Financial Coach

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 25 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.  Through its Abilene office, the IRC helps to resettle over 200-300 refugees every year.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Financial Coach provides financial coaching and budget counseling services to clients on a one-on-one basis, supporting the development of a personalized budget and financial plan and providing continued support throughout the yearlong service delivery period.  They also coordinate and teach financial literacy classes and assist clients in applying for loans through the Center for Economic Opportunity, the IRC’s subsidiary Community Development Financial Institution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the implementation of group Financial Literacy classes, including:

oOrganize and adjust the curriculum as necessary;

oCoordinate logistics such as transportation, interpretation, and volunteer support;

oTeach classes utilizing adult learning principles appropriate for a multicultural audience;

oAccurately track participant attendance, data, and follow-up services

• Conduct one-on-one financial coaching and budget counseling with Social Adjustment clients, including:
  • Work with clients to create a budget, and provide strategies for budget improvements;
  • Follow up with clients on budgets and financial stability periodically for one year
  • Assess the clients’ financial history and provide strategies for credit building and increasing net assets;
  • Assist clients in resolving current financial challenges, while providing a wide lens on their financial health to shift the approach to proactive financial management;
  • Develop plans of action and provide tools and resources while promoting client accountability to help clients meet their goals; 
• Use Efforts to Outcome (ETO), a data management system, to document and reflect the outcome of clients’ progress in an accurate and timely manner;
• Maintain and develop new relationships with local financial institutions and community organizations as a means of increasing outreach efforts and funding opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution is strongly preferred.
• 2+ years’ experience in client counseling, case management, or coaching is required.  Professional experience in a financial counseling setting is strongly preferred.
• A demonstrated understanding of personal finances, particularly in the areas of budgeting, asset building, and credit building is required.
• Previous work experience with the IRC’s target refugee and immigrant population and/or with populations affected by trauma is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral are required.
• Demonstrated ability to report data/outcomes tracking in a database is required.
• Ability to provide financial counseling/coaching services in a culturally sensitive manner is required.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken.  Bilingual language skills in target population’s most frequently used languages preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel daily throughout the service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits etc).

Working Environment:  

Professional office environment. Work may be conducive to a flex schedule, if needing to be available evenings to support clients. Schedule to be arranged through Supervisor, but not to go over 40 hours per week unless pre-authorized.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.