Financial Social Worker opening

POSITION DESCRIPTION: FINANCIAL SOCIAL WORKER

Reports To: Executive Director, LifeBridge

Position Type: Part-Time (approx. 5-10 hours/week)

Compensation: $28-32 / hour (commensurate with experience) 

Location: Kirkwood, MO - In-Person / On-Site (with potential for future hybrid flexibility) 

Who We Are

The mission of LifeBridge is to empower individuals to transform their lives by connecting them with tools, resources, and supportive relationships. Participants are invited to attend financial education classes and meet individually with a Certified Financial Social Worker to establish goals and action plans. We build financial stability through one-on-one coaching, structured educational opportunities, matched savings incentives, and access to wealth-building tools. LifeBridge also offers holistic support services, including a low-cost grocery market & clothing closet, and complimentary meals and childcare during classes.

Position Summary

The Financial Social Worker (FSW) fosters supportive, trauma-informed relationships with participants to help them achieve economic wellness and long-term stability. The FSW addresses participants' immediate and systemic needs, facilitates goal setting, and guides families past financial barriers. Through group workshop facilitation and one-on-one coaching, the FSW promotes a culture of asset building, habit formation, and financial confidence within underserved communities.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

  • Intake & Assessment: Conduct participant intake and financial assessments; assist individuals in creating actionable goals focused on saving, debt reduction, credit improvement, and asset building.

  • Workshop Facilitation: Facilitate or co-facilitate interactive financial wellness classes and coordinate guest presenters as needed.

  • One-on-One Coaching: Lead regular hybrid (in-person and virtual) coaching sessions using motivational interviewing and trauma-informed financial social work techniques.

  • Group Coaching: Foster a supportive group environment where participants share experiences, problem-solve together, and stay accountable.

  • Data & Progress Tracking: Maintain accurate participant records, track attendance, log savings progress, and collect pre/post assessment data to ensure outcome-driven results.

  • Participant Support & Retention: Assist with participant engagement  and ongoing retention throughout each cohort. 

  • Collaborative Support: Partner with LifeBridge leadership, volunteers, and community agencies to deliver seamless, client-centered care and connection to social safety net resources.

  • Team Communication: Attend project orientation meetings, debriefs, and staff check-ins as required per cohort.

Competencies & Skills

  • Mission Commitment: Strong passion for human services, economic justice, and community empowerment.

  • Facilitation & Engagement: High energy and comfort facilitating discussions and teaching adults/teens in group settings.

  • Trauma-Informed Practice: Familiarity with trauma-informed care, financial social work principles, and motivational interviewing techniques.

  • Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; comfortable presenting to diverse audiences.

  • Organization & Independence: Highly detail-oriented with strong time management skills and the ability to work independently.

  • Resource Knowledge: Working knowledge of regional social service landscape (e.g., TANF, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid) to connect participants with wraparound support.

  • Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work both day and evening hours for in-person financial coaching sessions & classes and manage flexible coaching schedules. 

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) or equivalent experience required; Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) or related field preferred.

  • Experience: Experience in social services, case management, counseling, or financial coaching working with diverse or underserved populations.

  • Financial Literacy Background: Familiarity with financial management concepts, budgeting, and credit systems. (Financial Social Work certification/training can be provided or co-funded by LifeBridge for the right candidate).

For more information, contact Liz Shuburte at

executivedirector@lifebridgekirkwood.org