Financial Counselor

Position Title

Financial Counselor

Department

Jobs Plus

Site/Location

Mill Brook Community Center

Full Time

Salary

$48,000

Reports To

Assistant Director/Director

MISSION STATEMENT

East Side House cares for the individuals, families, and communities we serve by expanding opportunities to live more fulfilling lives through education, career, and supportive services.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/ Objective

East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community. ESH’s Adult & Workforce Programs align with our mission by providing high quality programs and services within community centers and school partnerships.

Reporting to the Assistant Director/Director, the Financial Counselor is responsible for managing program data and outcomes for financial services and assisting participants with navigating the often times complex territory of debt management and credit building. The Financial Counselor will provide guidance and coaching to participants on how to advocate for themselves and will assist them in taking steps to reach financial goals and empowerment, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the tangible short- and long-term benefits of maintaining employment. As part of the Adult Programs portfolio, this position interacts with participants from the Mill Brook, Mitchel, and Mott Haven Houses, and the Post Secondary Pathways, Expectant Families and Older Adult Programs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director/Director, the Financial Counselor will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

Maintain an active caseload and work towards achieving outcome targets as outlined in program deliverables, which consist of:

• Conducting one-on-one interviews with Jobs-Plus members to assess their financial position and behaviors.
• Helping Jobs-Plus members to decrease their debt, increase their savings, increase their credit score and/or establish credit, open safe and affordable bank accounts, and where applicable, obtain appropriate tax credits (namely the Earned Income Tax Credit) and receive the Earned Income Disallowance (EID).
• Identifying goals and developing personalized strategies for them to achieve their goals.
• Collaborating with the Education Specialist to provide Information Sessions on Financial Literacy.
• Conducting follow-up interviews with Jobs-Plus members to evaluate progress and program impact and to identify new needs.
• Referring Jobs-Plus members to appropriate partners and supports, tracking progress, and advocating as necessary.
• Oversee and manage financial services related annual events and initiatives such as tax services with ARIVA and Financial Literacy Month
• Conduct outreach within the Mill Brook, Mott Haven, and Mitchel NYCHA Developments to encourage membership and for residents to take advantage of Jobs-Plus financial counseling services.
• Thoroughly document all member meetings, referrals, and recommendations in funder database, and maintain organized records.
• Conduct monthly seminars and workshops on personal financial education topics such as personal credit, budgeting and savings, and financial institutions.
• Engage external financial services partners for referrals as needed; collaborate with internal and external partners, such as Small Business Services, for onsite and virtual events
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to appropriate staff
• Work closely with funder and the Office of Child Support Services to help alleviate members’ fear of wage garnishment, conducting a review of child support, and to take actions to help custodial and non-custodial parents based on the criteria provided.
• Work in collaboration with onsite Clinical and Wellness Coordinator and Assistant Director to host workshops that support participants with children and to promote parenting skills development
• Represent East Side House and the Jobs-Plus program at collaborative meetings, as assigned.
• Participate in trainings, technical assistance, networking, and resource sharing opportunities.
• Carry out special projects and other duties as assigned.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, the Financial Counselor must be able to fulfill all the elements of the job description to the highest standard and be able to work well with colleagues in a high energy and collaborative work environment. Additional qualifications include:

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or minimum of 2 years’ experience in finance, financial education, financial planning or related field
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, presentation and leadership skills. Demonstrated initiative, creativity, flexibility and follow-through
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong computer skills and technological experience including Microsoft Office (Word, Teams, etc.) Google Suite (Google Classroom, Docs, and Sheets) and similar programs

Competencies

• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Communication Proficiency
• Confidentiality and Ethical Behavior
• Professional Financial Counseling and Coaching
• Customer Service Savvy
• Public/Community Relations
• Teamwork Orientation

Clearance

Employees must be cleared to work at ESH. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and/or screenings.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Physical Demands

This role may involve occasional lifting or moving of items up to 25 pounds and routine use of standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Expected Work Schedule This role is a full-time position expected to generally work Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and rotation of one evening day (10a – 7p) a week and the first Saturday of every month (10-3PM). Workdays/hours subject to change based on ESH's needs.

EEO Statement

East Side House (ESH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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