Financial Wellness Specialist

Who We Are

At Model Cities, our mission is to promote social and economic prosperity by providing access to opportunities that stabilize and develop families and communities. Since 1967, our work has supported marginalized and underserved communities, emphasizing meeting the needs and investing in the economic stability and vibrancy of Black Minnesotans in Saint Paul. Model Cities provides an array of services that address barriers to homelessness, housing, home ownership, economic development, and financial wellness.

Our organization is committed to promoting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, which ensures our services respond effectively to the evolving needs of our community.

The Financial Wellness Specialist position is part of our Economic Services Department and will report to the department manager. The Economic Services Department is made up of individuals with many years of experience supporting families and individuals working to achieve their home ownership and financial goals. The Financial Wellness Specialist will provide additional value to our organization by expanding our support to the participants beyond numbers.

This position will utilize their financial acumen to re‑enforce the importance of debits, credits, and savings while encouraging participants to develop a healthy relationship with money and economic prosperity.

As a Financial Wellness Specialist, you will serve individuals and families with the greatest barriers to obtaining housing stability and home ownership and assist them in addressing financial traumas that limit their ability to attain financial stability and wealth. We engage individuals from varying income levels, racial, and ethnic backgrounds and are looking for a Financial Wellness Specialist who is adaptable, resourceful, knowledgeable, and able to provide client‑centered supportive services.

The Financial Wellness Specialist will utilize technical and behavioral competencies to guide and direct clients through the appropriate services to establish and maintain economic and social wealth. Once the intake application is initiated, the Financial Wellness Specialist will go beyond money‑management principles to provide support and guidance through the home‑buying process.

• Serve as initial point of contact for clients engaging with Model Cities’ financial coaching or group education services.
• Interview clients individually, in families, or groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
• Provide financial guidance for clients through coaching, resource awareness, workshops, and presentations.
• In partnership with HUD Certified Housing Counselor, prepare and maintain client files in accordance with funder compliance guidelines.
• Develop and review action plans (in consultation with clients) and perform follow‑ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
• Partner with HUD Certified Housing Counselor, coach families on processes and procedures as the client navigates their pathway to home ownership.
• Consult with industry professionals to provide the best service and support to the community.
• Maintain consistent professional relationships with clients, vendors, partners, and the community.
• Record clients’ progress and other notable interactions in the CRM system.
• Partner with your team to refer and guide our supportive housing residents along their journey to financial stability.

• Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or relevant field.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have at least four years of equivalent industry experience and possess a passion for social justice and equity.
• Experience in financial education or financial literacy.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

• Social services/work experience.
• Communication skills.
• Administrative skills.
• People skills.
• Intrapersonal skills.
• Ability to operate Microsoft Office and other software programs.
• Ability to use basic office equipment (copier, fax, scanner, etc.).
• C…