• Part-time or Full-time role available – to support work life balance
• Support individuals and families experiencing financial vulnerability 
• Salary packaging option

About BFFS

Bendigo Family and Financial Services Inc. (BFFS) exists to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage in the community by delivering education, empowerment and support programs. The vision of the organisation is for individuals, families and communities to live health lives, be financial empowered, socially connected and have access to universal basic services.

About the role

As a Financial Counsellor, you’ll provide free, confidential, and independent support to individuals and families experiencing financial vulnerability. By addressing both immediate financial stressors and underlying contributing factors, you’ll strengthen financial wellbeing, promote long‑term resilience, and enhances social and economic participation within the Bendigo community.

Key responsibilities

• To delivery high quality financial counselling services to clients experience financial vulnerability including those in debt or who are not able to meet their ongoing expenses.
• Conduct initial assessments (including developing a statement of financial position) to understand a client’s financial situation, debts, income and priorities.
• Provide independent, practical advice about debts, budgeting, hardship and financial rights.
• Advocate for clients with financial institutions, service providers and external dispute resolution.
• Negotiate payment arrangements, hardship variations or debt waivers.
• Refer clients where appropriate to other services.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals especially when clients are experiencing complex issues such as mental health or family violence.

About you

• Hold a Diploma of Financial Counselling or equivalent qualification or be willing to undertake. Be eligible for membership of Financial Counselling Victoria as accredited, associate or student (intern) member.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to tailor and modify communication to diverse audiences and to communicate complex information in a practical, accurate and concise manner.
• Self-motivated with the capacity to work autonomously and manage priorities, time and workload.
• A demonstrated interest and commitment to social justice principles, including awareness of issues such as homelessness, mental health, family violence, disability, substance abuse and interaction with the justice system.
• Strong ability to adapt to change and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to apply legislative and regulatory knowledge to the financial counselling role.

Benefits

• Support to undertake training and continuous professional development
• Flexible work arrangement so support work life balance
• Salary packaging – which can add up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per year
• Eligible for participation in the portable long service leave program
• A positive and inclusive team based on respect, strong values and a commitment to serving others

Applications are considered as they are received.

To apply please submit your resume and a cover level addressing the key selection criteria as outlined in the attached PD via the "Apply Now" button.

For any questions call Tracey McCurdy - Operations Manager 03 5441 5277.

A position description is attached.