The position

The Financial Counsellor works under the general direction of the Program Manager. The role requires a high level of communication and technical skills.

The financial counsellor provides information, options, support, counselling, advocacy, negotiation and referral in a confidential and non-judgemental manner to people experiencing financial challenges and stress. This may include exploration of relevant underlying issues impacting the financial well-being of the client(s).

This position will require some outreach to remote communities and may include overnight stays. As with all Broome CIRCLE’s positions, this position is reliant on continued funding being available.

Responsibilities

Holistic Financial Counselling

• Assess the overall financial situation of the clients
• Provide information/options and implications for those options to clients in relation to their financial situation
• Advocate and negotiate on behalf of clients
• Provide ongoing support to clients and empower them to make decisions
• Refer clients as appropriate to relevant services
• Assist clients to develop skills and strategies to understand and address their ongoing financial issues
• Take instruction from clients
• Maintain and keep accurate, appropriate and complete file records to a professional standard

Program Development and Administration

• Identify systemic issues that impact on the client group and develop strategies for addressing them
• Meet all Service Agreement requirements including entering data onto DSS database
• Provide verbal, written and data reports on activities to line manager

Selection Criteria

Financial Counselling and/or Community Service

• Demonstrated ability to work within a financial counselling framework and deliver financial counselling services
• At least three years’ experience in case management or community service role.
• Good understanding of consumer rights and relevant legislation as it relates to financial counselling.
• Relevant experience or demonstrated ability to deliver community education and presentations to groups using a strength-based approach
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal staff and external stakeholders
• Ability to communicate, engage and support clients from marginalised and diverse backgrounds
• Highly organised and self-motivated
• A passion for improving the lives of vulnerable people through financial counselling and social justice.
• Willingness to travel to and work in remote communities
• A solid understanding of the ethical responsibilities of confidentiality and case management.
• Diploma of Financial Counselling (applicants currently studying will be considered)
• Community service work or case management;Community Engagement and/or Education; Social Science; Counselling

Salary and Conditions

This position is classified in the SCHADS Award 2010, Social and Community Services Employee at a Level 5.1 to 5.3, depending on experience and qualifications.

Other conditions include:

• 4 weeks Annual Leave + 1 week remote leave allowance
• 9.5% superannuation
• 17.5% leave loading
• Salary Sacrifice
• Personal development opportunities