NDMV AmeriCorps Financial Empowerment Associate

International Rescue Committee•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. The IRC in Atlanta office was established in 1979 and has resettled over 30,000 refugees from 50 countries into the Greater Atlanta area. SCOPE OF WORK: The Financial Empowerment Associate is an 11-month position responsible for providing financial education, counseling, and loan support services to assist new and recently arrived refugee clients to gain the financial knowledge needed to achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency. The Financial Empowerment Associate will work closely with the IRC’s Financial Coaches, a position focused on providing long-term and individualized financial coaching to clients. The Financial Empowerment Associate will complement this service delivery by focusing on group financial workshop instruction and on one-to-one services supplementing the work of the the Financial Coaches. This position reports to the Manager of Economic Empowerment . PLEASE NOTE : This position is a Notre Dame Mission Volunteer (NDMV) position. Oversight will be conducted through NDMV of Atlanta, and the IRC will serve as a site placement. For more information about NDMV, please visit http://www.ndmva.org. Candidates will need to complete the application process through the NDMV site liaison in addition to the IRC’s interview and selection process.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree
Strong understanding of personal finances and ability to effectively counsel clients
Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English .
Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
Must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident and authorized to work in the U.S.
Must be at least 18 years old .
Must commit to one full year of service .

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.

Responsibilities

Work one-to-one with clients to complete a detailed, individualized financial assessment at initial intake and again for follow-up services six or more months later
Work with clients to develop household budgets and provide strategies for effective budget management
Support the IRC’s Financial Coach by providing one-on-one financial counseling to clients, individualized and tailored to the client’s needs
Deliver group classes and workshops for both youth and adults on financial literacy topics including banking, budgeting, credit building, managing debt, auto purchases, taxes, and more
Tailor workshop materials and curriculum as needed to meet the needs of clients
Connect clients to economic empowerment and other services offered by the IRC, such as employment placement , career development , microenterprise services, and case management
Connect clients to the IRC’s Financial Coach for long-term coaching services as needed
Identify and develop relationships with local financial institutions and community organizations that can provide products and services that meet clients’ needs
Assist clients with opening checking, savings, and investment accounts
Provide support to the IRC’s microlending program as needed, including assisting clients with obtaining credit-building loans, education & training loans, personal loans, auto loans, and business loans.
Provide support to clients needing assistance with IOM travel loan payments, deferments, and loan forgiveness
Meet with clients on designated walk-in days as well as for pre-scheduled appointments for the services described above
Maintain files and database records to track client progress through all economic empowerment services.
Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements.