Financial Capability Service Coordinator

Financial Capability Service Coordinator:

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County's need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

Job Description:

HOC's Resident Services Department strives to enhance the lives of HOC customers by coordinating and implementing a vast array of high-quality programs, services, and resources. Through collaborative partnerships with Montgomery County, the federal government, and various community-based organizations, Resident Services is able to offer comprehensive service coordination, impactful resident programs, and robust supportive housing services to individuals and families who reside in HOC-owned-managed properties or receive HOC housing subsidies, as well as applicants on HOC's waitlist.

This is a professional position that provides a range of direct and/or specialized case management, counseling, and referral services, along with program development specifically related to financial management and capability initiatives. The position is designed to provide financial coaching, education, and programs that support the financial stability, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility of HOC residents and Housing Choice Voucher participants voluntarily or involuntarily relocating to new units, and customers currently on the HOC waitlist. The incumbent will further support efforts to engage key stakeholders including but not limited to community-based organizations, educational institutions including post-secondary, employers and industry/sector partners, government, intermediary organizations, and internal and external stakeholders in support of connecting youth and adults to financial stability and economic opportunity.

Work requires knowledge in the principles and practices of the financial counseling field in order to assist people of varying ages and backgrounds with enhanced skills in financial literacy. This position affords residents with an opportunity to gain economic stability through improved credit worthiness, setting realistic personal financial goals, mastering bank accounts; and saving plans. An employee in this class must have significant knowledge of available community financial resources and programs. The duties are performed under general guidance from the supervisor with independence in the selection of appropriate methods and procedures to complete the work. General operational guidelines such as HOC policies and Federal, State, and County regulations serve as parameters for activities to be undertaken. At this level, the employee's effectiveness impacts directly upon the adequacy of the services provided to the residents in HOC's housing programs.

Personal contacts include other counselors, employees from other divisions, outside agencies or groups (i.e. credit repair agencies, financial institutions, Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs, landlords, and management firms, as well as coalitions and taskforces addressing consumer financial issues) in order to resolve and/or coordinate assistance which would improve housing search efforts and financial literacy. A primary goal of this position is to provide and conduct individual and/or group financial counseling sessions resulting in increased financial literacy and knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. Through such sessions, residents will be able to understand and practice sound money management including budgeting, savings, and investing to meet personal goals. Because of this interaction between counselor and residents, the employee is at times exposed to abusive, aggressive, and unpredictable behavior for a significant amount of time.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Assesses and identifies resident financial status through personal interviews, applications for assistance, and/or collaboration with other professionals.
• Develops budgets in conjunction with residents to structure a strategy for enhanced money management.
• Conducts financial coaching for customers through one-on-one meetings, two family members, or small-group sessions.
• Plans, coordinates, and/or implements workshops, seminars, or similar forums to address specific resident problems such as credit repair, use of credit cards, borrowing and savings, scams perpetrated on consumers, use of consumer education software and internet websites for financial information and other materials which enhance skill level and learning by residents.
• Establish, manage, and scale financial stability programming in collaboration with external partners through training, thought partnership, convening, and logistical/technical assistance.
• Facilitates the development and distribution of relevant brochures and other educational documents to inform residents of special events related to finances published by public and private partner entities.
• Maintains close contact with Federal, State, and County groups advancing financial literacy as well as various private consumer groups promoting financial management practices.
• Serves as a spokesperson and advocate on behalf of resident needs and as a liaison with a variety of public and private organizations to ensure maximum coordination of effort and access to needed resources.
• Assists with grant-writing efforts to access funding for new financial stability programming opportunities.
• Prepares and maintains case records, reports, and other necessary documentation of services rendered, progress and goal achievement, and impact of financial stability services.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:

• At least three (3) years of related experience in the financial counseling field.

Education:

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in financial management or business administration with a focus on counseling or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of money management.
• Strong project management skills are required with a demonstrated ability to execute and follow through to achieve intended results, by following through on commitments, prioritizing work, and managing time and resources well.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Multicultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work with high-risk and disadvantaged clients.
• Specialized knowledge in a specific field such as personal money management.
• Works cooperatively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with computer software related to financial management.
• Collaboration with a variety of public and private agencies.
• Some evenings and weekends may be required.

* Grade 21- Min: $62,964 / Mid: $83,130 / Max: $103,295 | Salary determined by departmental budget - Offer commensurate with experience.

HOC is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. HOC promotes a drug-free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.