Financial Counselor

Jewish Family Services helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency and emotional stability. Supporting the Central Ohio Community since 1908, Jewish Family Services helps people find good jobs and companies find the right talent; supports seniors and caregivers in navigating the challenges of aging; connects people to community resources; empowers family self-sufficiency through financial counseling; and provides opportunities for volunteers to give back. 

We welcome individuals of all faiths, races, ages, economic circumstances, sexual orientation and gender identities. Our dedicated and talented staff reflects the diverse communities we serve. Jewish Family Services has been recently recognized as a Top Workplace in Central Ohio as well as for innovating through technology and championing diversity. 

Financial Counselor 

The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) is a partnership between Jewish Family Services and the City of Columbus. The Financial Counselor teaches Central Ohio adults the skills they need to effectively and confidently manage their personal finances. The Financial Counselor’s main function is to provide free, professional, one-on-one financial counseling to Central Ohio residents. The Financial Counselor will receive extensive training and sit for certification exams, in order to provide high-quality, personalized, financial counseling and work alongside a diverse, collaborative team. 

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. Work locations include Jewish Family Services and community partner locations, as well as opportunities to work remotely. Pay range is $24-26.50 per hour, commensurate with experience. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Self-directed, action-oriented, innovative, and flexible 

• Passionate about financial empowerment for all members of the Central Ohio community, especially women, families, and women of color 

• Fluent in a second language 

• Ability to work collaboratively with a close-knit team 

• Excellent time management and organizational skills 

• Basic understanding of personal finance management (bank accounts, savings, budgeting) 

• Experience providing direct service in social services or financial education setting 

• Experience with data management, direct services, and building customer rapport 

• Experience with the refugee/New American communities 

• Desire to participate fully in agency life and culture 

Essential Job Responsibilities 

• Provide one-on-one financial counseling, offering tools, resources, and accountability to help clients meet their goals and achieve financial empowerment 

• Develop strategies and action plans with clients around budgeting, increasing savings, reducing debt, building credit, legacy planning, and accessing safe and affordable banking  

• Build rapport with clients to cultivate trust and engagement  

• Conduct outreach workshops and attend community events to recruit clients and promote the FEC 

• Support community partnerships and provide on-site services at various partner locations, requiring local travel in Franklin County  

• Refer clients to additional Jewish Family Services programming and other community resources  

• Maintain confidential records and data for each client in required databases, including FECBOT (a Salesforce platform)  

• Communicate with third parties including collection agencies, lawyers, and lenders on behalf of clients to verify or resolve billing or collection errors, disputes, and negotiations  

• Participate in rigorous professional development training annually and sit for certificate exams  

• Work occasional evening or weekend hours to meet client and community needs  

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to hiring@jfscolumbus.org, Attn: Justin DeBrosse, Financial Empowerment Center Program Manager.