Financial and Employment Resource Navigator (Bilingual Karen/English)

Position Description:  

Apply your employment coaching skills and financial systems knowledge to help refugees and immigrants improve financial stability and build wealth as a Bilingual Financial and Employment Resource Navigator (FERN)!  The Resource Navigator will provide support to participants in their home language of Karen, helping them to identify and take the next steps on their goals towards financial security, such as finding better/new employment, navigating unemployment benefits or applying for public benefits, and accessing banking and credit products. The FERN will provide interpreting support to participants during the job search and onboarding process with employers as needed. The FERN will work collaboratively with the KOM Job Developer to identify employers to target for outreach that meet the needs of participants. 

Responsibilities include:  

Outreach, Recruitment, & Enrollment:  

• Create materials in Karen and English that increase awareness of job placement and financial coaching services 
• Help improve screening process to determine if applicants are a good fit for the program   
• Enroll participants into multiple data systems (Apricot, Salesforce, Workforce One) 
• Make referrals to other service providers at KOM and other agencies as appropriate, with attention to the whole person, identifying any barriers. 
• Build connections to employers and financial institutions, prioritizing those that offer low-barrier access and equitable terms. 
• Collaborate with Communications, Development, and other Employment & Financial Services colleagues on tactical outreach plans to engage area employers. 

One-on-one Navigation Services:  

• Meet regularly with participants, utilize coaching techniques to motivate change and serve as a supportive accountability partner. Training in financial/employment coaching skills provided.  
• Prior to job search, work with participants to create/review a household budget and develop a financial goal plan that will help inform their employment wage and benefits needs 
• Utilize screening tools to identify participant eligibility for public programs and affordable housing resources, helping participants to apply/retain these income supports and support navigating the benefits cliff when eligibility ends 
• Help participants learn about employment opportunities close to their home and cooperatively problem solve to overcome transportation, childcare, language or other barriers to employment 
• Regularly collect updates from participants and track achievement of key milestones throughout their employment and financial journey 
• Maintain timely and organized records following KOM policies and contract guidelines  
• Research and stay up-to-date on existing financial and employment resources 

General Support:  

• Attend partner meetings to share and learn best practices   
• Attend weekly KOM staff meetings   
• Provide walk-in services for refugees to address needs including accessing services, completing paperwork, and contacting other agencies for referrals and follow-up  
• Other duties as assigned  

Required Qualifications:  

• Strong English and Karen speaking skills, Karen writing and typing skills strongly preferred 
• At least 2 years of experience with employment counseling/coaching, Human Resources, or other related field 
  • Associates degree may substitute for 1 year of experience; bachelor’s or advanced degree may substitute 2 years of experience 
• Basic knowledge of financial services and systems 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively build relationships with diverse individuals  
• Comfortable with data entry and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) 
• Familiarity with public programs and how to navigate county systems 
• Comfortable initiating conversations, speaking in front of groups, and leading discussions 
• This position requires traveling. Must have a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and vehicle that can be used for work.  

Preferred Qualifications (Any applicant demonstrating the skills needed to do the work outlined above will be considered for this position) :  

• Familiarity with the LISC Financial Opportunity Center model. 
• Experience with data tracking or case management. 
• Proficiency in both Sgaw and Pwo Karen, Karenni, and/or Burmese. 
• Knowledge of local employers who hire limited-English populations. 

To Apply:  

Email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Sara Johnson, Program Director– humanresources@mnkaren.org.