Employment and Financial Resource Navigator (Bilingual Karen/English)

Position Description:

At KOM, we support refugees and immigrants from Burma and other communities as they build new lives in Minnesota. We’re seeking a compassionate, bilingual professional to help community members achieve financial stability and career advancement through personalized coaching and navigation support.

The Employment & Financial Navigator supports participants—primarily Karen-speaking adults—in setting and achieving goals related to work, income, and financial well-being. The role includes one-on-one coaching, interpretation, public benefits navigation, connecting participants with jobs and financial resources, and leading financial education workshops. This role is a chance to make a real difference. As part of a growing team and program, you’ll not only support individual community members—you’ll also help shape how our employment and financial services evolve. Your insights and ideas will directly influence how we grow and serve more families effectively

Responsibilities:

Coach and Support Participants

• Build trusting relationships with clients, utilizing coaching skills to help them identify goals and take next steps in their financial and employment journey.
• Assist participants with creating household budgets and balance sheets, reviewing their credit report, navigating benefits, and exploring job or promotion opportunities
• Problem-solve barriers to employment, such as transportation, language, and childcare
• Provide language interpretation during coaching, job search, and benefit navigation
• Creating materials in Karen and English that increase awareness of job placement and financial coaching services
• Lead culturally relevant financial education workshops in Karen

Connect to Resources

• Refer clients to other KOM or community services, with a whole-person approach
• Help participants apply for public programs, affordable housing, or financial tools
• Participate in frequent partner, staff, and funder organized meetings and trainings
• Build partnerships with inclusive employers and financial institutions offering low-barrier, equitable opportunities
• Research and stay up-to-date on existing financial and employment resources

Collaborate & Track Progress

• Enroll clients into multiple data systems (Apricot, Salesforce, Workforce One), maintaining timely and organized records that comply with contract requirements
• Collaborate with the team to improve the screening process to determine if applicants are a good fit for the program
• Regularly connect with participants and collect updates and track milestones throughout their journey
• Work closely with KOM’s Job Developer and Communications team on outreach and recruitment
• Attend staff and partner meetings to share and learn emerging best practices

Qualifications:

Required

• Fluency in both Karen and English (speaking required; writing/typing in Karen preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in employment counseling, financial services, human services, or HR
• Associate’s degree can substitute for 1 year; Bachelor’s/advanced degree can substitute for 2 years
• Basic knowledge of personal finance, public programs, and job search skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation for work travel. Tavel required for this position.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with diverse individuals
• Ability to initiate conversations, speak in front of groups, and lead discussions

Preferred

• Experience with the LISC Financial Opportunity Center model
• Proficiency in additional languages: Pwo Karen, Karenni, or Burmese
• Familiarity with local employers hiring limited-English populations
• Experience with case management or data entry systems
• Financial certifications (credit counseling, pre-purchase counseling, foreclosure prevention, NCHEC/HUD certifications, etc.)

To Apply:

Email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Sara Johnson, Program Director– humanresources@mnkaren.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.