Financial Counselor - Center City- Philadelphia

Position Purpose

The Financial Counselor makes a difference in the lives of community members by empowering financial readiness for each stage of consumer finance. The counselor may engage families in activities across a wide spectrum including building credit, savings, debt reduction, rental success and preparing for homeownership. Additionally, counselors seek to build awareness in communities at risk for predatory products, increase assets to sustain future financial shocks, and perform eligibility screening or referrals for community programs aligned with client goals. The counselor will discuss options, make recommendations, and deliver a personalized action plan for clients to make measurable progress toward their goals with continued support.

Essential Functions

• Proficiency or fluency in other languages, especially Spanish, is a plus.
• Build productive and empathetic relationships with clients by providing exceptional service and actionable information appropriate to each situation.
• Deliver core elements of a financial plan to families in a way that is professional, culturally proficient, non-judgmental, relevant, and valuable.
• Perform credit, debt banking and asset counseling by evaluating all possible solutions against client goals to chart a personalized course toward financial stability, which empowers the client and resolves their financial need or issue.
• Assess client eligibility for grant-funded assistance in accordance with program guidelines, funder requirements, and internal policies. Accurately determine eligibility, collect and review required documentation, and submit applications for grant assistance.
• Identify community resources, make appropriate referrals, and integrate other supports into client action plan such as public benefits, legal assistance, and tax preparation to achieve greater results.
• Actively engage in follow up with client post-counseling to evaluate effectiveness of action plan and client’s success in following the recommendations provided by the counselor, as well as reacting to challenges that impact ability to achieve desired outcomes.
• Document Impact: Document client success (outcomes achieved) or client challenges (barriers) to support program development and inform improved service methods.
• Manage confidential client information with a rigorous dedication to organizational security protocols around every aspect of client data. Activities associated with the management of client data include the creation and maintenance of client files, electronic data entry activities, direct communication with clients, and management of survey data.
• Maintain accurate client information in client management systems and document management tools, internal and external to the agency.

Beyond Counseling

• Perform intake sessions and attend outreach events in community partner locations to promote financial stability and communicate the benefit of various Clarifi programs to potential clients.
• Participate in media opportunities with television, radio, or print outlets on topics related to our services, helping raise the agency’s visibility and strengthen community and funder support.
• Act as partner liaison by building relationships with community partners, organizing periodic reports and coordinating resources to ensure successful events and other program activities.
• Deliver group education sessions to raise awareness of consumer finance topics with attendees and support partner organizations efforts to raise awareness of financial capability within their organization.

Qualities & Characteristics

• Commitment to Mission: Passion for serving low-income populations and strong and demonstrated commitment to social justice, various forms of equity, and anti-poverty initiatives.
• Understanding of the root causes of poverty and systems and structures that perpetuate inequality.
• Personal qualities: Clarifi requires the highest ethical standards and integrity in service to our clients and partners. The ideal candidate will possess maturity, self-awareness, empathy, flexibility, cultural humility, and an exceptional capacity for team and community building.
• Strong interpersonal and one-on-one coaching skills: Ability to form strong, trusting partnerships with clients and to provide financial coaching that is non-judgmental, empathetic, and culturally proficient.
• Interest in personal finance and comfort with quantitative calculations: Strong personal finance competencies are preferred, but not required. , Intensive training and certification in personal finance will be provided.
• Interest in learning about, and building proficiency in, personal and consumer finance.
• Commitment to innovation, excellence, and entrepreneurship: Energized to work in an entrepreneurial, growth-oriented nonprofit organization. Demonstrated commitment to testing and evaluating new ideas and to building a model organization. The ideal candidate will be a proactive team player with a willingness to pitch in to support larger goals.
• Detail-focused and strong commitment to client services and consumer protection.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills: Detail-oriented with the ability to complete work accurately and efficiently. Exceptional presentation, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand and develop processes to make workflows manageable and replicable.
• Excellent computer literacy, including web-based applications and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Professional Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Education & Certifications: College degree or a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience required. Participate in intensive substantive coaching and counseling training in financial management, personal finance, credit, and homeownership. Obtain certifications from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and Department of Housing and Urban Development within 60 days of hire.