Financial Coach

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Wichita since 2011, focusing on assisting refugees and immigrants in rebuilding their lives. The organization provides a variety of services, including trauma-informed family support, economic empowerment, education for youth and adults, and immigration services. The IRC's mission is to help those in need regain control of their future in their new home, and it operates in multiple countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Financial Coach position is integral to the IRC's Economic Empowerment program, aimed at providing coaching and counseling services to refugees, immigrants, and other individuals. The role requires a strong understanding of personal finances and the U.S. financial system, enabling the Financial Coach to effectively engage and motivate clients. The primary focus is on one-on-one counseling, but the role also involves delivering group workshops. The Financial Coach will assist clients in developing actionable plans to achieve financial stability and will work closely with the Economic Empowerment team to ensure comprehensive financial education and assistance is provided. This position also includes helping clients with applications for various loan products, such as credit-building and business loans, thereby playing a crucial role in their financial journey.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Coach will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing one-on-one financial counseling and coaching to clients, helping them resolve financial challenges and promoting proactive financial management.
• Developing long-term relationships with clients to support their financial goals.
• Creating actionable plans and providing resources to help clients achieve their financial objectives.
• Offering strategies for budget improvements through personal budgets and financial assessments.
• Collaborating with other IRC services, such as employment and career development, to provide holistic support.
• Engaging with external financial institutions to understand community needs and tailor services accordingly.
• Developing and delivering workshops on relevant financial topics, including budgeting, saving, and credit building.
• Coordinating with the IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity to manage consumer loan programs and ensure timely application submissions.
• Utilizing the Efforts to Outcome (ETO) system for tracking client progress and documenting outcomes. 1
• Completing financial assessments and capturing client success stories. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant professional experience in the human services field, with a minimum of 2 years strongly preferred. A demonstrated understanding of the U.S. business climate, budgeting, asset building, and credit building is essential, with experience in business counseling being highly desirable. Previous experience working with refugee and immigrant populations, particularly those affected by trauma, is also preferred. The ability to provide culturally sensitive financial coaching is crucial, along with strong relationship-building and networking skills. Candidates should be self-starters with excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. A valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle are required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is preferred for this position, providing a foundational understanding of the principles necessary for effective financial coaching and counseling.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the human services field, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience working with refugee and immigrant populations. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to provide financial coaching and counseling in a culturally sensitive manner.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by the client group is highly desirable, as it enhances the ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The Financial Coach position is based in Wichita, Kansas, and may require occasional weekend and evening work. The compensation for this role ranges from $20.40 to $20.91 per hour, depending on various factors such as the labor market and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to protected characteristics. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families.