• Classification/Award: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services  Industry Award 2010 (SCHCADS)
• Remuneration: SCHCADS including 17.5% leave loading on annual leave, 9.5% superannuation, and access to salary sacrifice
• Employment details: Fixed term to June 30, 2021 with possibility of extension (dependent on funding) at 0.6 EFT (open to negotiation), usually 7.5 hours across 3 days unless otherwise negotiated
• Position reports to: Manager Service Delivery & Operations
• Ordinary location(s): St Kilda and outreach location

Organisation Overview

The Port Phillip Community Group (PPCG) is a provider of welfare and support services, community development, financial counselling, recreation, and skills development and pathways to further education and employment in the City of Port Phillip to deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities. Operating from five main sites in the City of Port Phillip – St Kilda, East St Kilda, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne, over 50 volunteers and staff work in partnership with the community to deliver positive outcomes for all members of the community.

In achieving its vision of a fair and just society that values all people, Port Phillip Community Group uses strengths-based and community development approaches to foster improved quality of life, social health, being part of the community. These approaches empower individuals and communities to take control of their lives in meaningful and sustainable ways. We work with the community to foster opportunities and social inclusion to reduce marginalisation. PPCG is a not for profit company limited by guarantee, and is managed by a Board of Management.

To view the Port Phillip Community Group overview including Annual Report 2017-18 click here.  

Position Overview

The Financial Counsellor works within the Bayside Peninsula Financial Counselling Service and has the core functions of undertaking:

• Intake
• Triage
• Case prioritisation
• Case work (telephone roster and face-to-face)
• Data entry
• Service provision of information and options to low income and vulnerable families and individuals who are experiencing financial crisis or chronic financial difficulties through a combination of casework, community education and secondary consultation.
• To participate in appropriate community education programs for the purpose of raising awareness of financial issues including the provision of information and resource materials to community groups, schools and other welfare professionals.
• To provide an outreach service in order to ensure accessibility to services.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Must have Diploma of Financial Counselling

• Membership of the Financial and Consumer Rights Council.

• Experience working with clients in or at risk of poverty, family violence, family breakdown or other capability building services

• Thorough knowledge of the relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to financial issues.
• Highly developed skills in advocacy and negotiation.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, and to contribute to program development, implementation and evaluation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to liaise and negotiate with government and non-government organisations, institutions and community groups.
• Proven interpersonal skills.
• Computer literacy

• A satisfactory Criminal History Check

Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience

• Significant financial counselling experience in the provision of intake, telephone triage, assessment and case work, however we will also consider new graduates.
• Sensitivity to issues of confidentiality, gender, cultural background, disability, age and sexuality in dealing with young people and their families.
• Sensitivity to the social demographics and community services within the Bayside Peninsula Financial Counselling Service boundaries.
• Experience working with clients experiencing family violence.
• Experience working within the community based non-government sector.

• A current Driver’s License

Additional Information

An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Salary Packaging is offered with this position.

All offers of employment at Port Phillip Community Group are subject to a six month probationary period. The staff member will be asked to participate in an annual performance review linked to objectives set out for the position.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check, and Employment Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

For further information, including a list of responsibilities, see the Position Description attached below.