Financial Coach

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview: The Financial Coach uses an evidence-based financial education and coaching model to strengthen the financial health of diverse, low-income individuals and families. The Financial Coach also supports economic mobility by supporting individuals in accessing a range of financial products – including bank accounts, matched savings accounts, credit-building loans, and affordable auto and personal loans – that can accelerate an individual’s pathway out of poverty.

Major Responsibilities: Include, but are not limited to:

● Assess client needs and develop individual financial action plans with each client.

● Provide 1:1 financial coaching and counseling to a caseload of clients including creating a personal budget, establishing a bank account, taking out loans, and establishing credit, as well as advanced asset building topics, including analyzing credit reports, techniques to build credit, consumer advocacy and protection, and debt reduction as needed.

● Make appropriate referrals and integrate other wraparound supports (i.e. benefits, tax preparation) into counseling to achieve greater results.

● Develop and deliver educational workshops on topics such as budgeting, banking, credit, and taxes.

● In partnership with colleagues, develop and implement outreach to banks, financial services providers, VITA programs, and other community resources to assist with client achievement of financial navigation and coaching goals.

● Accurately track participant attendance, data, follow-up services, and outcomes in all required database(s).

● Successfully complete and pass all required financial coach training(s) and certifications (which may include but is not limited to CNM Financial Coaching Training, CFE Fund Financial Counselor training, CBA Credit as an Asset training, and HUD certified housing counselor training) within 1 year of hire (6 months strongly preferred); participate in ongoing professional development throughout tenure in the role.

● May train and lead activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.

● Follow all programmatic, contractual, donor requirements and IRC standards of practice.

● Participate and attend community of practice (COP) calls for financial coaches.

● Support local VITA programs in the office.

● Other related duties as assigned.

Position Reports to: Economic Empowerment Supervisor

Position directly supervises: N/A

Indirect Supervision: Interns and Volunteers

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Collaborate closely with other departments where there is overlap in client caseload, including communication with other department managers. Coordinate with Finance, Community Relations and Development teams as needed.

External: Community-based organizations, employers, and workforce agencies.

Job Requirements:

Education: Undergraduate degree preferred; or combination of equivalent years of education and related work experience.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of experience with financial education, counseling and coaching required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred; in lieu of this experience, demonstrated experience working in a social services environment where this was a central job duty may be substituted.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

● High level of familiarity with U.S. credit and banking system and experience with personal budgeting, banking and credit counseling.

● Demonstrated ability to communicate well with people of varied backgrounds.

● High level of comfort, functioning and effectiveness in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.

● Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and computer literacy.

● Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to make presentations.

● Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and manage multiple tasks.

● Fluency in English required. Proficiency in an additional language an asset and is strongly preferred.

● Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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.

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.

**Standard of Professional Conduct:**The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.