Financial Empowerment Coach

Southeastern Vermont Community Action Inc•Westminster, VT

6d•$26 - $28

About The Position

The Financial Empowerment Coach helps people with limited incomes build financial well-being and self-sufficiency. The coach provides one-on-one financial coaching in person and virtually, as well as group classes on topics including budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, and saving. Using a client-centered approach, the coach supports participants in setting their own goals and making informed financial decisions. The position works closely with SEVCA Family Services colleagues and community partners to exchange referrals and connect participants with services that support their goals. It combines individual coaching with community collaboration, outreach, and financial literacy instruction. The role offers a high degree of autonomy and includes developing partner relationships and teaching classes open to interested community members. The coach schedules and follows up with participants, verifies eligibility, maintains timely client records and case notes, tracks participant progress and outcomes, and prepares required reports. The position also involves ongoing professional development, participation in agency and statewide trainings, and collaboration with other financial coaches.

Requirements

Prior experience in financial coaching, bookkeeping, or a related field.
Knowledge and experience in budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, saving, student loans, and personal money management, or a strong aptitude for personal finance and willingness to learn.
Sensitivity to the challenges faced by people with low incomes and respect for participants’ goals and choices.
Strong organizational and follow-up skills, including the ability to manage a full appointment schedule and keep records current.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Reliable transportation, a current valid driver’s license, and ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some evenings and weekends.
Willingness to meet clients in the community, not only in a SEVCA office.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in financial management, community development, human services, or a related field; or an associate’s degree plus a nationally recognized accreditation in financial counseling or coaching. Two years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
Experience with a client database system.
Certification in financial coaching or counseling, or willingness to obtain it.
Experience with coaching, counseling, or similar one-on-one direct service.
Experience facilitating groups or teaching classes.
Experience in a nonprofit, community action, or human services setting.
Familiarity with Vermont state and local assistance programs.

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one financial coaching, in person and virtually, on budgeting, credit building, debt reduction, saving, student loans, and general money management.
Help participants identify financial goals and develop practical plans, offering support, encouragement, and accountability.
Create individualized participant tools, such as Excel income-and-expense trackers, and share updates and resources between appointments.
Research community resources, financial programs, and educational materials relevant to participants’ needs.
Provide additional support outside scheduled appointments when needed and follow statewide program coaching, outreach, and referral standards.
Contact participants to schedule, remind, and reschedule appointments; follow up with people who miss appointments or disengage.
Plan, prepare, and teach financial education classes, adapting content to participants’ needs and interests.
Verify and document participant eligibility for services.
Receive referrals and communicate with referring staff about participant needs and progress as appropriate.
Coordinate with SEVCA’s Family Services team to connect clients with appropriate services and support.
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, financial institutions, and peer organizations.
Promote the coaching program to potential participants and referral partners; represent SEVCA at program-related community events as needed.
Partner with SEVCA programs, including Family Services, Housing, Weatherization, and Head Start, to make coaching available to their participants.
Update client records and write case notes promptly after participant contacts.
Enter participant data into the agency database in real time and track progress and outcomes, including credit-score changes, budgeting milestones, and goals achieved.
Prepare required reports for the supervisor, agency, and funders by established deadlines.
Contribute to program evaluation and provide feedback on program operations and effectiveness.
Pursue ongoing training on financial topics, program changes, and coaching best practices, including through Credit Builders Alliance and other platforms.
Participate in agency and statewide trainings and peer collaboration with other financial coaches.
Attend team and department meetings and agency activities; communicate regularly with the supervisor.
Perform other duties consistent with the position’s functions and SEVCA’s mission.