Financial Counselor

The Organization – Financial Pathways of the Piedmont provides services and resources to help individuals achieve financial wellbeing. The agency strives to provide credible, trustworthy assistance to help individuals and families thrive and attain their goals. The trained and certified credit and housing counselors assist families in taking control of their personal finances, saving, and building assets. We guide and coach individuals, seniors, and families at all income levels to develop money management skills, establish spending priorities, and adopt a budget suited to individual circumstances and needs. Regardless of one’s age, race, income, livelihood, or first language – there is a need for financial literacy and well-being. Financial security entails stability, resilience, and saving for the future. In practical terms, it means a good credit score, paying bills on time, carrying moderate debt, and being able to build an emergency fund. At Financial Pathways of the Piedmont (FPP), we help people build financial well-being and we are the community’s financial health first responder.

The Opportunity – The agency is seeking a Financial Counselor

Primary Role

Provide financial counseling on money management coaching, credit and debt counseling, and housing counseling to individuals and families. The goal is to improve the overall financial wellbeing of the client and to assist them in reaching their goals, whatever they may be, without judgement or projection of opinion. Counseling typically assists clients through a potential crisis, while coaching offers support, encouragement, and empowers the client in awareness of financial concepts, day-to-day financial skills, and the importance of emergency savings. Provides action plan with options available to resolve their financial concerns or goals.

Responsibilities

· Provide financial, credit, housing, crisis, coaching, and advocacy counseling to clients, offering options to navigate financial concerns or goals, including homeownership, debt management plans, budgeting, credit report reviews, student loan counseling, and foreclosure prevention.
· Deliver services by interviewing, analyzing, and investigating client’s financial situation in relation to available options.
· Assure quality services by being knowledgeable of rules, regulations, and legal requirements.
· Assure timely follow-up of clients, including returning phone calls within 1 business day.
· Adhere to policies and procedures relating to client file maintenance and documentation. Maintain records necessary for programming and accountability.
· Establish and maintain positive rapport with community partners, other non-profit agencies, financial institutions, lenders, realtors, and the numerous resources and referrals in our community.
· Contribute to the effectiveness of the profession by maintaining active interest in the field, consulting, and advocating for change.
· Assist in the marketing and outreach of agency and program services
· Maintain client management system, providing accurate and complete data entry for electronic and paper client files. Prepare correspondence as requested or necessary.
· With prior approval of the supervisor, participate in outreach opportunities when possible.
· Be sensitive to the needs and circumstances of the client, and respect diversity among cultures, gender, age, etc.
· Abide by the Counselor Certification requirements of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, HUD, HECM, SHIIP, Info & Options Counseling. Maintains professional competency by participating in continued education, workshops, seminars, and trainings to maintain certifications and professional development.
· Provide case consultation with other counselors as needed.
· Meet regularly with supervisor regarding responsibilities and share concerns or suggestions.
· Attend and participate in department and organization meetings as required.
· When applicable: Facilitate financial education public workshops to all populations in the community, presenting material at a level of understanding for most audiences, using presentation materials, while promoting and representing the agency.
· Adhere to data collection standards for reporting purposes while keeping client information confidential.
· Maintain program evaluations.
· Participate in ongoing development of comprehensive education program.
· Provide information and referral on financial literacy education resources.
· Keeps up to date on trends and information related to personal finance, housing, credit, and student loan debt; along with needs of the community based on the current economic landscape of WSFC.
· Participate in the Quality Assurance Team which performs quarterly peer file case reviews.
· Other duties as the supervisor deems necessary.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience) in education, counseling, business, finance, housing counseling, real estate, or related field. Strong organizational skills and computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office. Position requires ability to work harmoniously with staff; strong problem-solving skills; excellent organization and time management skills; excellent communication skills; ability to relate and maintain professional relationships with businesses, social service agencies, creditors, and clients. Must be able to recognize and control biases and refrain from making judgments. Must be able to obtain applicable certifications through National Foundation for Credit Counseling within six months of hire. Additional job-related certifications may be required as the position evolves. All training costs provided by Agency.