NDMV AmeriCorps Financial Empowerment Associate

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Capability Services

• 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

Outcome Tracking and Service Documentation

• Maintain files and database records to track client progress through all economic empowerment services. Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree required

• Strong understanding of personal finances and ability to effectively counsel clients

• Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.

• 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.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.