Economic Mobility Specialist

Are you passionate about helping individuals and families achieve financial independence and long-term stability? The Economic Empowerment Specialist plays a vital role in supporting community members on their journey toward economic mobility and personal growth. Working closely with a multidisciplinary network of partners and service providers, this position helps design and deliver programs that expand access to living-wage employment, build financial assets, and strengthen overall well-being.

Reporting to the Director of Economic Empowerment, this role operates with a high level of professional judgment and independence to assess needs, develop personalized mobility plans, and connect individuals with the resources necessary to thrive.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct comprehensive, holistic client assessments and develop customized economic mobility plans.

• Provide one-on-one strengths-based coaching focused on career advancement, financial capability, and personal growth.
• Connect clients to workforce training, employment pathways, budgeting tools, credit improvement strategies, and asset-building resources.
• Coordinate services with community partners and advocate to reduce systemic barriers.
• Facilitate workshops and group sessions on financial literacy, career readiness, and economic empowerment.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Represent the program at outreach events and community resource fairs.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree or education and training equivalent to four years of college education in social work, human services, psychology, or a closely related degree with coursework related to counseling techniques, developmental psychology, motivational interviewing, and behavioral science.
• Requires at least two (2) years of experience working with Human Services agencies providing direct services to clients experiencing poverty or the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (A.L.I.C.E.) population.
• Education and/or experience in mental health, behavioral health, and goal setting preferred. 
• Requires working knowledge of economic mobility best practices and demonstrated experience serving as a Life Coach.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered for this position.
• Life Coach Certification strongly preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
• Must successfully pass a background check before any offer of employment or promotion.
• Must successfully pass a Child Protective Services (CPS) and criminal background check related to this position before any offer of employment or promotion.

Additional Requirements

• Extensive contact with the general public, related agencies, community organizations, agency staff, and other City departments. 
• Requires excellent customer service skills with the demonstrated ability to foster and maintain positive, effective working relationships with colleagues, partner agencies, and the public.
• Requires effective communication with internal and external customers.
• May be required to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends. 
• Requires some local travel and use of a personal vehicle.
• The incumbent may be considered “essential personnel” during City emergencies or at the direction of the City Manager, which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Click here for complete job description.

“Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits.”

Salary : $51,025 - $56,128