Student Loan Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster.

Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.

S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Summary :

The Financial Empowerment Center program aims to improve the financial stability of Sacramento households by providing high-quality, one-on-one financial education and counseling to low-income residents.

Financial Empowerment Centers are located in areas with high concentrations of poverty and financial distress. The Student Loan Specialist will provide services to individuals needing student loan repayment guidance in the Sacramento region.

The Student Loan position will report directly to the Financial Empowerment Center Program Manager within the Financial Empowerment Center Team.

Major Responsibilities :

Duties shall include, but are not limited to :

Provide one-on-one student loan counseling sessions (including both initial and follow-up sessions) to achieve client outcomes

Assess client needs and develop individual student loan action plans with each client

Support clients in understanding their student loan repayment options and developing a plan with the client to pursue those goals while providing support and accountability along the way

Guide clients through the deferment, forbearance and loan forgiveness processes and track outcomes as necessary

Supporting clients in communicating with loan servicers, lenders, etc. and taking the steps to remove wage garnishments due to student loan non-payment

Make appropriate referrals and integrate other wraparound supports (i.e. financial coaching, tax preparation, etc.) into counseling to achieve greater results;

Collect, track and report required data using client management tracking tools and databases

Write thorough and substantive case notes for each client interaction

Conduct client surveys to understand their satisfaction with and progress in the program

Conduct community outreach events to reach potential clients in the community

Develop and facilitate student loan trainings in online and in-person settings to support clients in navigating student loan repayment

Participate in initial trainings and ongoing professional development trainings

Follow required protocol and program requirements

Regularly meet with other Student Loan Empowerment providers

Participate in all-staff / program meetings

Other related duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships :

Position Reports to : FEC Program Manager, IRC Sacramento

Position directly supervises : n / a

Indirect Reporting : n / a

Other Internal and / or external contacts :

Internal : TBD

External : City of Sacramento, Partner Agencies, IRC, other FEC partner sites, other Student Loan Empowerment network sites

Job Requirements :

A BA degree from an accredited college and two years of experience or over five years of relevant work experience with some background in finance, financial education, student loan counseling, counseling / coaching, or social service delivery;

Eexpertise in one of the following : financial services, student loans / financial aid, social work, coaching / mentoring, teaching, or other related fields.

Dynamic, committed individual with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for supporting people with low incomes to build greater financial stability.

• Excellent interpersonal skills : the ability to work effectively with partners and colleagues in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment;
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines;
• Excellent writing and verbal communication abilities;
• Demonstrated success in program coordination and achieving programmatic goals and outcomes;
• Highly organized self-starter with demonstrated success in managing multiple and diverse priorities, as well as balancing competing deadlines and projects;

Strategic thinking, with thoughtful, thorough, and detailed follow through.

Comfortable with taking initiative; effective, collaborative worker; able to retain focus while multi-tasking.

Ability to function effectively within protocols and challenges of operating within a state funded program.

Attention to detail and production of quality work, along with ability to work quickly and under pressure.

Strong Computer skills : MS Word, Excel, and Outlook; Salesforce and other database systems

Experience with large datasets and data management preferred.

Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Language skills in Spanish a plus though not required.

Working Environment :

Hybrid office work environment combined w / remote and in-person, office / classroom setting, and some travel throughout service delivery area, particularly to locations to conduct client outreach.

Work computer and supplies provided.

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.

Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Gender Equality : IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer : We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits : The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans : up to 4.

5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs.

Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.

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Standard of Professional Conduct : The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct.

These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion : The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting.

We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.