Financial Coach, Asylum Seekers Case Management Pilot Program

Job Overview: The IRC in Los Angeles is seeking a candidate to join an exciting and groundbreaking program for asylum seekers in the Los Angeles County area through a pilot program funded by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with oversight by the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). This new initiative – the Case Management Pilot Program (CMPP) – will provide case management and associated services and meaningful links to legal assistance to non-detained non-US citizens in immigration removal proceedings and could have national implications for the treatment of asylum seekers and others facing removal in the US.

The CMPP Financial Coach will join the Asylum Seekers Case Management Project team. The CMPP Financial Coach will coordinate and provide financial counseling/coaching services for asylum seeking clients enrolled in the Asylum Seekers Case Management Project programs. They will work with clients in one-on-one and group settings to cover topics including creating budgets, understanding the US financial system, taxes, ITIN and other topics based on client’s needs. This position will be supervised by the CMPP Casework Supervisor and will be supported and advised by the Economic Empowerment Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

Include, but are not limited to:

• Provide 1:1 financial coaching and counseling to a caseload of ~10 clients concurrently, including creating a personal budget, establishing a bank account, taking out loans, and establishing credit, as well as advanced asset building topics, including analyzing credit reports, techniques to build credit, and debt reduction as needed.
• Assess client needs and develop individual financial action plans with each client.
• Provide individualized financial counseling sessions (including both initial and follow-up sessions) and achieve client outcomes. Make appropriate referrals and integrate other wraparound supports (i.e. benefits, tax preparation) into counseling to achieve greater results.
• Ensure that all training requirements are met for participants in budgeting, cash management, savings, and credit building. Ensure that participants complete required training.
• Increase participant knowledge of financial services and credit offerings.
• Coordinate with the Economic Empowerment Supervisor on external outreach to banks and other community members to assist with client achievement of financial navigation and coaching goals.
• Accurately track participant attendance, data, follow-up services, and outcomes in ETO.
• Successfully complete and pass CNM Certified Financial coach, participate in initial trainings and ongoing professional development trainings.
• Follow all programmatic, contractual, donor requirements and IRC standards of practice.
• Participate and attend community of practice (COP) calls for financial coaches.
• Participate in financial capability wide events and initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, banks, VITA tax sites, and community volunteers.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, social work, finance and/or education preferred; or combination of equivalent years of education and related work experience.

Work Experience:

• High level of familiarity with U.S. credit and banking system and experience with personal budgeting, banking and credit counseling;
• Experience working with asylum seekers, refugee and/or other immigrant populations strongly preferred.
• Experience in working in a trauma-informed setting and handling confidential information preferred.
• Knowledge of local community social services and navigating the social service system preferred.
• High level of comfort, functioning and effectiveness in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams;

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Fluent in English required, both spoken and written; proficiency in Spanish required, both spoken and written
• Experience with financial education, counseling and coaching;
• Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and computer literacy;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to make presentations;
• Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and manage multiple tasks;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Working Environment: The caseworker provides virtual and in-person casework services. However, the caseworker will be required to attend in person meetings at the discretion of the local office. A variable work schedule / hours including non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends may be required (on a case-by-case basis).

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.