Accredited Financial Counselor (Remote)

Job Title:  Accredited Financial Counselor (Remote)

Summary

Accredited Financial Counselors (AFCs) provide one-on-one consultation, education, training, and information and referral services in support of the Personal Financial Management (PFM) Program of the Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP) services. AFCs provide support via various forms of service delivery, including virtual services via webinar, video, email, and phone, and in-person services. AFCs provide in-person services through mobile training teams and virtual service delivery to service members and their families in remote locations throughout the world and aboard Navy ships (in port, at sea or in foreign countries.)  Key financial readiness topics presented include, but are not limited to, car buying, basic budgeting, managing credit, debt liquidation, consumer awareness, insurance, savings and investments, and retirement planning.

AFCs collaborate with FFSP stakeholders to plan, schedule, and execute training services to ensure effective and efficient delivery of various educational programs and services to service members and families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate, publicize, and provide a wide variety of Personal Financial Management classes/workshops, to include, but not limited to, car buying, basic budgeting, managing credit, debt liquidation, consumer awareness, insurance, savings and investments, and retirement planning.
• Respond to requests for age-appropriate classes or seminars for youths and teens as part of on-base education.
• Provide initial and refresher Command Financial Specialist (CFS) training.
• Assist Command Financial Specialists in developing General Military Training (GMT) on topics relating to Personal Financial Management.
• Provide in-person support aboard Navy ships for Shipboard events and Return and Reunions (R&R).
• Provide individualized financial counseling and assistance to service members and families.
• Provide service members and their families with consumer information and assistance in handling consumer complaints.
• Ensure all information and referral, one-on-one, and group education services provided are entered into the government’s system of record.
• Utilize various technological tools (collaboration platforms, video conferencing software, project management tools) to effectively communicate with stakeholders and to provide virtual service delivery.
• Perform basic troubleshooting steps when technology challenges occur.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge in the fields of personal finance and financial counseling.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Travel Requirements

• This job will require travel for specified periods of time to provide in-person support at locations throughout the world and aboard Navy ships.

Required Qualifications

• Candidate must live in Europe.
• The contract requires candidates for all positions outside of the continental United States (OCONUS) to either have existing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) status or the ability to independently gain SOFA status.
• Bachelor's degree OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree which equips the incumbent to serve as a personal financial management counselor.
• Must possess and maintain national certification as an Accredited Financial Counselor
  • Those who do not currently possess the Accredited Financial Counselor designation may be considered upon review of work experience, with the expectation to obtain the certification within two years of hire.
• Two years of experience providing financial education and training, and one on one financial counseling.
• Experience making presentations and facilitating training for large and small groups in the areas of financial management.
• Experience using various forms of digital technology to facilitate virtual training.
• Experience in providing one-on-one consultations with varied levels of complexity.
• Knowledge of the development and execution of needs assessment tools (i.e. surveys)
• Knowledge of the military and the challenges of the military lifestyle
• Ability to work productively with Command Financial Specialists.
• Deep understanding of the personal financial management issues facing service members and their families and the ability to support them with individual assistance or through training in seminars, workshops, or appropriate referral
• Proficiency in various forms of technological tools to support virtual service delivery, communication, and collaboration.
• Knowledge of social services and/or community resources.
• Knowledge of the tenets of adult education and the development of training curricula based on the adult learning model.
• Proven experience managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to use verbal and written communication skills effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software and demonstrated ability to use software to prepare management reports and provide information.
• Must be able to meet naval shipboard requirements if deployed on navy ship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with the Fleet and Family Support Programs.

Other Skills and Abilities 

This position requires access to U.S. Government facilities and systems. U.S. Citizenship, a valid driver's license, passport, transportation, and auto insurance are required.

Competencies 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Technological Proficiency: Ability to use various technological tools to effectively communicate with stakeholders and to provide virtual service delivery; Experience with collaboration platforms, project management tools, and video conferencing software; Able to perform basic troubleshooting steps; Willingness to learn new forms of digital tools to perform job duties.
• Presentation Skills: Ability to delivery effective in person and virtual presentations; know your audience and tailor content as necessary; deliver presentation with enthusiasm and confidence; incorporate anecdotes, examples, and personal stories to illustrate key points; encourage audience interaction through questions, discussion, or activities.
• Time Management: Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Self-Motivation: Must be able to stay focused and productive without constant oversight or the traditional office structure; Can set goals and working independently.
• Organizational Skills: Must be able to keep track of tasks, documents, and deadlines with digital and physical organization tools and techniques.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Delivers on commitments.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Resilience: Able to manage stress, maintain motivation and stay connected with colleagues.

Physical Demands:  Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours. Uses personal computer, telephones, other office equipment. Physical demands may differ at various locations throughout the world or aboard Navy ships. Lifting up to 20 pounds may be required.

Work Environment:  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have a quiet space with stable internet connection when not traveling. This is a contingent opportunity.

Zeiders Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pay Range: $50,000 - $71,000

PLEASE NOTE: The Zeiders pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law