Financial Development Center Counselor

: Description:

Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution that is committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable financial services, and we are dedicated to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial dreams.

Our vision is to be the leading financial institution in the communities we serve, and we are committed to creating a culture of excellence where our employees can thrive. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and where we can all work together to achieve our goals. We recognize that our employees are our most important asset, and we are committed to providing them with the training, development, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in:

• Integrity: We are honest and trustworthy in all of our dealings with our members, employees, and the community.
• Excellence: We strive to provide our members with the best possible service.
• Teamwork: We believe that we can achieve more together than we can alone.
• Respect: We treat each other with dignity and respect.
• Community: We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the financial services industry with a company that is committed to its mission, vision and values, we encourage you to apply for a position at Heritage Financial Credit Union. Here you will find a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a difference in the lives of our members and our community. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, including a very generous PTO policy. We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals to join our team.

Position Title: Financial Development Center Counselor

Department: Community Development, located in Poughkeepsie, NY

Classification: Non-Exempt

Approved By: Chief Development Officer

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position Reports To: Financial Opportunity Center Manager

Positions Supervised: None

POSITION PURPOSE

The Financial Development Counselor (FDC) is a motivated, compassionate, friendly, positive, trustworthy individual who has a passion to work with empowering people and is committed to help drive financial education and community outreach for financial services. Responsible for building trusted relationships and providing a high impact service culture through engaged financial conversations, active listening, accurate transaction processing, development and recording of member action plans and also serves as an advocate for member growth towards desired needs and goals. The FDC is also responsible for executing various banking tasks, ensuring accurate financial transactions, excellent customer service and adherence to regulatory guidelines with precision and efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

1. Serve as an ambassador of the Credit Union and its vision to promote financial well-being so people may reach their fullest potential in life.

2. Provide the necessary tools, resources and opportunities for learning to make possible the achievement of people's financial hopes and dreams.

3. Provide ongoing and constructive guidance to clients and members along their financial education development journey and answer finance questions in person and over the phone.

4. Makes it easy for members to do business with the Credit Union.

5. Help establish and build partnerships with mission aligned community organizations to promote FDC services and serve community members.

6. Willingness and dedication to applying HFCU's core values and adapting the accountability ladder philosophy while conducting business.

7. Ensure financial education software is accurate and up to date to allow all staff to step in and assist members at any juncture of their journey to full resolution as needed as soon as possible whenever possible.

8. Perform responsibilities of position in accordance with federal and state regulations, credit union policies and procedures.

9. Assist location Manager in location operations as necessary.

10. Recommend changes to workflow, efficiencies and quality.

11. Possess in depth knowledge of HFCU financial products and services.

12. Track and confirming referrals to, and from, other community service organizations.

13. Actively participating in ongoing training as needed in order to meet all certification standards and credentialing requirements.

14. Work effectively as a team member, participating actively and constructively.

15. Ensure member issues are addressed timely and are fully resolved.

16. Represent HFCU at events as deemed necessary.

17. Perform other duties as necessary or assigned.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS AND GOALS

Performance is measured against the core competencies as outlined by the position and against goals established by the manager and/or Department Officer.

Requirements:

• Ability to use initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to effectively relate to co-workers, members, and partner sites using excellent active listening, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize assignments, manage and perform multiple tasks presented by more than one person.
• Ability to conduct potentially difficult financial conversations with empathy, care and attention to detail.
• Conduct initial assessments of potential members' situation to determine needs and goals.
• Be compassionate yet firm.
• Be detail oriented and able to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate technical competence.
• Ability and willingness to discreetly manage personal information.
• Ability to perform basic math, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to use a computer without assistance using Windows-based software.
• Must complete financial education and applicable coursework and have completed, or be able to complete, financial education certification and other relevant training as assigned by management.
• Must be willing to occasionally work flexible hours including evenings and Saturdays.
• Must be bondable by the credit union, insurance carrier and/or regulator.
• Must have a dependable transportation.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: A high school diploma or its equivalent. Notary designation or ability to attain within 6 months. Financial education certification or ability to attain within 6 months.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE: Proven knowledge of operational structure and workings of a bank or credit union as well as the products and services offered by these financial institutions is a plus. This position requires that the employee gain a working knowledge of Bank Secrecy ACA (BSA) requirements and how they will affect their work. The employee will comply with all requirements of the BSA and cooperate with the designated BSA Officer in assuring compliance.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Two years of customer service, financial or social work services or related field is a plus.

SKILLS/ABILITIES: Ability to effectively communicate the organization's mission and specific program-related objectives. Ability to project a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times. Ability to manage daily tasks as assigned and work with community members. Needs to be available for outside meetings and events. Ability to communicate (written and verbal) proficiently in Spanish and English highly desirable.