Financial Counselor-DC Financial Empowerment Initiative

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents”; our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

The Community Reinvestment Division is seeking an energetic and experienced individual to join our dynamic team as a Financial Counselor. The ideal candidate must be a self-starter able to work in a fast paced, ever changing work environment, a team player and able to work independently with minimal supervision. This future employee will be expected to deliver a high level of customer support and service to both internal and external customers. The final candidate will need to have the right complement of skills, personality, and professionalism. UPO is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse staff who will enhance our engagement and service in our communities.

UPO is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse staff who will enhance our engagement and service in our communities.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for this position or any other position currently advertised on our website. Please visit us at www.upo.org to view all of our vacancies and to learn more about our company and services. 

POSITION: Financial Counselor-DC Financial Empowerment Initiative

OFFICE/DIVISION: Community Reinvestment Division

BULLETIN No: 08082026

ANNUAL RANGE: $55,000 - $60,000(Commensurate with experience)

OPENING DATE: November 22, 2023

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:

Provides individualized, client-centered financial counseling to help low- and moderate-income District residents stabilize their finances, address immediate financial challenges, and build pathways toward long-term financial security. As part of UPO’s DC Financial Empowerment Initiative, the Financial Counselor conducts financial assessments, develops individualized stabilization and goal plans, and provides ongoing coaching in budgeting, credit improvement, debt reduction, savings, banking access, benefits navigation, and financial protection. The Counselor also connects clients to UPO and community resources that address housing instability, income disruption, and other barriers to financial well-being, while documenting client progress and measurable outcomes throughout the engagement.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Manage a caseload of at least 60 clients per year, meeting with each at least once monthly for at least one-half hour. Record, track, and retain records of counseling meetings and provide data, as required. Provide financial counseling services to clients including, but not limited to, developing financial health assessments and service plans, conducting regular follow up counseling sessions, and making referrals to wrap-around services to other UPO divisions or to community partners. Provide other resources that will assist customers in sustaining and maintaining their financial needs. Coordinate with customers to prepare an individualized financial goal statement plan. Follow up with the customers concerning meeting their financial goals and needs. Attend outside meetings with collaborating agencies. Assist with special projects assigned by the Tax and Financial Literacy Program Manager and/or senior management. 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

High school diploma or GED and 4 years of experience. Complete requisite CFE and other trainings within 30 days of hire. Excellent working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and ability to use/learn electronic time-keeping program. Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in financial management, banking, accounting or another related field. CFE certified with at least four years of working experience with background in finance, financial education, counseling/coaching or social service delivery. Expertise in one of the following areas: financial services, financial planning, mentoring, teaching or other related fields. Possesses highly effective organizational and profressional communication skills, both written and verbal. Prior experience in a non-profit organization. Bilingual/Spanish.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, and pre-employment drug screening as applicable for the position.

Competitive Benefits:

POSITION ELIGIBLE 

FOR TELEWORK: X - YES (limited based on UPO Telework Policy, position duties o NO 

 & Program requirements)

ESSENTIAL POSITION: NO

UPO designates an employee as essential if s/he is required to work during a business closure (e.g., federal/District holidays, snow closures, pandemic) in order to meet operational requirements.

This position IS in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union.

UNION/FLSA STATUS: Union/Non-Exempt

 To be considered for this position:  

Submit your cover letter and resume to the Career Center Online. 

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer