NFMC Updates

1. NFMC Updates

2. Closing of R7 and Beginning of R8 • The Round 7 extension performance period officially ends June 30,2014 • The performance period for Round 8 is Oct 1, 2013 to Dec 31, 2014

3. NFMC Compliance Review Responsibilities and Expectations: • Grantees chosen for remote compliance review by Neighbor Works were notified by DHCD though emails • Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (MHM) has been selected by NeighborWorks America to perform compliance monitoring for grantees that received funding allocations under the NFMC program

4. NFMC Compliance Review • MHM’s HUB- New client portal uploads • DHCD will upload the required documents to the HUB on behalf of it’s sub grantees • Timelines: May 28th received notification letter from MHM • 15 business day notification for on-site and remote reviews • 10 days later notification of client files ID’s selected for testing

5. NFMC Compliance Review • Client File Testing- NFMC staff (Not MHM) will test client file adherence for Round 7 • 15 client files uploaded to the NFMC DCS will be randomly selected • Grantees will be provided cover sheets to separate each of the required documents for the client file review • NFMC Compliance Resources: HTTP://NFMCMEMBERS.ORG

6. NFMC Compliance Review Source: NFMC Quality Control & Compliance WebEx

7. Counselor’s Webpage NFMC Program – Counselor’s Website http://mdhope.dhcd.maryland.gov/Counseling/Pages/CounselorsPortal.aspx • Sample Client Satisfaction Survey Form • Sample NFMC Intake Form • NFMC: Making Home Affordable - Outreach and Intake Project • NFMC: Events of Default and Remedies Policy • NFMC Action Plan Template • NFMC Quality Control and Compliance Worksheet • Sample Authorization Form & Privacy Statement • National Industry Standards Code of Ethics • MD DHCD NFMC Required Documentation • MHA Checklist 10-2012

8. Special Notes About Round 8 • Grantees should provide translation services to NFMC counseling clients that require and/or request it. • Submit verification of your agency’s translation services for its NFMC counseling clients as part of the start-up documentation requirement

9. Special Notes About Round 8 • Steps Taken on Action Plan: Counselors notes alone do not satisfy the requirements. Verification that action took place is required. A general handout with a variety of workout options or “Actions” is not acceptable.

10. Special Notes About Round 8 • Steps Taken on Action Plan: Fax transmission sheets, e-mails, mail receipts, screenshots of portal communication or other signed verification that any action took place is required to be retained in the client file.

11. Special Notes About Round 8 • Privacy Policy: Having access to the privacy policy on the organization’s website does not satisfy this requirement unless there is affirmative confirmation and documented proof that the client has reviewed the policy in the file.

12. Special Notes About Round 8 • Privacy Policy: Clients who are given the choice to “opt-out” of the organization’s privacy policy provision allowing for the sharing of their information with affiliated third-parties and choose to do so cannot be uploaded into the DCS for payment by NFMC.

13. Special Notes About Round 8 • Verification of Action Plan: Suggestions for documenting referrals to realtors- must include 3 realtors and client signature stating they received the list. • “Referring” a client back to the servicer/lender is not considered a referral.

14. Neighbor Works Compliance • Grantees must have signed the National Industry Standards Code of Ethics and Conduct and Minimum Standard Activities for Foreclosure Intervention and Default Counseling.

15. Neighbor Works Compliance • Authorization Forms – NFMC Authorization not other Authorization Old Forms Key Provisions – remove dates!! Form must explicitly state that the client is authorizing (a). the agency to submit client-level information to the Data Collection System for the NFMC grant, (b). NFMC to open files to be reviewed for program monitoring and compliance purposes, and (c). NFMC to conduct follow-up with the client related to program evaluation.

16. Neighbor Works Compliance • Disclosure Language I understand that (organization name) provides information and education on numerous loan products and housing programs and I further understand that the housing counseling I receive from (organization name) in no way obligates me to choose any of theseparticular loan products or housing programs.

17. NFMC Level 1 Counseling Defined Level 1 Counseling - All of these completed documents must be in client file: • Intake – DHCD Portal, CMS, or HOPE LOAN PORT® • Signed Authorization with NFMC language not credit authorization or mortgage authorization • Budget • Action Plan – NFMC Compliance Worksheet • Screen for Making Home Affordable. Documentation that a screening occurred for each type of available assistance should be included in the Action Plan and client file. .

18. NFMC Level 2 Counseling Defined Level 2 Counseling - These completed documents must be in client file: • Signed Authorization with NFMC language, • Verified budget (income and debt,) • Documentation of Action Plan, • Close-out documentation. (No longer required)

19. Key Points to Remember • NFMC Random Review Process • Adherence to the Industry Standards • Training for new counselors • Stay current – HUD, MHA, etc • Reducing number of - open cases. • Continue to do outstanding work

20. Key Points to Remember • Translation Service Form and Signed Ethics to hopecounselors@mdhousing.org • Review NFMC requirements • Compliance with Housing Counseling Standards • Make links with Legal Service Providers • Send us updated contact information • Communicate with DHCD about what is going on in your agency.

21. Compliance and Monitoring • Program Time Frames • Client File Requirements • Reporting Dates • Random Review Process • NFMC Member Site www.nfmcmembers.org • NFMC Monthly WebExes