Financial Counselor I - Remote

Southern Bancorp; Little Rock (AR); Remote; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled financial counselor to join their Asset Development Department. This role focuses on providing comprehensive financial counseling, coaching, and education to help clients achieve their financial goals, including increased savings and improved credit. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial services, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping underserved communities. With a commitment to building wealth and economic opportunity, this position offers a chance to make a significant positive impact in the lives of individuals and families. Join a team dedicated to empowering communities and fostering financial literacy.

Benefits

401(k) with employer match

Employee stock ownership plan

Discounted home mortgage rates

Free financial education tools

No deductible medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid holidays and time off

Employee recognition programs

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in credit or financial counseling.
• Strong analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one financial counseling to help customers achieve their goals.
• Conduct group learning sessions to empower customers with financial skills.
• Build community relationships to attract targeted customers.

Skills

Financial Counseling

Customer Relations

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

HUD Housing Counselor Certification

Accredited Financial Counseling Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital Project Management Tools

CRM Systems

Job description

Who We Are:

Southern Bancorp is a different kind of bank. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a special certification designated for institutions that serve predominantly underserved communities, Southern Bancorp combines traditional banking and lending services with financial development tools and public policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger. Inspired by the principle that building net worth drives economic opportunity, our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone in the communities we serve, with a focus on low-wealth and underbanked populations, as well as an emphasis on Black and Brown individuals.

Job Summary

Work in SBCP's Asset Development Department to provide comprehensive financial counseling, coaching, and education focused on consumer goals such as increased savings, decreased debt, improved credit, and access to capital/credit. The financial counselor will assist in recruiting for and facilitating all SBCP's Wealth Building programs. The role requires a highly skilled financial services professional with national certification in complex financial counseling and is central to SBCP's wealth building products and services.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide one-on-one financial counseling to customers to help identify and achieve financial goals using in-person or digital tools.
2. Deliver prompt, efficient, and friendly service, emphasizing problem-solving and solution-building.
3. Analyze and assess current financial conditions and develop outcomes-based action plans for customers and third parties.
4. Maintain extensive knowledge of SBB and SBCP financial products.
5. Assist customers in accessing SBCP and SBB financial products to meet their financial goals.
6. Conduct group learning sessions online and in person to empower customers with financial skills.
7. Build community relationships to position SBCP effectively in the market and attract targeted customers.
8. Develop new clients and partners through active community outreach to promote SBCP’s lending and financial development services.
9. Employ business development techniques to grow the customer base for asset development and lending products.
10. Execute reciprocal referral networks with SBCP and SBB lenders.
11. Utilize digital platforms to collect data, track KPIs, and report metrics for strategic decisions.
12. Assist with or produce accurate grant and certification reports as needed.
13. Complete all required training and continuing education for certifications.
14. Perform other related duties, including assisting with wealth building programs.

Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus at least five years of experience in credit or financial counseling or related fields.
2. HUD housing counselor certification required; must obtain within six months of hire.
3. Accredited Financial Counseling certification through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education required or coursework begun within 60 days of start date.
4. Ability to prioritize and work independently to meet deadlines.
5. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and good recall.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. High analytical ability.
8. Strong customer relations skills.
9. Ability to anticipate problems and resolve them using sound judgment and resourcefulness.
10. Must be able to travel within markets; valid driver's license and insurance required.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, digital project management tools, and CRM systems.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

What We Offer Our Employees:

A Positive Impact on Your Future:

• 401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and up to 6% employer match
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Discounted primary home mortgage rates
• Free financial education tools and counseling for employees and customers

Benefits to Improve Your Health:

• No deductible medical insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts

Opportunities for Well-Being:

• Paid holidays and time off
• Bonus plan and merit raises
• Employee recognition programs
• Community service opportunities

Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ individuals, and other marginalized communities.