What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Counselor (Full-Time, Hybrid) position at Chhaya Community Development Corporation?
Overview of the Organization:
Chhaya CDC is a leading community development corporation in New York City, and stands as the only one of its kind in the nation. Our mission is to build equitable and thriving neighborhoods by fostering the self-determination, housing stability, and economic well-being of South Asian and Indo- Caribbean neighborhoods across New York City. Since our founding in 2000, Chhaya has helped prevent hundreds of foreclosures and evictions, assisted first-time homebuyers in obtaining thousands of dollars in down-payment assistance, led the Basement Legalization Campaign in New York City, provided individuals with key immigration services, empowered families with financial management tools and skills, and fostered the civic engagement of thousands of New Yorkers. At the forefront of New York City’s housing and economic justice sector, Chhaya is poised for significant organizational growth and development. Chhaya has a main office in Jackson Heights with a second location in Richmond Hill– two Queens neighborhoods with vibrant South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.
Summary of the Position:
The Financial Counselor will play an integral role in achieving Chhaya’s mission of building economically
stable, sustainable, and thriving communities. The counselor will work within Chhaya’s Asset Building
Program to promote economic independence and financial stability among South Asian, Indo-Caribbean,
and other communities in New York, with a particular focus on women. . The Financial Counselor will
provide one-on-one financial counseling and coaching to support clients in addressing immediate
financial challenges while building their capacity to achieve longer-term goals. This includes helping
clients manage debt, improve credit, build savings, and access safe and affordable financial products.
Through our partnership with the NYC Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) and the Department of
Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), we provide free, high-quality financial counseling and
coaching services to individuals and families across the city.
We are seeking a full-time Financial Counselor to work in person at least three days per week at a
designated site(s) in Queens. The Financial Counselor develops action plans that include concrete
recommendations around debt reduction, credit improvement, money management, optimal use of
financial services, asset-building, and the pursuit of short- and long-term goals. Financial Counselors
work with a high degree of independence and must exercise strong judgment and discretion when
conducting outreach and managing client cases.
This position will report to the Assistant Director of Programs, Asset Building & Small Business.
Key Responsibilities:
Individual Counseling/Coaching
- Provide individualized financial counseling and coaching to a diverse client base.
- Assess clients’ financial situations, including income, expenses, debt, credit, and savings.
- Develop customized action plans with clients to achieve financial goals (e.g., buying a home,
starting a small business, plan for retirement, education).
- Track client progress and outcomes using FEMS (Financial Empowerment Management System)
and other reporting tools in compliance with Chhaya CDC and OFE/DCWP requirements.
- Conduct workshops and outreach events to promote financial counseling services in the
community.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial products, resources, and public benefits relevant to
clients.
- Collaborate with internal programs and external partner organizations and refer clients to
appropriate services as needed.
- Attend mandatory training and certification programs to maintain counseling quality and
standards.
Marketing and Outreach
- Coordinate and implement an outreach strategy and marketing plan with the Programs team
- Help to implement an internal referral system to ensure clients of all Chhaya programs are
referred to other relevant services
- Coordinate and deliver monthly community presentations to targeted audiences
- Maintain relationships with local partners, financial institutions, and agencies, while also
identifying supplemental resources and services for Chhaya’s participants to reach their financial
goals
Other Reporting and Administrative Tasks
- Track client success stories for reporting and communication purposes
- Participate in ongoing training and cross-training activities to increase personal and professional
development
- Take ownership of program success by tracking metrics and developing strategies to ensure the
program meets its goals
As a member of the Chhaya staff, additional responsibilities may be added related to special events,
critical initiatives, and other special cases that require full staff participation (some evenings and
weekends). Further, as a Chhaya team member, it is every employee’s responsibility to help further the
organization’s mission by building a work culture centered around ownership, accountability, fairness,
inclusiveness, and fun.
Qualifications:
- Bilingual in English and another language including but not limited to Bangla, Punjabi, Urdu,
Nepali, Tibetan, Hindi or Spanish preferred.
- Cultural competency to work with South Asian and Indo-Caribbean populations.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (finance, social work, counseling, education, or public
administration) or equivalent professional experience.
- At least 1–2 years of experience in financial counseling, coaching, case management, or related
direct service roles preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
- Experience working in/or commitment to working with South Asian and low-income immigrant
communities, and promoting financial inclusion and equity.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, verbal, and presentation skills, and comfort with data entry, client
management systems, and outcome tracking.
- The position is hybrid. Must be available to work in-person at least three days per week.
- Demonstrated organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Highly detail-oriented, willingness to learn with an evolving program, promote effective
outcomes, and identify service delivery weakness and strengths
Pay Range: $55,000 - $58,000 per year
To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, two professional references (in PDF format) to
careers@chhayacdc.org with the subject line “Financial Counselor – Application”.
Applications will be accepted until August 29, 2025. Only applicants under consideration will be
contacted. No phone calls please.
This is a bargaining unit position with the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys.
Chhaya CDC is an equal opportunity organization that celebrates and embraces diversity. Chhaya does not discriminate on the basis of caste, race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or any other identities covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications,
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Salary : $55,000 - $58,000