Refugee Financial Empowerment Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Successfully promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas as guided by the Catholic Social Teachings by providing intensive case management services and financial education to refugee individuals and families through financial empowerment programs. Provide direct service including needs assessment, financial coaching, monitoring strengthening plans, and information and referrals to internal programs and community resources. EEO.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide wrap-around, strength-based case management for all assigned financial empowerment programs. Service activities may include completing assessments, developing strengthening plans, and assisting clients in identifying and monitoring measurable yet achievable goals with appropriate action steps. 
• Provide financial empowerment-specific services, including budget coaching, credit coaching, financial education, etc. Maintain confidentiality of all clients. Monitor progress of families enrolled in the program through regularly scheduled visits; home visits      may be required. Assist refugees with fundamental financial tasks including, but not limited to, acquiring bank accounts, establishing new residential utilities, completing tax forms for employment (W4 and K4), building credit, and saving for big purchases. 
• Facilitate financial group education courses on-site and virtually. Work as part of a team to update existing curriculum. 
•  Maintain case file for each client with appropriate documentation per guidelines. Ensure accuracy and attention to detail in record keeping through tracking and entering all necessary information into data system for service recipients. Prepare monthly reports utilizing detailed monthly report form. 
• Develop and maintain a strong knowledge base of Catholic Charities programming. Seek out and strengthen community relationships to recruit potential candidates for financial empowerment programming and community resources. Provide assistance, as needed, through available internal and external referrals. Relationship-building activities may include public speaking and participating in community meetings and events. 
• Regularly and effectively communicate with team members, supervisor, and program participants. 
•  Participate in monthly staffing of cases to offer support and insight for additional resources
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Demonstrate a passion for the mission of Catholic Charities.
• Must be willing to perform by the agency’s values: love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, self-control, and joy
• Catholic Charities promotes a diverse workforce. Employees are not required to be Catholic; however, employees of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas must understand that they are a visible representative of the Archdiocesan Church and, as such, will not publicly oppose the teachings of the Catholic Faith nor publicly advocate for any position in conflict with Catholic teaching or the specific positions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This requirement includes any public speech, demonstration, or writing, including the use of social media or other digital technologies.
• Must complete VIRTUS training, background screening, drug testing, and any ongoing training as required
• Must display cultural competency and an ability to communicate with persons having limited English proficiency. Must be able to work cooperatively and effectively with refugees and staff from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
• College degree in human service field preferred
• Experience in strength-based case management with an emphasis on budget coaching and monitoring finances
• Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines and goals. Prefer experience working both independently and as part of a team.
• Must have hands-on ability to work with computer programs to include proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and the Internet.
• Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal skills are essential
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable car, and vehicle insurance
• Ability to travel between sites and be flexible with scheduling meetings which may include evenings 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•  Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, standing, bending, and moving
•  Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds 
•  Must have the physical ability to complete assignments in a variety of environments. Homes of those we serve may include stairs and various living conditions
•  Must have the physical ability and appropriate licensure for driving