JOB TITLE: Housing & Financial Specialist
FLSA STATUS: Salary, Exempt, Full-time, 40 hours/week
SHIFT: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM
SUPERVISOR: Vice President of Social Services
LOCATION: Primarily remote
WHO WE ARE:
YWCA Tri-County Area is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YW serves more than 3,000 people annually in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties as a leader in advocating for girls, women, and families. YW’s quality programs and services focus on education, designed to build individual, family, and community success: early childhood education; Youth Education & Prevention Programs that include enrichment, STEM learning, and recreation; adult education and English as a Second Language; workforce development; Foster Grandparent Program; and holistic wraparound services. Mission-based advocacy efforts raise awareness, offer issue education, and build social capital around women's empowerment, racial and social justice, and safe and healthy communities.
YWCA Tri-County Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering competitive salaries and benefit packages.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
The Housing & Financial Specialist is a pivotal position responsible for executing the organization's asset-building strategy and directly coordinating the complete financial empowerment journey for participants. Reporting to the Vice President of Social Services, this role oversees the daily administration of the Lubert Individual Development Account (IDA) program—a matched savings initiative partnered with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South New Jersey (UWGPSNJ). The Specialist provides hands-on management of participant accounts, financial literacy workshops, and individual counseling to help low-to-moderate-income residents build assets, purchase homes, or pursue higher education. The Housing & Financial Specialist implements program operations standards, assists with resource navigation across critical financial areas, and maintains a comprehensive knowledge of banking compliance and asset-building trends. Furthermore, this position is responsible for managing participant data, utilizing operational tracking platforms, and analyzing outcomes that support accurate reporting on savings goals and overall organizational impact. Ultimately, this role involves empowering individuals and families to overcome systemic barriers to wealth, develop lifelong fiscal self-discipline, and achieve long-term financial self-sufficiency and a vibrant quality of life.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (Includes, But Not Limited to):
- Lead recruitment and outreach activities in Montgomery County to attract qualified individuals and meet enrollment goals.
- Manage the application, intake, and eligibility review process for participants using United Way guidelines and standard procedures.
- Deliver or coordinate participant orientations, either virtually or in person, covering program requirements, expectations, and goals.
- Ensure participants understand all requirements and finalize their signed Participant Savings Plan Agreements and asset-specific purchase plans.
- Distribute regular savings and match statements to participants at least quarterly, and preferably monthly.
- Provide or coordinate core financial management education and training sessions for all participants.
- Arrange asset-specific training, such as homeownership education or higher education counseling, aligned with participant goals.
- Offer individual counseling on budgeting, saving strategies, and problem-solving to support participants through financial challenges.
- Organize peer support group meetings as needed to foster mutual encouragement and collaborative problem-solving.
- Guide participants through their asset purchases and maintain follow-up contact for at least one year post-purchase for program evaluation.
- Participate in regional IDA Agency Partner peer learning meetings to align on procedures, improve data integrity, and share best practices.
- Maintain accurate, current records by regularly uploading required documents, forms, and case notes into Outcome Tracker.
- Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE POSITION:
- Understanding of YWCA’s mission, goals, and objectives and ability to work independently with a high level of energy and contribute as a part of a larger team.
- Ability to interact with staff, volunteers, and clients in a courteous, respectful manner at all times.
- Exceptional ability to multi-task in short time periods with gregarious & persuasive personality.
- Willingness to work required non-traditional hours based on operational needs.
- Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and ethical standards in the performance of their duties with integrity and complies with all applicable laws in a manner that excludes considerations of personal advantages or gain.
- Strong technology skills (including Microsoft Suite software) to support effective time management and YWCA standard operations.
- Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, families, and members of the community.
- Ability to work autonomously and prioritize appropriately when facing multiple responsibilities.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong desire for continued growth and learning.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
- Capacity to work independently or contribute to a larger team with a high level of energy.
- Prior experience in case management, housing support, financial counseling, or related experience preferred.
- Highly organized with an ability to manage deadlines, priorities, and time efficiently.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, or a related field (preferred).
- Must have a valid driver’s license with current auto insurance and reliable transportation.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in a community-based or human services environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
YWCA Tri-County Area is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy that employees and applicants will not be subjected to unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, col-or, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran’s status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable state, federal or local laws.
Accordingly, YWCA Tri-County Area will hire, train, and promote individuals in accordance with this Equal Employment Opportunity Policy; make decisions according to the principle of equal opportunity by imposing only bona fide occupational qualification requirements for employment opportunities; and administer all personnel practices and programs (including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, transfers, and training) in accordance with this Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.
YWCA Tri-County Area is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, YWCA Tri-County Area is unable to sponsor employment for international candidates at this time.
Flexible work from home options available.
YWCA Tri-County Area is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace justice, freedom, and dignity for all. YW serves more than 3,000 people annually in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties as a leader in advocating for girls, women, and families. YW’s quality programs and services focus on education, designed to build individual, family, and community success: early childhood education; Youth Empowerment and Prevention Programs that include substance use prevention, social/emotional learning, STEM enrichment, and recreation; adult education, English as a Second Language and workforce development; Foster Grandparent Program; eviction prevention; a food pantry and nutritious institutional meals; and holistic wraparound services. Mission-based advocacy efforts raise awareness, offer issue education, and build social capital around women's empowerment, racial and social justice, and safe and healthy communities.
YWCA Tri-County Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering competitive salaries and benefits packages.
