LifeBridge Ministries
POSITION DESCRIPTION
FINANCIAL SOCIAL WORKER (PT-20 hours)
Reports to: President & Executive Director, LifeBridge
WHO WE ARE:
The mission of LifeBridge is to empower individuals to transform their lives by connecting them with tools and resources through ongoing personal relationships. Individuals and families are invited to attend financial education classes and meet privately with a financial social worker to establish goals and develop strategies to meet them. Assistance is provided through one-on-one coaching, financial education and access to credit and wealth-building financial products. Additional services, such as a low-cost market, are also offered, which support the transformational journey and well-being of LifeBridge participants.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Financial Social Worker (FSW) is responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with participants to develop and achieve goals towards economic wellness. This person is well-versed in understanding each participant’s holistic needs, addressing immediate basic needs, having a basic working knowledge of goal setting, and developing a plan that will help participants overcome economic barriers. Through program coordination and one-on-one coaching, the FSW seeks to promote a culture of asset building and financial wellness among lower income communities and diverse populations.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
*Provide formal intake and needs assessments for participants, and assist them in developing action plans that identify financial goals, barriers and next steps.
*Facilitate or co-facilitate financial/economic wellness educational workshops, or arrange for guest instructors/facilitators where applicable.
*Work collaboratively with organizational leadership, co-workers, volunteers, and colleagues from within and outside the organization to deliver and support holistic, client-focused programming and services.
*Develop ongoing relationships with participants through one-on-one coaching sessions.
*Utilize financial social work practices and financial coaching techniques and skills to support participants’ goals, which may include: saving regularly, achieving greater income, reducing debt, increasing assets, and raising net worth.
*Update and report accurate data for the purpose of ensuring data integrity and outcome-driven programming.
*Assist with marketing, outreach, recruitment and retention of program participants.
*Participate in staff meetings, program meetings, strategic planning, and other community meetings as required.
*Attend required training sessions, recommended professional development and networking opportunities to advance personal and organizational capacity.
*Other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:
*Demonstrated commitment to learning, and a passion for human services.
*Ability to enthusiastically facilitate discussions and connect with individuals in a group environment.
*Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills.
*Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with an ease and skill for public speaking.
*Flexibility and willingness to adapt within the role as needed, especially as projects evolve.
*Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
*Ability to work independently and manage time well.
*Provide ethical and sound judgment when advocating for and servicing clients in need.
*Ability to work a flexible schedule and some non-traditional hours (evenings).
*Basic knowledge of the local social service landscape, (e.g., TANF, SNAP, WIC, & Medicaid) in order to direct participants to additional resources.
*Trauma-informed training and motivational interviewing skills preferred.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
*Experience in social services, particularly with one-on-one case management or counseling.
*Experience working with underserved and diverse populations required. *Basic knowledge of financial management tools and terminology. Previous experience with financial services and products is a plus. LifeBridge will provide necessary training and certification for Financial Social Work if needed.
*Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or equivalent experience required. *Master’s Degree in Social Work or a similar field is a plus.
Please submit cover letter and resume to Julie Sherwood, Director of Missions at mission@kirkwoodumc.org.
