Mary MacKillop Today and its first No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) in Bathurst was established in 1998 by the Sisters of St Joseph Diocese of Bathurst to promote financial inclusion and provide marginalised people in rural areas access to fair and affordable finance. Since becoming an accredited NILS program through Good Shepherd Microfinance, Mary MacKillop Today has established 3 additional NILS based in Cowra, Lithgow and Young covering an area over 37,000 km².

Mary MacKillop Today is currently recruiting for a Financial Inclusion Officer to be based in Bathurst part-time basis. The Financial Inclusion Officer will work as part of a dynamic team to promote and deliver the Good Shepherd Microfinance No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) loans program.

This is a part-time role based in Bathurst (approximately 36 hours per fortnight, exact hours to be negotiated). Once initial training is complete there may be flexibility for the right candidate to work from one of our other offices.

The key tasks that will be performed by the Financial Inclusion Officer will include:

• Interviewing clients who apply for a NILS
• Assisting applicants to complete loans application including preparing budgets and collecting supporting documentation for submission to the Loans Admin Unit
• Providing basic budgeting assistance and advocacy support to clients
• Referring clients to external agencies where necessary or managing arrears
• Liaising with External Providers (e.g. Centrelink, Utility Companies etc)
• Promoting microfinance services to people on low incomes; referral agencies; community; industry; all levels of government; and philanthropic organisations

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Ability to work within and contribute to the Mission and Values of Mary MacKillop Today
• Relevant qualifications and/or experience in microfinance, the finance sector or community development
• Demonstrated knowledge & understanding of the needs of people on a low income
• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills including interviewing, facilitation, advocacy & negotiation skills
• Demonstrated capacity to actively promote microfinance to all sectors community, government & business
• Ability to work both collaboratively & independently as required, including highly developed organisational skills & a demonstrated capacity to work flexibly and within tight timelines
• High level of computer literacy, including experience with a database & spreadsheet software
• Adherence to Mary MacKillop Today ’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and preferred candidate must be willing to undergo a Criminal Record Check

This position is a part-time role (approximately 36 hours per fortnight) based in Bathurst and is classified under the Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services Industry Award (Level 4).

The role reports to the Microfinance Team Leader of Mary MacKillop Today. The working environment is informal but professional, with very high standards of output and delivery. We are a happy, enthusiastic and energy filled group, with a positive values-driven culture.

Please find the Position Description here

This is classified as a Contact with Children position and therefore subject to child-safe recruitment screening.

Please call (02) 6337 2538 for more information.

Mary MacKillop Today is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.