Financial Education Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that was established in 193

• The IRC's mission is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The IRC's Center for Financial Opportunity (CFO) specifically focuses on assisting newly arrived refugees and low-income individuals in achieving self-sufficiency through various financial education and employment programs.

Job Overview:
The Financial Education Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the IRC’s Financial Education Programs. This position involves coordinating the Communities in Action program and other Financial Capability programming activities aimed at helping clients improve their financial literacy and achieve economic self-sufficiency. The specialist will lead financial education trainings and workshops, conduct individual assessments to measure financial capability, and provide case management, debt navigation, and credit repair mentoring. Additionally, the role includes providing stabilization support services to low-income residents in East County, ensuring they can access consumer loans through the IRC’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The specialist will be responsible for empowering clients with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their finances effectively, thereby fostering their ability to achieve and maintain economic independence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Financial Education Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: screening, assessing, and enrolling participants for program eligibility; conducting individual case management and providing necessary support services or referrals; maintaining accurate records and case files; following up with clients regularly; providing individualized financial counseling sessions; implementing financial literacy workshops; increasing participant knowledge of financial services; collaborating with other IRC departments; assisting clients in accessing mainstream financial services; supporting debt navigation coaching sessions; facilitating access to capital from the IRC’s CDFI; tracking participant attendance and outcomes; completing required certifications; and participating in community practice calls and financial capability events. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their financial needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Financial Education Specialist position should possess an undergraduate degree in a related field, or a combination of equivalent work experience and education. A minimum of 1 year of experience in the non-profit sector is strongly preferred, along with proven experience in client counseling, case management, or coaching. Familiarity with the U.S. credit and banking system, as well as experience in personal budgeting and credit counseling, is essential. The ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds is required, and prior experience working with refugee and low-income populations is preferred. Strong organizational skills, written and verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently are also necessary for success in this role.

Educational Background:
An undergraduate degree in a relevant field is strongly preferred for this position. However, a combination of equivalent years of related work experience and education may also be considered acceptable. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to financial management, social work, or community development, which would provide a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the Financial Education Specialist.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 1 year of experience in the non-profit sector, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience in client counseling, case management, or coaching. Experience working with refugee and low-income populations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the U.S. credit and banking system. The candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong understanding of financial literacy concepts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates should also have proficiency in an additional language relevant to current refugee or immigrant populations. Preferred languages include Arabic, Dari/Pashto, Swahili, or Haitian Creole. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and another relevant language is crucial for providing support to clients from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The Financial Education Specialist position is based in a standard office environment, with a current hybrid mode of remote work within San Diego County. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work, and office hours are scheduled from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. Candidates must have access to a reliable vehicle for travel throughout the service delivery area, along with a valid driver's license and current insurance. The compensation for this position ranges from $24.00 to $26.78 per hour, depending on various factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.