The member will work closely with clients to provide them with necessary financial counseling so that their legal needs can be met. A large part of this goal will be assisting clients in developing a realistic budget so that they may avoid future legal issues related to their finances, such as foreclosure or consumer debt issues. The member will also work with paralegals and attorneys on obtaining necessary financial information from the clients so that the issues they are facing can be best addressed.
Service Activities
EDC members serve in a wide variety of capacities within their host sites included but not limited to:
• one-on-one and group financial trainings
• refugee resettlement services
• assistance with public benefits applications
• assistance in foreclosure prevention
• homeless outreach and prevention
• job skills training
Community Need Addressed
The Service Collaborative of WNY's Economic Development Corps (EDC) is an AmeriCorps National Service Program committed to fighting poverty and helping individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency through financial education and training. EDC members will serve in non-profit and educational institutions across the Buffalo-Niagara Region, acting as financial coaches to decrease the number of economically disadvantaged individuals with a special focus on individuals between the ages of 16 to 24.
When members commit to EDC they are committing to a 6-month service term during which time they are expected to complete at least 900 hours of service at their host site. Members are provided health insurance options, childcare subsidies, student loan forbearance, an education award and a living stipend.
Position Outcomes
Helping individuals achieve economic self sufficiency through financial education and training.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Benefits Include: Six (6) months of meaningful experience · An annual living stipend of $6,315, which is paid out in bi-weekly increments · An AmeriCorps Eli Segal Education Award of $2,908 provided after the successful completion of the term of service · Basic, no cost health insurance · Ability to put qualified federal student loans on forbearance during the term of service · Child Care assistance to those who qualify · Biweekly professional development and multiple training opportunities. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, gender, political affiliation, or religion.
Skills you will gain
Written and Oral Communication, Public Speaking, Team Building, Organization/Planning, and Consulting
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment