ABOUT SOMERVILLE

Somerville Community Services has been operating in the Northern Territory for over 50 years. The organisation has a long and rich history of providing community based services to families, individuals and people with disability. At Somerville we prioritise and advocate for access to resources that assist Territorians to improve their circumstances through our Disability, Financial Counselling and Housing and Homelessness Services.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Somerville’s Financial Counselling Service provides free, independent and confidential financial counselling and financial literacy services with a focus on Problem Gambling, to members of the community experiencing financial hardship.

Financial Counsellors provide information, options and support for individuals, couples, families, small businesses and consumer groups to explore, develop and implement strategies to overcome their financial situation.

In this position you will be supporting people to increase their ability to develop the tools and strategies to self-manage their lifestyle and wellbeing.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that financial counselling services are responsive to client needs by utilising a variety of intervention methods and strategies.
• Ensure that the individual financial needs of clients are met by providing a case plan that is developed with the client, is clearly defined and with achievable outcomes.
• Deliver financial counselling related services including: Emergency Relief Funding, No Interest Loans Scheme, Tax Help, self-exclusion from gambling venues, and financial literacy programs.
• Promote consumer education and awareness to the community, including the delivery of a financial literacy program, with a view to encouraging consumer participation in social and economic reform.
• Ensure that a full client caseload is maintained by working within funding guidelines and program targets.
• Ensure an effective integrated client service is delivered by building linkages with key community partners, working collaboratively with relevant parties and referring clients to other appropriate services. This may include referral to other Somerville services.
• Ensure documentation meets organisational, legislative and funding requirements by completing and maintaining appropriate client documentation and statistical information.
• Identify issues of concern to consumers with a view to taking appropriate social action aimed at bringing about changes in legislation, government policy or commercial practice.
• In consultation with the Manager Financial Counselling Service, actively encourage consumer participation in the process of government decision making and social reform.
• Work toward increased consumer protection and seek tighter controls on the actions and practices of debt collectors, finance providers and other identified providers of goods and services.
• Maintain an awareness of current legislation and regulations relevant to the duties of a Financial Counsellor and comply with statutory provisions concerning the duties of this position
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional and referral networks and assist in community liaison and promotion of all Somerville’s and other agency services.
• Undertake continuous organisational and professional development relevant to your position as negotiated with and authorised by the Manager Financial Counselling.
• Abide by legal obligations including mandatory requirements, privacy/confidentiality and professional case notes.
• Commitment to supporting and adhering to Somerville’s Work Health and Safety policy and practice ensuring compliance through the immediate reporting of hazards to ensure your own personal safety and the health and safety of others in the workplace, including clients and visitors.
• Other duties as requested by the Manager.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Demonstrated capacity to work with people in crisis and an understanding of the behaviours of people who are experiencing significant personal crisis.
2. Strong written and oral communication, negotiation, interpersonal and customer service skills, and the ability to advocate on behalf of others.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment including establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders that include government and other community service providers.
4. Effective and demonstrated organisational, time management and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage and meet the demands of multiple tasks and competing priorities.
5. High level of professionalism including the confidential management of all organisational and client information.
6. Demonstrated competence in the use of the Microsoft Office suite, client management and reporting databases and other business systems.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

1. Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling) with eligibility for membership of the relevant Financial Counselling Association or willingness to complete this qualification within 12 months; and/or
2. Relevant qualifications and experience working in the human services sector and working with people experiencing disadvantage within a counselling framework; and/or
3. Relevant experience working in the finance or banking area with sound knowledge of consumer banking, financial systems and relevant legislation; and/or
4. Experience in financial assessments and budget planning.

Highly desirable: Experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse cultures.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Current Northern Territory Drivers Licence and the ability to travel independently
2. Current National Criminal History Check
3. Working with Children Clearance (NT Ochre Card)
4. First Aid Certificate
5. Vaccinations as per Centre for Disease Control Community Services Sector Schedule – Influenza, Hepatitis A and B

A position description is attached.

Please contact the Manager, People & Culture on 08 8920 4100 if you have any queries regarding this role.