Financial Coach

Job Overview:

The IRC in New Jersey seeks a Financial Coach to support its Financial Capabilities program for refugees and other immigrants. The Financial Capabilities program focuses on engaging and motivating clients, providing a strong understanding of personal finances, and developing the ability to teach that knowledge to others. The Financial Coach is responsible for helping clients in developing plans that help them reach their goals and achieve financial stability. The Financial Coach is expected to focus services in a one-on-one counseling format, while also conducting classes and workshops on topics such as budgeting, credit building, banking, and financial products. The Financial Coach will work with the IRC in NJ’s Economic Empowerment department to ensure that clients are receiving financial education and assistance across these service areas. Additionally, the Financial Coach will coordinate with external partners in offering financial capabilities services, including tax preparation services, and will also assist clients in completing applications for targeted loan products including credit-building, personal, education, immigration, and auto loans.

This is a limited term position with an end date of September 30, 2024. Availability of grant funding will determine future continuation of this role.

Major Responsibilities:

1. One on one financial counseling and coaching

• Develop plans of action and provide tools, resources, and promote accountability to clients to help them meet their goals
• Assist clients in assessing and resolving current financial challenges, while providing a wide lens on their financial health to shift the approach to proactive financial management
• Work with clients to complete a detailed financial assessment
• Develop a budget and provide strategies for budget improvements
• Assess clients’ financial history and provide strategies for credit building and increasing net assets
• Understand and collaborate with colleagues providing other services offered by the IRC, such as employment, career development, case management, and education services
• Coordinate with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance service and team

2. Workshop and training delivery

• Develop workshop materials or tailor existing materials to meet the needs of the community. Workshop topics should be relevant to the community, and may include topics such as: budgeting, savings, banking products, credit building, and identity theft.
• Schedule and deliver workshops and trainings
• Collaborates with partners to expand financial literacy support to community members

3. Consumer lending

• Administer credit-building consumer loan program and ensure applications have been compiled and submitted in a timely manner.
• Provide thorough underwriting for loans.
• Record outcomes within ETO database and satisfy related reporting requirements in alignment with funder objectives.

4. Outcome tracking

• Use Efforts to Outcome (ETO), client management system, to document and reflect client outcomes accurately and in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

• At least 1 year of related professional experience in working with vulnerable populations
• Experience in developing curriculum and instructing coursework for English Language Learners
• Knowledge of financial services and/or public benefits systems preferred
• Experience in a non-profit setting and prior experience working in financial coaching services a plus
• Experience working in a diverse, and non-traditional setting with diverse client base

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an overall ability to be clear and concise
• Exceptional organizational skills with proven attention to detail.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to travel regularly throughout New Jersey

Language Skills:

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability preferred, preferably in Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari/Farsi and/or Pashto.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner.

Working Environment:

• Standard office work environment, along with some field work, including local travel to employers, client homes and other community-based partners.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.