Financial Empowerment Specialist

Our Mission:

The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve our mission to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children by providing a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment and support services for children, adults and families in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for seven consecutive years withnationaldistinction for workplace culture and diversity, equity and inclusion practices, you can be sure you're joining an organization that's just as committed to your success as we are to those we serve.

Starting annual salary $44,000

The Financial Center's Financial Empowerment Specialist will be responsible for implementing programs at The Village (and, as needed, other community locations) to help individuals and families move toward financial stability and achieve financial goals. Program components may include some or all of the following: client recruitment; housing counseling and individualized financial coaching; information and referral; Matched Savings Accounts (MSA); financial education workshops. This is a full-time, 40-hourper-week position currently funded through a combination of renewable grants.

• Establish rapport with clients that results in trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward
• the achievement of the client's financial goals
• Provide one-on-one coaching and case management to help clients identify and access housing and other resources, develop and monitor budgets, reduce debt, set and achieve financial goals Provide education and support around housing counseling and housing search assistance Coordinate care with internal (Income Support Specialist and other staff) and external partners to provide a continuum of service for clients
• Provide education and, if needed, counseling to help clients improve credit scores
• Support clients in accessing and participating in Matched Savings Accounts
• Effectively apply Motivational Interviewing and other coaching/case management techniques with clients
• Plan and conduct outreach and engagement activities to recruit and retain clients, as needed Collect, manage and report data, as required by funders and partners utilizing FOC software system(s)
• Work in coordination with collaborating agencies on various program components; shares responsibility for operationalizing collaborative agreements
• Assist with funding applications and renewals as needed
• In consultation with the supervisor and Financial Center team, design and facilitate group activities and/or workshops; determine appropriate curricula and/or instructional methods for target audience

Keyword: Financial Counseling & Coaching Financial Education Section 8 & RAP Program Knowledge Cultural Competency Bilingual/Bicultural (English/Spanish) Verbal & Written Communication Presentation Skills Tim
Required Experience:

Education

A minimum of two years' experience as a case manager, individual counselor/coach or group facilitator, preferably in financial education and/or counseling, working with a culturally and economically diverse population is required

• Bachelor's Degree in financial services, human services, or other related field is strongly preferred. An equivalent combination relevant education and experience totaling at least six years is minimally required

Experience

• Ability to effectively apply principles, practices and techniques of financial counseling/coaching

• Experience in financial education and/or counseling/coaching preferred
• Knowledge of Section 8 and RAP programs
• Demonstrated cultural competence
• Bilingual/bicultural abilities (English/Spanish) preferred Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing Good presentation skills
• Ability to organize time and prioritize workload/ adaptable and flexible
• Ability to be a self-starter and work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to build positive and respectful relationships with diverse groups including clients, colleagues and partners
• Proficient with word processing and spreadsheet applications. Possess solid general computer skills, including ability to work in a Windows environment. Familiarity with specific applications used by the Village a plus
• Physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends
• Reliable transportation required

From: The Village For Families & Children