This is an unpaid internship position. Opportunities to earn school credit may exist depending on your school’s policies and requirements. If interested in earning school credit from your internship, please indicate so when applying.

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. IRC teams provide health, infrastructure, learning and economic support to people in 40 countries worldwide. The IRC also provides support to thousands of refugees resettling in 29 U.S. cities each year through housing assistance, case management and referral services, job readiness and placement, English language training, community and cultural orientation, health and wellness programs, immigration services and other community integration activities.

SCOPE OF WORK:  The Financial Coach will work within the Economic Empowerment Program to provide direct services to individuals who are enrolled in the Financial Literacy program. Financial counseling and coaching involve an ability to engage and motivate clients, a strong interest in or understanding of personal finances, and the ability to teach that knowledge to others. The Financial Coach is responsible for assisting clients in developing plans that help the client reach their goals and achieve financial stability. The Financial Coach is expected to focus services in a one-on-one counseling format. The Financial Coach will work with IRC Seattle’s Economic Empowerment Program staff to ensure that clients are also getting assistance across these service areas.

LOCATION: Hybrid (in-person and remote). Can meet at either the IRC SeaTac office located 1200 S 192nd St. SeaTac, 98148 or at pre-arranged location based on client and intern availability. Schedule to be arranged based on client-coach agreed times.

TIME COMMITTEMENT: 15-20 hours per week during IRC business hours (M-F, 9-5). Regular schedule preferred. Minimum six-month commitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide one-on-one financial counseling/coaching
  • Work with clients to complete a detailed financial assessment
  • Work with clients to create a budget and provide strategies for budget improvements
  • Develop plans of action and provide tools, resources, and client accountability to help meet their goals 
  • Understand other services offered by the IRC, such as employment services and income supports counseling, and connect clients to these other services
  • Outcome tracking—track the stories and successes of program participants
  • Willing to learn IRC data management tools and documents used to track the outcome of clients’ progress in an accurate and timely manner
  • Works with the Employment team to ensure that any changes to the client’s financial circumstances (new job, new benefit, change in credit score) is properly documented

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A strong understanding or interest in personal finances, particularly in the areas of budgeting, asset building, and credit building
  • Previous work experience in the financial sector preferred, but not required
  • Strong communication skills, both written and oral
  • Willing to provide financial counseling/coaching services in a culturally sensitive manner, as well as working with diverse backgrounds
  • Bilingual language skills a plus, but not required

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to have proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Reports to:  Economic Empowerment Program Manager

Last updated: July 2022

How to apply:

1. Attend an orientation/info session. Register here.

2. Please fill out a volunteer application

3. Volunteer Coordinator or IRC staff will follow up