised a staff of 10 individuals
  • Responsible for daily processing of ACH and share draft reports
  • Conversant with credit union policies, including updating underwriting policies and guidelines when changes are required as per Credit Committee demands
  • Provided initial and ongoing compliance training with NJCUL for all employee staff and board members concerning BSA/AML requirements
  • Prepared reports for and participate in Strategic Planning, monthly Board meetings and applicable committee meetings
  • Participated in meetings, webinars and conference provided by the National Credit Union Administration, NJ Credit Union League, Credit Union National Association and other applicable organizations.

Education

Rutgers State University

Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice/Psychology, Business Administration

University Overview

Skills

  • State of New Jersey Public Notary 2023
  • HCS, HMIS, CounselorMax, HCO, Empower
  • Ellie Mae Encompass, Calyx Point
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Accomplishments

Accomplishments


  • Certifications -Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Certified with FHA Connection since 2018
  • Certified Credit Counselor by the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC)
  • Certified Financial Wellness Money Wise Instructor Sponsored by Capital One Bank
  • Certified Member of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
  • Certified Post-Purchase Instructor by the Neighbor works Institute.

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Availability
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Quote

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney

Timeline

Department Head Coordinator
HUD Certified Housing Counselor, North Hudson Community Action Corporation
01.2017 - Current
Branch Operations Manager, Loan Underwriter, Financial Literacy Instructor
Bergen Federal Credit Union
01.2009 - 01.2016
Rutgers State University
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice/Psychology, Business Administration
Sandra Castano