Financial Coach

Company: Northwest Access Fund
Location: Seattle
Posted on: January 17, 2022

Job Description:

About UsNorthwest Access Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) established by and for people with disabilities. Our mission is to offer people with disabilities in Washington and Oregon customized loans, financial coaching, and other resources to promote access to assistive technology, independence, financial resilience, and life opportunities. We envision a world where all people with disabilities have access to the resources they need to fully participate and thrive in our communities.Our Core Operating Values AreImpact: We are focused and driven to deliver effective services.Respect: We respond with compassion, creativity, and kindness to reduce barriers while upholding the dignity of those we serve.Community-driven: We are led by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, and design solutions for diverse communities, perspectives, experiences, and circumstances.Person-centered: We recognize that everyone has unique circumstances and collaborate with individuals, families, and other organizations to support access to community resources.Position SummaryThe Financial Coach works within the Financial Capability Team to deliver high-quality, one-on-one financial coaching and education to people with disabilities and older adults in Washington and Oregon, with a focus in King County, WA. The position can be for full-time or part-time employment. Under the supervision of the Financial Capability Director, the coach manages a caseload of primarily low-income people with disabilities, providing individualized financial coaching that takes into account each individuals unique financial circumstances and goals. The role includes delivering coaching sessions, recording coaching interactions, researching appropriate resources, following up with clients, answering incoming inquiries, and conducting outreach for the program. A background in financial education and/or Benefits Planning (helping individuals manage Social Security or needs-based benefits) is preferred, but appropriate training will also be provided. Great communication and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and good attention to detail are essential for success in the role.Position ResponsibilitiesFinancial Coaching and Education(-65%):Conduct coaching sessions over the phone, by video conferencing, or in-person (when public health situation allows), partnering with clients, many of whom access public benefits, to establish financial goals, pursue available resources, and develop strategies to resolve past and present financial concerns. Deliver financial education to relevant audiences.Relevant Issues Include

• Budgeting: assist with creating a budget that aligns spending with a clients financial circumstances, values, dreams, and goals;
• Banking: provide information and resources regarding safe and affordable banking and credit union options; assist clients to access Chexsystems report and present options available to address barriers to becoming banked;
• Credit: review and analyze credit reports and in coordination with the clients goal develop personalized plan to improve credit; assist with disputing errors on credit reports and communicating with creditors;
• Savings: provide strategies and information on various savings opportunities to promote savings without jeopardizing access to public benefits; assist eligible clients with opening ABLE accounts;
• Debt: assist with developing a plan to pay down debt, address existing debt and debt collectors, and offer referrals to debt relief resources, as relevant; assist eligible clients with navigating medical debt, including assisting with filling out financial assistance applications with hospitals;
• Identity Protection: offer strategies and resources to help clients protect their identity; offer resources if a client has been the victim of identity theft or fraud;
• Public Benefits: provide benefits analysis, planning, and assistance to help clients who access Social Security benefits explore and utilize work incentive programs, helping them understand how employment income will affect their federal and local benefits and increase their overall financial well-being.
• Collect and input quantitative and qualitative data in relevant systems, including case notes for financial coaching sessions and milestones and objectives reached.
• Research available resources for coaching clients and follow up with information and encouragement in a timely manner.
• Maintain client confidentiality and keep files and data secure.Outreach (-20%):
  • Conduct outreach activities to relevant community-based organizations and governmental entities to promote Northwest Access Funds programs and services and to engage new financial coaching clients.Other Tasks (-15%):
    • Serve as a point of contact for questions about all Northwest Access Funds programs and services; as a small nonprofit, we all do our part to help with projects as needed to fulfill our mission.QualificationsEducation and Experience
      • Bachelors degree or equivalent experience including lived experience preferred.
      • Spanish fluency preferred.
      • Experience with financial education or coaching preferred.
      • Understanding of federal disability benefits and work incentive programs preferred.
      • Demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience in working with disability communities, broadly defined.
      • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with politically, ideologically, culturally, and geographically diverse people and communities.
      • Understanding of ableism, racism, sexism, and other forms of bias.Skills
        • Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a non-judgmental, positive, problem-solving attitude.
        • Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse constituent populations, including disability communities, older adults, BIPOC communities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
        • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
        • Ability to learn quickly, work independently, and handle multiple tasks efficiently with high attention to detail.
        • Ability to provide an exceptional level of customer service: in person, by email, and over the phone.
        • Ability to be self-directed, take ownership and see projects to completion in a timely manner.
        • Ability to work as part of a team.
        • Enthusiasm for continued learning and professional growth.
        • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel.
        • Ability to learn new data management systems.Preferred Certifications
          • Accredited Financial Counselor, Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE).
          • Certificate in Community Partner Work Incentives Counseling
          • If not currently certified, Northwest Access Fund will provide educational opportunities. Candidates must be willing to obtain the above certifications.Physical Requirements And Work Environment
            • Primarily works in standard office conditions and climate.
            • Primarily works at a desk and computer, likely for extended periods of time.
            • All staff are working remotely from home for the foreseeable future.
            • Compensation
            • $54,000 - $60,000 DOE annually for full-time work.
            • Position can be for full-time or part-time employment.
            • Option of employer-paid health, dental, and vision benefits for the employee (100% of premium covered for employee).
            • Option of enrollment in SIMPLE IRA (matches up to 3% of salary).
            • Paid time off: Starting level of 18 vacation days annually in addition to 11 holidays and 15 sick days.
            • Application Procedure
            • To apply, please email resume and cover letter with the subject line FINANCIAL COACH to Tiffany Kelly-Gray at hiring@nwaccessfund.org.
            • In your cover letter, please address relevant experience, qualifications, and reasons for your interest in the position.
            • Applications will be reviewed and assessed as received until the position is filled. Priority Deadline January 17, 2022.
            • Questions?
            • Please email Tiffany Kelly-Gray with questions at: hiring@nwaccessfund.org.
            • We strongly encourage individuals with disabilities and people from BIPOC communities to apply.by Jobble

Keywords: Northwest Access Fund, Seattle , Financial Coach, Accounting, Auditing , Seattle, Washington