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Empowerment Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Financial Empowerment Clinician

New York, NY · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

ROADS | Brooklyn, NY 11207 What You'll Do As a Financial Empowerment Clinician, you'll support survivors and their families by providing short-term counseling that enables them to become more ...

ROADS | Brooklyn, NY 11207 What You'll Do As a Financial Empowerment Clinician, you'll support survivors and their families by providing short-term counseling that enables them to become more ...

ROADS | Brooklyn, NY 11207 What You'll Do As a Financial Empowerment Clinician, you'll support survivors and their families by providing short-term counseling that enables them to become more ...

Providing financial empowerment counseling services for families - including advocacy, crisis intervention, and groups. * Completing clinical assessments and treatment plans. * Facilitating ...

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Empowerment Counselor information

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How much do empowerment counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for empowerment counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by empowerment counselors, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Empowerment Counselors often work with individuals facing significant personal, social, or economic barriers, which can present emotional and logistical challenges. Clients may be dealing with trauma, low self-esteem, or resistance to change, requiring counselors to exercise patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. To prepare, applicants should develop resilience, seek ongoing training in trauma-informed care, and familiarize themselves with local resources and support networks. Building collaborative relationships with other professionals, such as social workers and mental health providers, is also essential for providing holistic support.

What is an empowerment counselor?

An Empowerment Counselor is a professional who helps individuals gain confidence, self-awareness, and skills to overcome personal challenges and achieve their goals. They focus on empowering clients by fostering self-esteem, resilience, and decision-making capabilities, often through counseling sessions, workshops, and personalized support. Empowerment Counselors may work in community organizations, schools, or private practice, and they often serve populations facing barriers such as trauma, discrimination, or life transitions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an empowerment counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Empowerment Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by relevant degrees and licensure. Familiarity with case management software, crisis intervention protocols, and trauma-informed care practices is typically required. Outstanding active listening, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and motivational communication help counselors gain trust and guide clients effectively. These skills and qualifications are essential for empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build self-confidence, and achieve personal growth.

What is the difference between Empowerment Counselor vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectEmpowerment CounselorSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; certification may be preferredOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work; state licensure or certification usually necessary
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profits, mental health clinicsRehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in social services, mental health support, youth programsCommon in addiction treatment, healthcare, mental health services

While both roles focus on supporting individuals' well-being, Empowerment Counselors primarily work on building self-esteem and life skills, whereas Substance Abuse Counselors specialize in addiction treatment and recovery support. The choice depends on the specific client needs and work setting.

More about Empowerment Counselor jobs
What job categories do people searching Empowerment Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Empowerment Counselor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Empowerment Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

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Job description

POSITION TITLE:  FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT COUNSELOR

REPORTS TO:   Senior Director, Community Resilience and Engagement

STARTING PAY: $20.00

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY:

The Financial Empowerment Counselor helps individuals and families gain the knowledge, skills, confidence, and resources needed to improve financial stability and build long-term economic mobility. Through one-on-one coaching, financial education, and referrals to agency and community resources, the Counselor works with individuals and families to set financial goals, address barriers, reduce household expenses, increase savings, strengthen financial capability, and develop practical plans for financial success.

As part of NKCAC’s Whole Family Approach, the Financial Empowerment Counselor works collaboratively across the agency to ensure families have access to the full range of resources and opportunities available to them. The position plays a key role in helping individuals and families move beyond crisis and short-term stability toward long-term self-sufficiency.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide individualized financial coaching and education designed to help individuals and families identify financial goals and develop actionable plans for achieving them.
  • Build trusting, strengths-based relationships with individuals and families and use a coaching approach that encourages individuals and families to take an active role in setting goals, making financial decisions, and measuring their progress.
  • Help individuals and families develop practical financial skills in areas such as:
    • Household budgeting and cash-flow management
    • Savings and emergency fund development
    • Credit education and credit improvement
    • Debt reduction and management
    • Banking and access to safe financial products
    • Tax preparation and tax credits
    • Benefits and resource utilization
    • Household cost reduction
    • Energy efficiency and utility affordability
    • Financial planning for short- and long-term goals
  • Manage an assigned caseload and maintain regular communication with individuals and families through scheduled appointments, follow-up calls, correspondence, and other appropriate contacts.
  • Work with individuals and families to develop individualized Financial Empowerment Plans that establish measurable goals, action steps, timelines, and strategies for overcoming barriers to financial stability.
  • Monitor and document client progress toward financial goals, including outcomes such as increased savings, improved credit, reduced debt, decreased household expenses, increased income, improved budgeting practices, and greater financial stability.
  • Collaborate with NKCAC staff across the agency to support coordinated, whole-family service delivery and ensure individuals and families are connected to resources that address both immediate needs and longer-term goals.
  • Provide advocacy and navigation assistance with creditors, financial institutions, benefit providers, utility companies, community partners, and other organizations when appropriate and with client authorization.
  • Develop and facilitate engaging financial education workshops, classes, presentations, and community outreach activities for individuals, families, agency staff, and community partners.
  • Coordinate and facilitate Duke Energy Payment Plus financial empowerment sessions and Assurance 16 sessions, ensuring eligible customers complete program requirements and that applicable utility bill credits are processed accurately and timely.
  • Facilitate the coordination and delivery of NKCAC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during tax filing season, including expanding access to free tax preparation services through Neighborhood Centers and other community locations.
  • Participate in community events, outreach activities, seminars, networking opportunities, and presentations to increase awareness of NKCAC’s Financial Empowerment Program and recruit eligible participants.
  • Maintain accurate and timely client records, program data, case notes, outcome documentation, and reports in accordance with agency, funding source, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain knowledge of current financial empowerment practices, community resources, benefits, tax programs, energy-efficiency strategies, consumer protections, and other resources that may benefit individuals and families.
  • Comply with all applicable federal and state regulations, funding requirements, agency policies, confidentiality requirements, and program procedures.
  • •  Perform other duties and special projects that advance NKCAC’s mission and Financial Empowerment Program as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRED SKILLS:

  • High School Diploma required
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work with people of diverse and varying socio-economic backgrounds in a crisis
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office & web based databases
  • Experience with computer appointment systems, data entry, and business writing
  • Ability to work on projects independently with strong personal organization
  • Ability to work some weekends and early evening hours
  • Ability to travel to and work from the satellite offices of NKCAC and attend events outside of the office, both of which require the ability to travel from place to place within the service area.
  • Ability to prepare reports
  • Ability to present information to diverse audiences
    • Rental Counseling— established by HUD regulations
    •  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Bilingual (Spanish language fluency)
  • Financial/Housing Counseling experience
  • Experience using client/customer data management systems
  •  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to lift and/or carry up to 10lbs up to 10% of the time
  • Ability to sit at, read, and enter data on computer for prolonged periods of time up to 75% of the time.

*NKCAC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We strongly encourage people of Color, people with disabilities, women, bilingual people, and former or current recipients of public assistance to apply for available positions.

NKCAC IS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE