Financial Assistance Specialist
About The Position
The Financial Assistance Specialist supports the mission of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) by preventing homelessness and promoting housing stability through financial assistance, application processing, data management, case coordination, and team collaboration. This role works directly with guests, staff, volunteers, Vincentians, landlords, and community partners to process rental, mortgage, and utility assistance applications while ensuring compliance with grant requirements. The position also coordinates non-financial housing supports, manages data integrity in the Uplift system, and ensures excellent customer service. Depending on level and experience, this position may carry supervisory or specialized responsibilities including training, mentoring, auditing files, processing payments, volunteer supervision, engaging in quality control support, and supporting grant compliance. Bilingual Spanish/English skills are strongly preferred to support Spanish-speaking guests accessing services through Family Support Services or Family Evening Meal (FEM). All positions at SVdP are expected to serve as ambassadors of the Society’s values, promoting respect, dignity, service, and a Culture of Philanthropy and Invitation.
Requirements
- Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to read, comprehend, speak and write clearly in English.
- Basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, using Microsoft Outlook, ability to learn and use database systems.
- Time management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities in demanding environments.
- Trauma-informed and culturally responsive engagement skills.
- Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to remain calm during crisis situations.
- Commitment to SVdP’s mission and service values.
- High school diploma or GED
- At least six months working in social services, patient care, or related customer service field
- Experience working with vulnerable populations strongly preferred
- Bilingual Spanish/English required
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree in related field preferred (for advanced levels)
- Bilingual Spanish/English skills are strongly preferred
Responsibilities
- Interview guests, assess needs, and determine eligibility for rental, mortgage, and utility assistance.
- Review and process financial assistance applications in compliance with specific grant requirements.
- Request, review, and approve required documentation from guests and vendors.
- Communicate and negotiate with landlords regarding rent payments, eviction proceedings, writ removal, and late fees.
- Provide referrals to community agencies and SVdP Conferences.
- Assist guests with technology access and troubleshooting to complete grant applications.
- Support housing follow-up processes at 3, 6, and 12 months, as applicable.
- Collaborate with Case Managers, Social Workers, Financial Assistance Team, and Vincentians.
- Liaise with Conferences to secure funding or co-funding for applications.
- Create and support a positive and supportive work environment.
- Participate in decision-making to approve, assign, or decline assistance requests.
- Welcome, train, support, and appreciate volunteers and interns, helping them to feel valued and supported.
- Model and promote SVdP’s Culture of Philanthropy and Culture of Invitation.
- Collaborate across departments to strengthen community impact.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
