The Financial Empowerment Specialist of the Economic Empowerment Program (EEP) will serve as the member of the team for the Urban Resource Institute’s (URI) economic justice work.  EEP is situated in the Justice Initiatives department, which are a collection of programmatic services that empower individuals, families, and communities, particularly communities of color and other disenfranchised populations, on addressing barriers to safety and promoting resiliency.   

The Financial Empowerment Specialist will participate as a member of a team of educational, employment-readiness and job placement specialists to deliver its Economic Empowerment Program’s financial education curriculum and to support clients in obtaining financial safety and stability. The Economic Empowerment team will utilize a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens to provide both individual and group support to clients while also identifying and building relationships with appropriate community partners. The Financial Empowerment Specialist will assist clients of the Economic Empowerment Program in their financial growth.  The position will facilitate group workshops on financial education and provide individual coaching and support. 

Salary: $48,000 - $53,000 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in the development and implementation of strengths-based financial wellness screenings and service plans with individual clients based on their interests, skills and goals to support them in developing a pathway to financial security. Plan and facilitate trauma-informed trainings on financial abuse and education for clients, including topics such as financial safety for DV survivors, budgeting, credit, and debt workshops. Provides individual supportive trauma-informed financial coaching related to budgeting and saving skills, credit score improvement, resolving issues with credit and debt, and more. Work with clients to create financial safety plans when needed. Meet with clients on a regular basis and provide regular follow up to provide support to the client throughout their time in the program. Collaborate with Career Specialists to plan out training and programming scheduling Participate actively in case conferences with team members, as needed, to further individual’s progress toward employment goals. Provide internal and external referrals as needed. Meet weekly with Director for supervision and perform other duties assigned by the Director. Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and training seminars conducted to enhance and develop one’s skills. Accurately track metrics in selected database and related data and other duties as may be assigned by the Program Director. Enter data on a timely basis and assist with data for Program reports. Attend coalitions, taskforces, working groups and committees focused on relevant economic justice and employment –related issues as directed. Other duties as requested based on department, program and/or organizational needs.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or a related human services field. Master’s degree is a plus. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

2-3 years’ experience in a domestic violence setting, working on an individual basis. 1-2 years’ experience working with survivors of domestic violence in an economic empowerment or financial coaching capacity. Knowledge and understanding of the intersection of domestic violence and economic justice including, but not limited to, the impacts of financial abuse on survivors of domestic violence.  Knowledge of educational and financial barriers and significant knowledge of resources for low-income and survivors of violence in NYC. Knowledge of NYC public benefits and financial systems. Demonstrated trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach when working with survivors of domestic violence. Strong writing and public speaking skills and curriculum development skills with an ability to manage and organize multiple projects in a busy, pressured working environment. Highly motivated, with proven capacity to work independently, take initiative, and thrive in high-paced entrepreneurial environment. Commitment to the vision and mission of Urban Resource Institute. Demonstrated passion and commitment to public interest and an understanding of trauma-informed services. Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of domestic violence within and against disenfranchised communities including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or HIV-affected, the elderly and individuals with mental health issues. Experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse team, maintaining a healthy work environment for staff that encourages professionalism, respect, equality, diversity and continuous improvement. Ability to work independently and in a team, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with people of diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds. Must be a responsible individual with a reputable character, known to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and cope with stress and crises in a calm manner. Willingness to travel to residential and community program spaces, and community partner sites Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Apricot. Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR WORK ENVIRONMENT

EEP’s office is located in the Grand Central area The work environment varies given work location but generally is bright and medium in environmental noise, medium in work-pace, and high in work volume and diversity of initiatives/tasks Work schedule includes three days working in the office or across URI program sites and two days working from home; flexibility is required to meet on-site demands throughout the week. In general, this position will work Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm with some exceptions required for some other occasional engagements as needed.