Financial Counselor

The ARK; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-Cost Health Insurance

Vision and dental coverage

PTO and holidays

Retirement plan

Remote day per week

Job summary

The Ark in Chicago seeks a Financial Counselor to provide individualized financial counseling and money management support to Ark clients across social services and housing programs. You will meet regularly, help set goals, educate on budgeting and benefits, and coordinate with the Benefits Navigator to integrate housing and financial support.

This is a hybrid role with opportunities to impact Jewish community welfare.

Qualifications

• Experience providing financial counseling or coaching.
• Ability to explain budgeting and benefits clearly to diverse clients.
• Experience working with individuals facing mental health or complex needs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with clients to assess financial needs, goals, and challenges
• Develop individualized financial plans including budgeting, bill management, debt prioritization, and savings goals
• Offer financial education tailored to clients’ cognitive, emotional, and functional needs
• Support clients in understanding income sources, benefits, and expenses
• Help clients address urgent financial issues such as utility shutoffs, arrears, and collections
• Ensure timely payment of client expenses (rent, utilities, medical costs) as appropriate
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records and documentation for all managed accounts
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding account activity, balances, and financial decisions
• Collaborate with Social Services and Housing teams, including the Benefits Navigator, to coordinate financial, benefits, and housing support
• Accept referrals from various Ark programs and coordinate care across programs
• Attend social services and housing meetings and participate in team activities

Skills

Budgeting

Financial counseling

Communication

Ethical judgment

Collaboration

Benefits navigation

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or related field

Job description

The Financial Counselor provides individualized financial counseling and money management support to Ark clients, including those referred through Social Services/Case Management, the Gesher day program, and other Ark programs. As a member of the Social Services and Housing teams, this role focuses on building financial stability through regular client meetings, goal setting, education, and follow-up. The Financial Counselor also assists in administering our Shallow Subsidy and New Beginnings programs. Success in this role means clients experience increased financial organization, confidence, and stability, while funds are managed ethically, transparently, and in accordance with Ark policies.

What You’ll Do

Financial Counseling and Client Support

• Conduct regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with clients to assess financial needs, goals, and challenges
• Develop individualized financial plans in collaboration with clients, including budgeting, bill management, debt prioritization, and savings goals
• Offer financial education tailored to clients’ cognitive, emotional, and functional needs
• Support clients in understanding income sources, benefits, and expenses
• Help clients address urgent financial issues such as utility shutoffs, arrears, and collections

Shallow Subsidy and New Beginnings program support

• Ensure timely payment of client expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, medical costs) as appropriate
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records and documentation for all managed accounts
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding account activity, balances, and financial decisions

Program Integration and Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the Social Services and Housing teams, including the Benefits Navigator to coordinate financial, benefits, and housing support
• Accept referrals from Social Services/Case Management, Gesher, and other Ark programs and coordinate care across programs
• Attend social services and housing meetings as needed to support integrated client care
• Participate in team meetings, conferences, and supervision

What You’ll Bring

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, social work, human services, accounting, or a related field preferred
• Relevant certifications or coursework in financial counseling, financial coaching, or benefits management preferred

Experience:

• Experience providing financial counseling, financial coaching, or money management services required
• Experience working with individuals with mental health challenges or complex needs strongly preferred

Skills/Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of budgeting, basic financial management, and benefits income
• Ability to explain financial concepts clearly and accessibly to diverse clients
• High level of ethical judgment, discretion, and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and communal practices, or demonstrated willingness and ability to learn and engage respectfully within a Jewish communal setting

Why You’ll Love Working Here

The Ark is a vital safety net for the Chicagoland Jewish community. Founded on the principles of dignity and compassion, The Ark provides free, comprehensive human services that bring stability, empowerment, and renewed purpose to people’s lives. Our integrated programs span social services, medical and dental care, financial assistance, housing solutions, employment, spiritual enrichment, and more. Learn more at arkchicago.org

• No-Cost HMO Health Insurance with PPO plan options through BlueCross BlueShield.
• 100% employer-paid vision and dental coverage.
• PTO, sick leave, and generous Jewish and secular holiday time-off.
• Retirement Plan with matching.
• 1 remote day per week.
• A supportive, collaborative workplace rooted in compassion, integrity, and impact.