NDMV AmeriCorps Financial Empowerment Associate

The Financial Empowerment Associate is an 11-month position responsible for providing financial education, counseling, and loan support services to assist new and recently arrived refugee clients to gain the financial knowledge needed to achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency. The position supports group financial workshop instruction and one-to-one services supplementing the work of Financial Coaches.

Responsibilities

• Work one-to-one with clients to complete a detailed, individualized financial assessment at initial intake and again for follow-up services six or more months later
• Work with clients to develop household budgets and provide strategies for effective budget management
• Support the IRC’s Financial Coach by providing one-on-one financial counseling to clients, individualized and tailored to the client’s needs
• Deliver group classes and workshops for both youth and adults on financial literacy topics including banking, budgeting, credit building, managing debt, auto purchases, taxes, and more
• Tailor workshop materials and curriculum as needed to meet the needs of clients
• Connect clients to economic empowerment and other services offered by the IRC, such as employment placement, career development, microenterprise services, and case management
• Connect clients to the IRC’s Financial Coach for long-term coaching services as needed
• Identify and develop relationships with local financial institutions and community organizations that can provide products and services that meet clients’ needs
• Assist clients with opening checking, savings, and investment accounts
• Provide support to the IRC’s microlending program as needed, including assisting clients with obtaining credit-building loans, education & training loans, personal loans, auto loans, and business loans
• Provide support to clients needing assistance with IOM travel loan payments, deferments, and loan forgiveness
• Meet with clients on designated walk-in days as well as for pre-scheduled appointments for the services described above
• Maintain files and database records to track client progress through all economic empowerment services. Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required
• Strong understanding of personal finances and ability to effectively counsel clients
• Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English
• Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired
• Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area
• Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident and authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must commit to one full year of service

Skills

• Personal Finance Counseling
• Financial Education
• Client Counseling
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Financial Workshop Instruction
• Loan Support Services
• Multicultural Environment Experience
• Goal Achievement
• Travel Coordination

Languages

English