The Financial Capability Advisor provides individualized financial counseling, education, and case management services to help Queens residents achieve financial stability and economic independence. This position supports low- to moderate-income individuals and families in improving their financial well-being through budgeting, credit building, debt management, savings, and access to housing-related resources.
The Advisor works directly with clients to assess their financial circumstances, develop personalized action plans, and connect them with appropriate programs and services. The role also supports financial education workshops, community outreach, and collaborative initiatives to expand access to NHSQ's financial empowerment and housing stability services.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Counseling & Client Services
- Conduct confidential, one-on-one financial counseling sessions for individuals and families seeking to improve their financial stability.
- Assess clients' financial circumstances, including income, expenses, debt, savings, credit history, and financial obligations.
- Develop individualized financial action plans with measurable goals and practical strategies.
- Provide guidance on budgeting, savings, credit building, debt reduction, and responsible financial management.
- Assist clients in understanding credit reports, improving credit scores, and addressing financial barriers to homeownership.
- Support clients experiencing financial hardship, including rent arrears, medical debt, wage garnishments, and other financial emergencies.
- Connect clients with appropriate financial assistance programs, banking services, public benefits, and housing-related resources.
- Conduct ongoing follow-up sessions to monitor progress and support clients in achieving their financial goals.
Financial Education & Community Outreach
- Facilitate workshops, seminars, and educational sessions on budgeting, savings, credit management, debt reduction, and financial planning.
- Provide education on affordable housing opportunities, renters' rights and responsibilities, and financial readiness for homeownership.
- Develop financial education materials, presentations, and workshop resources tailored to community needs.
- Participate in community events, housing fairs, resource fairs, and neighborhood outreach initiatives.
- Support outreach strategies to engage underserved and low- to moderate-income communities.
- Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, schools, tenant associations, financial institutions, and housing partners.
- Coordinate workshop logistics, including participant registration, educational materials, attendance tracking, and follow-up.
- Collaborate with the marketing and outreach team to promote NHSQ's financial capability programs and services.
Case Management & Client Support
- Manage assigned client cases from initial intake through financial assessment, action planning, referral, and follow-up.
- Conduct comprehensive financial assessments and identify barriers affecting clients' financial and housing stability.
- Establish realistic financial goals and develop strategies to support long-term financial independence.
- Monitor client progress toward savings, credit improvement, debt reduction, and other financial milestones.
- Refer clients to appropriate internal and external programs, including housing counseling, rental assistance, workforce development, and financial services.
- Coordinate with housing counselors and other program staff to ensure clients receive comprehensive support.
- Maintain regular communication with clients to address changing financial circumstances and emerging needs.
Documentation, Compliance & Reporting
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and organized client records in accordance with applicable program requirements, funder guidelines, and NHSQ policies.
- Document financial counseling sessions, assessments, individualized action plans, referrals, and client outcomes.
- Enter and update client information in designated case management and reporting systems.
- Prepare program reports and provide updates to the Senior Program Director as requested.
- Track client participation, financial progress, workshop attendance, and program outcomes.
- Collect and analyze program data to evaluate service effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support grant reporting, program evaluations, and authorized funder reviews while maintaining client confidentiality.
- Assist in developing and improving intake procedures, financial assessment tools, and client educational resources.
Professional Development & Team Collaboration
- Maintain current knowledge of financial counseling practices, consumer credit, debt management, and financial assistance programs.
- Stay informed about NYC affordable housing resources, rental assistance programs, tenant protections, and financial empowerment initiatives.
- Participate in required trainings, professional development activities, and relevant certification programs.
- Attend staff meetings, program meetings, and organizational events.
- Collaborate with NHSQ's housing counseling, community outreach, and other program teams to support organizational goals.
- Participate in community initiatives, housing expos, and special projects as needed.
- Assist with additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Minimum of two years of experience in financial counseling, housing support, case management, social services, or community-based programs.
- Knowledge of personal finance principles, budgeting, savings, credit reporting, debt management, and financial goal setting.
- Familiarity with NYC affordable housing programs and agencies, including HPD, HDC, NYCHA, rental subsidies, and tenant protections.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to assess client needs, develop individualized financial action plans, and manage multiple cases effectively.
- Ability to facilitate educational workshops, presentations, and community training sessions.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management or client tracking systems.
- Demonstrated cultural competency, empathy, and commitment to serving diverse, low- to moderate-income communities.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Flexibility to support evolving program needs and organizational priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification in financial counseling, financial coaching, or housing counseling, including AFCPE or HUD certification, or willingness to obtain relevant certification within six months of hire.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
- Experience working in nonprofit financial empowerment programs, housing services, social services, or community development.
- Familiarity with financial capability program reporting, outcome tracking, and grant-funded service delivery.
- Valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.
Schedule & Work Conditions
- Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of three in-office days per week.
- Flexibility: Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for workshops, outreach activities, and community events.
- Travel: Local travel to community locations and events may be required, with occasional out-of-area travel.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and organizational needs, without regard to protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
