Bilingual FEC Financial Counselor

Description

About the Organization

Tulsa Responds provides free one-on-one navigation services to Tulsans who qualify for federal assistance programs such as free tax filing through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), Medicaid/SoonerCare enrollment, internet subsidies, and SNAP benefits. Our work is funded by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, nonprofit grants, and federal funds. The Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) program aims to improve the financial stability of Tulsa households by providing high-quality, one-on-one financial education and counseling to low-income residents. Financial Empowerment Centers are located in areas with high concentrations of poverty and financial distress.

Position Purpose

We seek a Spanish-speaking bilingual Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) counselor who embodies empathy, motivation, and a passion for helping individuals achieve their financial goals. Financial Counselors are vital in supporting Tulsa Responds' mission by providing exceptional, empathy-driven customer service to low-income families and individuals striving to attain financial stability and economic independence while meeting process compliance and quality assurance requirements as determined by each project. The FEC Counselor position will report directly to the FEC Program Manager of Tulsa Responds.

Responsibilities / Essential Duties

• Provide individualized financial counseling sessions (including both initial and follow-up sessions) and achieve client outcomes
• Assess client needs and develop individual financial action plans with each client
• Engage in ongoing follow-up with clients
• Make appropriate referrals and integrate other wraparound supports (i.e. benefits, tax preparation) into counseling to achieve greater results
• Follow required protocol and program requirements
• Collect, track and report required data using a client management database
• Participate in initial trainings and ongoing professional development trainings
• Successfully complete and pass counselor training.
• Provide quality customer service to all potential clients
• Be courteous, friendly, and empathetic to all existing and potential clients
• Gather helpful feedback from clients and communicate issues with processes and client concerns to the Project Manager in a timely manner
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college and/or two years of experience of relevant work experience with some background in social service delivery, community engagement/outreach, financial education, or counseling/coaching;
• The ideal candidate has particular expertise in one of the following: social work, financial planning, coaching/mentoring, teaching, financial services, or other related fields.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations, especially those facing financial challenges.
• Preferred: Customer service experience, independent and collaborative work on initiatives/team projects, and experience with nonprofits.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Skills and Abilities

• Interpersonal skills - Energetic and dedicated professional with robust interpersonal skills, passionate about aiding those with low incomes for improved financial stability. Demonstrates sensitivity to diverse cultures and communities, excelling in multicultural environments.
• Critical thinking - Expertise in strategic planning, negotiations, program development, and written communications. Skilled at problem-solving, improving systems, and proposing data-driven solutions. Demonstrated ability to set goals and execute strategic plans for organizational success. Strong an alytical skills to identify, propose, and implement solutions. Effective at simplifying complex information concisely.
• Attention to detail - Expertise in systems development and tracking. Strong attention to detail and high-quality work output under pressure. Proficient in using client management databases. Efficiently handles multiple tasks with minimal errors. Skilled in developing, implementing, and assessing performance metrics. Proficient in project planning, task tracking, progress assessment, and plan execution. Effective in managing up to administration.
• Adaptability - Applicants should quickly grasp new concepts, excel in customer service, possess a problem-solving mindset, and be strong team players. Comfortable taking initiative, effective collaborator, and adept at multitasking. Can operate effectively within the protocols of a high-profile local government p