Financial Development Counselor

Heritage Financial Credit Union•City of Poughkeepsie, NY

2d•$23 - $29

About The Position

Join Heritage Financial Credit Union as Financial Development Counselor Are you passionate about helping others achieve their financial goals? Do you thrive in a dynamic, people-centered environment where you can make a real difference? We're looking for a Financial Development Counselor to play a key role in our mission, building meaningful connections with community members and helping them take charge of their financial future. Here's a little about us: Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that is committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable financial services, and we are dedicated to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial dreams. Our vision is to be the leading financial institution in the communities we serve, and we are committed to creating a culture of excellence where our employees can thrive. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we can all work together to achieve our goals. We recognize that our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing them with the training, development, and opportunities they need to succeed. Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in: Integrity: We are honest and trustworthy in all of our dealings with our members, employees, and the community. Excellence: We strive to provide our members with the best possible service. Teamwork: We believe that we can achieve more together than we can alone. Respect: We treat each other with dignity and respect. Community: We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the financial services industry with a company that is committed to its mission, vision and values, we encourage you to apply for a position at Heritage Financial Credit Union. Here you will find a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a difference in the lives of our members and our community. POSITION PURPOSE The Financial Development Counselor is responsible for cultivating trusted relationships with the community and community-based organizations by delivering a high-impact service culture through meaningful financial conversations, active listening, and exceptional interpersonal skills. This role provides personalized banking services at the FDC, ensures accurate transaction processing, and develops, documents, and supports member action plans while serving as an advocate for members’ financial growth and achievement of their goals. The Financial Development Counselor facilitates financial counseling sessions and education workshops both virtually and in person across multiple sites, actively participates in community outreach initiatives and represents the organization at community events. The Financial Development Counselor will be trained on banking skills, including Credit Union products and services, opening and closing accounts, processing loan applications, conducting ATM audits, performing basic retail member transactions, and supporting daily branch operations.

Requirements

A high school diploma or its equivalent. Notary designation or ability to attain within 6 months.
Financial education certification or ability to attain within 6 months.
Proven knowledge of operational structure and workings of a bank or credit union as well as the products and services offered by these financial institutions is a plus.
This position requires that the employee gain a working knowledge of Bank Secrecy ACA (BSA) requirements and how they will affect their work. The employee will comply with all requirements of the BSA and cooperate with the designated BSA Officer in assuring compliance.
Two years of customer service, financial or social services experience.
Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and specific program-related objectives.
Ability to project a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times.
Ability to manage daily tasks as assigned and work with community members.
Availability for outside meetings and events.
Fluency in both Spanish and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills, is highly preferred to better serve our members and the communities we support.
Ability to use initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to effectively relate to co-workers, members, and partner sites using excellent active listening, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize assignments, manage and perform multiple tasks presented by more than one person.
Conducting initial assessments of potential members' situation to determine needs and goals.
Be detail oriented and able to meet deadlines.
Demonstrate technical competence, including proficiency with banking systems and digital tools.
Ability and willingness to discreetly manage personal information.
Ability to perform basic math, spelling, and grammar, for accurate transaction processing and recordkeeping.
Must complete financial education coursework and have completed, or be able to complete, financial education certification and other relevant training as assigned by management.
Must be willing to occasionally work flexible hours including evenings and Saturdays.
Ability to communicate proficiently in Spanish and English highly desirable.
Must have reliable transportation to be present at the workplace and at community events.

Responsibilities

Serve as an ambassador of the Credit Union and its vision to promote financial well-being so people may reach their fullest potential in life, to provide the necessary tools, resources and opportunities for learning to make possible the achievement of people's hopes and dreams.
Conduct and support daily branch operations as mentioned in the purpose.
Make it easy for members to do business with the Credit Union.
Maximize member experience by creating a warm, courteous and welcoming location for community members and their children.
Facilitate financial education workshops, participate in community outreach initiatives and attend community events.
Ensure financial education software and core system is accurate and up to date to allow all staff to step in and assist members at any juncture of their journey to full resolution as needed as soon as possible whenever possible.
Recommend changes to workflow, processes and quality.
Provide assistance on financial education and basic finance questions in person, virtually over the phone or Zoom.
Track and report key FDC performance indicators such as walk ins, workshops conducted, referrals to and from other Credit Union departments and other community service organizations.
Actively participating in ongoing training as needed in order to meet all certification standards and credentialing requirements of the department.
Work effectively as a team member, participating actively and constructively.
Ensure client and member issues are addressed timely and are fully resolved.
Assist FDC Manager as necessary in balancing, maintaining, and auditing ATM and cash vault, training new employees, opening/closing procedures, etc.
Represent HFCU at events as deemed necessary.
Possess in depth knowledge of HFCU financial products and services.
Perform responsibilities of position in accordance with federal and state regulations, credit union policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as necessary or assigned.