Financial Coach

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The organization is committed to helping individuals and communities regain control of their lives and achieve self-sufficiency through various programs, including economic empowerment, education, health, and safety. The IRC employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to deliver impactful services and advocate for the rights of those in need.

Job Overview:
The Financial Coach position is designed to provide essential financial counseling and coaching services to clients enrolled in various programs at the local office. The role involves working closely with clients to assess their financial needs and develop personalized financial action plans. The Financial Coach will conduct one-on-one coaching sessions, guiding clients through the intricacies of personal budgeting, banking, credit establishment, and advanced asset-building topics. This position requires a proactive approach to client engagement, ensuring that clients not only understand financial concepts but also apply them effectively to improve their financial situations. The Financial Coach will also be responsible for creating and facilitating workshops on budgeting, banking, and credit, thereby enhancing the financial literacy of participants. Collaboration with the Economic Empowerment Manager and other community partners is crucial to achieving client goals and integrating additional support services as needed. The role demands a commitment to tracking client progress and outcomes, ensuring compliance with programmatic and donor requirements, and participating in ongoing professional development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Coach will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to: providing individualized financial coaching and counseling to a caseload of clients; assisting clients in creating personal budgets, establishing bank accounts, taking out loans, and building credit; analyzing credit reports and providing strategies for debt reduction; assessing client needs and developing tailored financial action plans; conducting both initial and follow-up counseling sessions to achieve desired client outcomes; making appropriate referrals to additional services such as benefits and tax preparation; supporting the development of new workshops focused on budgeting, banking, and credit; ensuring that all training requirements are met for participants; increasing participant knowledge of financial services; coordinating outreach efforts with banks and community members; accurately tracking participant attendance and outcomes in the ETO system; completing required certifications and participating in ongoing training; adhering to programmatic and contractual requirements; attending community practice calls and financial capability events; and maintaining effective relationships with colleagues, banks, tax sites, and community volunteers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Financial Coach position should possess an undergraduate degree or a combination of equivalent education and relevant work experience. Experience in financial education, counseling, and coaching is essential, along with a strong familiarity with the U.S. credit and banking systems. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills, particularly in engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds. A high level of comfort in multicultural and multidisciplinary team settings is required, as well as exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficiency in computer literacy is necessary, along with strong written and verbal communication abilities, including presentation skills. The ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and be a self-starter is crucial for success in this role. Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in a refugee language is considered an asset. A valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle for regular travel within the service delivery area are also required.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Financial Coach position should have an undergraduate degree, preferably in a related field such as finance, social work, or education. However, a combination of relevant education and work experience may be considered equivalent. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in financial principles, counseling techniques, and an understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by clients.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in financial education, counseling, or coaching, demonstrating a strong understanding of personal budgeting, banking, and credit counseling. Experience working with diverse populations, particularly refugees or low-income individuals, is highly desirable. The role requires a proven ability to engage clients effectively and support them in achieving their financial goals through tailored coaching and counseling.

Languages:
Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this position. Additionally, proficiency in a refugee language is considered a valuable asset, as it can enhance communication with clients from diverse backgrounds and improve the effectiveness of financial coaching services.

Additional Notes:
The Financial Coach position offers a combination of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. Candidates should be prepared for occasional weekend and evening work as needed. This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. The compensation for this role ranges from $26.50 to $28.04 per hour, depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability. Benefits for short-term employees in the U.S. include a 403b retirement savings plan with immediate vesting, sick leave, and access to an Employee Assistance Program for staff and their families.