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Financial Empowerment Specialist

San Jose

  • Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
  • Location: San Jose
  • Grade: Mid level - Mid level
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Banking and Finance
  • Closing Date: Closed

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Career Development Coordinator, the Financial Empowerment Specialist will work together with the larger San Jose Team through an integrated approach to help refugees to thrive financially in the U.S through the IDA program and Financial Coaching.

You will be responsible for recruiting and working with refugee clients in the IDA program to identify an asset goal and build an appropriate Savings Plan Agreement. You will guide the refugee saver to progress towards asset acquisition through offering technical support in establishing the IDA at the qualified financial institution, coordinate asset-specific training and technical support, and you will support the client to achieve the savings goal in the agreed upon timeframe.

You will have three primary areas of focus: oversee and instruct classes on financial literacy to newly arrived refugee and asylee clients, provide financial coaching and counseling services to clients on a one-on-one basis, and assist clients in applying for loans through the Center for Economic Opportunity, our subsidiary Community Development Financial Institution.

Working closely the Employment and Career Development teams you will provide client services in an integrated, effective and consistent manner.

Major Responsibilities:

Individual Development Account (IDA) Program

•Organize and track documents eligibility, enrollment and disbursement information for program participants.

•Track deposits and work closely with the Site and Finance Managers, as well as PARS (our partner agency) to ensure IDA match and disbursement requirements.

•Collaborate with the IRC San Jose team on internal and external outreach to recruit suitable, eligible participants to the IDA program.

•Verify that participates are meeting all training requirements for budgeting, cash management, savings, credit building, and investment.

•Ensure that participants complete required asset-specific training through referral and follow up, as well as direct technical assistance.

•Assist participants in understanding the Savings Plan Agreement and help them establish the IDA at the qualified financial institution.

•Work with savings goal participants to ensure retention and regular deposits to improve the reaching of savings goals.

•Oversee proper disbursement of match savings for asset purchase and provide technical assistance around the purchase.

 

Financial Coaching

•Lead the implementation of group Financial Literacy classes, including organizing and adjusting the curriculum as necessary, coordinating logistics such as transportation, interpretation, and volunteer support, teaching classes utilizing adult learning principles appropriate for a multicultural audience; accurately tracking participant attendance, data, and follow-up services.

•Conduct one-on-one financial coaching and counseling with clients, including: using data management system to document and reflect the outcome of clients’ progress in an accurate and timely manner, contribute to quarterly funder reports with program outcomes data and client stories, conduct community-facing workshops for outreach and education. Topics may include budgeting, savings, banking, financial products, credit building, identity theft, and more.

•Maintain and develop new positive relationships with local financial institutions and community organizations as a means of increasing outreach efforts and funding opportunities.

•Administer lending products through IRC’s Center for Economic Empowerment (CEO), including credit building loans, vehicle loans, and education and training loans.

•Ensure clients receiving loans are accessing appropriate coaching and case management services.

•Coordinate with the IRC’s CEO and attend trainings and webinars as required.

•Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

•Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience.

•Prior experience in IDA management and financial counseling highly desirable. Experience in a non-profit or social services setting is an advantage, prior experience working with refugee populations preferred.

•2+ years’ experience in client counseling, case management or coaching is ideal.

•Attention to detail and ability to organize and track large amounts of information efficiently and accurately.

•Familiarity with or association with employers and vocational training programs in San Jose highly desirable.

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

•Strong computer skills, particularly Word and Excel. Prior experience with databases an advantage.

•Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks.

•Demonstrated understanding of personal finances, particularly in the areas of budgeting, asset building, and credit building is required.

•Ability to provide financial counseling/coaching services in a culturally sensitive manner is required.

•Proficiency in a refugee language such as Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Tigrinya or Arabic is an asset.

•Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service area.

Working Environment:

•Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.

•Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).

 

IRC- leading the way from harm to home

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This vacancy is now closed.
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