Financial Empowerment Coach

Position Summary 

The Financial Empowerment Coach helps people with limited incomes to build financial well-being and self-sufficiency. They provide one-on-one coaching, in person and virtually, and group financial education classes on budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, and saving. 

Taking a client-centered approach, they support participants as they set their own goals and make informed financial decisions. 

The Financial Empowerment Coach works closely with Family Services colleagues and community partners to receive and make referrals, connecting participants to SEVCA and community services that support their goals. 

This position provides a high-degree of autonomy to an engaged individual who is eager to promote and support financial empowerment. The role extends beyond 1:1 client meetings to actively developing collaborations with community partners and teaching financial literacy classes to anyone who wants to attend. 

Core Responsibilities 

Financial Coaching 

• Provide one-on-one financial coaching to participants, in person and virtually, on budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, saving, student loans, and general money management. 
• Help participants identify their own financial goals and develop practical plans to reach them; provide support, encouragement, and accountability along the way. 
• Create individualized tools for participants, such as Excel spreadsheets for tracking income and expenses, and share updates and resources between appointments. 
• Research community resources, financial programs, and educational materials that meet individual participants' needs. 
• Provide additional support to participants outside of scheduled appointments when needed. 
• Follow the coaching process and standards established by the statewide program to ensure consistency in coaching, outreach, and referrals. 

Scheduling and Participant Engagement 

• Contact participants to schedule appointments, send reminders, and reschedule as needed to maintain a full coaching schedule. 
• Follow up with participants who miss appointments or disengage, and work to keep them connected to the program. 

Financial Education 

• Plan, prepare, and teach financial education classes for and in the communities we support. 
• Adapt class content to the needs and interests of participants. 

Referrals and Collaboration 

• Verify and document participant eligibility for services. 
• Receive referrals from Family Services colleagues and other referral sources; communicate with referring staff about participant needs and progress, as appropriate. 
• Working with SEVCA’s Family Services team to connect clients with appropriate services and support. 
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with community partners, financial institutions, and other peer organizations that support participants. 

Outreach 

• Promote the Financial Empowerment Coaching program to potential participants and referral partners. 
• Represent SEVCA at program-related community events as needed. 
• Partner with other SEVCA programs (e.g., Family Services, Housing, Weatherization, Head Start) to make financial coaching available to their participants. 

Documentation and Reporting 

• Update client records and write case notes promptly after each participant contact. 
• In real time, enter participant data into the agency database and track participant progress and outcomes, such as changes in credit scores, budgeting milestones, and goals achieved. 
• Prepare required reports for the supervisor, the agency, and funders according to required deadlines. 
• Contribute to program evaluation and provide feedback on program operations and effectiveness. 

Professional Development 

• Pursue ongoing training to stay current on financial topics, program changes, and best practices in financial coaching, including through Credit Builders Alliance (CBA) and other training platforms.  
• Participate in agency and statewide trainings and peer collaboration with other financial coaches. 

Other Functions 

• Attend team meetings, department meetings, and agency activities. 
• Communicate regularly with the supervisor for guidance and updates. 
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the functions of this position and with SEVCA's mission. 

 Required 

• Prior experience with financial coaching, bookkeeping, or related field.  
• Knowledge of and experience with budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, saving, student loans, and general personal money management, or a strong aptitude for personal finance and willingness to learn. 
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the challenges faced by people living with low incomes, and respect for participants' own goals and choices. 
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills; able to manage a full appointment schedule and keep records current. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Reliable transportation, a current valid driver's license, and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends. The willingness to meet clients in the community, not just in a SEVCA office setting. We go where clients are, and that is what sets up apart.  

Preferred 

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in financial management, community development, human services, or a related field; or an associate's degree plus a nationally recognized accreditation in financial counseling or coaching. Two years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree. 
• Experience with a client database system. 
• Certification in financial coaching or counseling (or willingness to obtain it). 
• Experience with coaching, counseling, or similar one-on-one direct service. 
• Experience facilitating groups or teaching classes. 
• Experience in a nonprofit, community action, or human services setting. 
• Familiarity with Vermont state and local assistance programs. 

Competencies 

• Empathy and non-judgment 
• Participant-centered coaching 
• Reliability and follow-through 
• Organization and time management 
• Resourcefulness 
• Clear communication 
• Confidentiality and discretion 
• Collaboration 
• Commitment to learning 

Please see our Careers page for a summary of benefits: https://sevca.org/careers