Financial Literacy Counselor

Financial Literacy Counselor - Social Services Agency Property Tax Foreclosure Prevention * Mid-Michigan * Full Time: 40 Hours/Week Entry Level: $22.38/Hour Full benefit package: After 60 days of employment Work Hours: Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm Initial Training Worksite is 1301 Rensen, Lansing, MI and will change following upcoming office relocation Worksite Locations: Clinton, Eaton, and Shiawassee counties as needed General Summary Under the supervision of the Financial Literacy Program Manager, provides family support services to individuals accessing services through the Service Center(s) to promote individual and family independence. This position focuses on (but may not be limited to) providing financial counseling and advocacy/referral services to eligible persons facing Property Tax Foreclosure in the assigned Service Center(s). Requires the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with County Treasurer officials and staff. Job Functions Specifically assigned to assist local households facing Property Tax Foreclosure. Determines eligibility and assists participants with the complexities related to Property Tax Foreclosure and assists them with applying for needed services. This may include assisting with enrollment in and follow-up with any available local, state, or federal property tax foreclosure prevention program, where applicable. Works with participants and the County Treasurer's Office(s) to create a reasonable household budget and an acceptable repayment plan. Provides individualized one-on-one financial counseling sessions (including both initial and follow-up sessions) to assist participants in achieving their established goals. Assists individuals in the selection of educational enrichment activities to comply with program requirements, if/where applicable. Conducts credit repair and money management workshops utilizing Agency approved training materials. Provides family support services to individuals seeking services through the assigned Service Center(s). Services include needs assessment, direct and referral services, advocacy and follow-up to assist individuals in meeting basic needs. Provides participants with community resource information and assists with accessing services for which they are eligible. Links participants with service providers, employers, and other resources designed to meet individual needs and improve quality of life. Informs participants about the Weatherization program and completes the intake/screening assessment for those services. Maintains up-to-date participant files, including assessment, direct and referral services, follow-up and other participant activities. Ensures that required participant data in the DBA FACS PRO system is accurate and completed in a timely manner for all participants and maintains an accurate account of all services. Ensures confidentiality of all participant information and records at all times. Works cooperatively as part of the Service Center Delivery team to address the needs of the low income population and to meet Project objectives. Serves as a role model to guide others along the self-sufficiency continuum. Assists with special projects upon request. Recommended Qualifications Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and two years of relevant experience with some background in finance, financial education, counseling/coaching, or social service delivery is required. Particular expertise in one of the following: financial services, banking, social work, financial planning, coaching/mentoring, teaching, collections, or a law degree. Experience: Previous financial and/or foreclosure housing counseling required. Knowledge of property tax foreclosure procedures highly preferred. Specialized education with degree or certification (i.e., law degree, certified financial counseling, etc.) highly preferred. Strong public presentation skills and professional orientation. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Advanced computer skills required Other: Ability to work with a diverse population in an effective manner. Sensitivity to the needs of others with the ability to encourage and guide others in their quest for independence. Willing to utilize personal vehicle to travel between assigned worksite locations, as needed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties. Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug free workplace, with pre-employment drug screening (including marijuana) required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Capital Area Community Services, inc.