Bilingual Financial Counselor

Bilingual Financial Counselor I

Southern Bancorp is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving underserved communities. Our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone, focusing on low-wealth and unbanked populations, especially Black and Brown individuals.

Work in SBCP’s Asset Development Department to provide comprehensive financial counseling, coaching, and education focused on consumer goals of 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, serving as the crux of our wealth building products and services.

• Provides one‑on‑one financial counseling to customers that facilitates the identification and achievement of financial goals using both in‑person and digital tools.
• Provides all customers prompt, efficient and friendly service with an emphasis on problem‑solving and solution‑building.
• Analyzes and assesses customers’ current financial conditions and builds outcomes‑based action plans to achieve identified goals.
• Maintains significant product knowledge for SBCP and SBB financial products.
• Assists customers in accessing SBCP and SBB financial products to further their financial goals.
• Provides group learnings online and in‑person in areas of financial skills that empower customers to make positive financial decisions.
• Builds relationships with the community to ensure SBCP is positioned in the market to attract targeted customers for SBCP services.
• Develops new clients and partners through active community outreach to build awareness for SBCP’s lending products and financial development services.
• Employs business development techniques to build a customer base for asset development services as well as lending products.
• Executes a reciprocal referral network with SBCP and SBB lenders.
• Uses digital platforms to collect and track data, key performance indicators, and report metrics for strategic decision‑making.
• Assists with and/or produces accurate grant and certification reporting as needed.
• Completes all required training and continuing education for certifications.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned, including assisting with wealth building programs.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum five years of experience in a credit or financial counseling role or related field.
• HUD housing counselor certification required; employees must obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Accredited Financial Counseling certification through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education or begin coursework within sixty days of start date.
• Ability to prioritize workload, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Strong attention to detail, recall, and organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• High degree of analytical ability.
• Strong customer relations skills.
• Ability to anticipate problems and use sound judgment, resourceful problem solving.
• Must have ability to travel within markets and possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, project management digital tools, and CRM systems.
• Ability to speak fluently in English and Spanish.

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

Financial and Investment Benefits

• 401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and employer match up to 6%
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Discounted rate on primary home mortgage
• Credit and housing counseling as well as free financial education tools for customers and employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

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

Work‑Life Balance and Recognition

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

Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. As a Community Development Financial Institution, Southern Bancorp encourages applications from people who identify with marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, people from working‑class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.