• 6 month role limited position

About Somerville

Somerville has been operating in the Top End for over 50 years. Our mission is to impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage.

We are a vibrant, multicultural organisation and a leading provider of social services in the Northern Territory. Last year alone we supported thousands of individuals and families through our three program arms: Housing and Homelessness, Financial Services and Disability Services.

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.

To assist individuals and families to gain access to community services and entitlements.

Selection Criteria:

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment and ability, through appropriate service delivery models, to impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage
• Sound oral and written communication with a demonstrated ability to communicate professionally with a varied cohort of clients and professional bodies
• Ability to work effectively autonomously and in a team environment
• Highly skilled in the use of ICT to engage with clients and team members in a remote / out of office environment. A willingness to work from home, ensuring the home office meets organisational and funding body requirements for privacy and confidentiality
• Demonstrated efficiency in the use of computer systems including word processing, spreadsheets, email, record management, database and business systems
• Effective organisational and time management skills with a demonstrated ability to deliver on outcomes in a dynamic and changing environment
• Commitment to cross cultural awareness and an ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from diverse cultures
• High level of professionalism including the confidential management of all organisational, client and employee information
• Commitment to work to Organisation policies and procedures and comply with Somerville’s Code of Conduct, Child Wellbeing Code of Conduct and comply with and implement Work Health Safety practices
• Commitment to continuous professional development

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling) with eligibility for membership of the relevant Financial Counselling Association or willingness to complete this qualification
• Relevant qualifications and experience working in the human services sector and working with people experiencing disadvantage within a counselling framework and a willingness to complete the Financial Counselling Diploma
• Relevant experience working in the finance or banking area with sound knowledge of consumer banking, financial systems and relevant legislation and a willingness to complete the Financial Counselling Diploma

Additional Requirements

• Criminal History Check
• Working With Children Clearance
• Current Drivers Licence
• Flu Vaccination
• Hepatitis A & B vaccinations

Duties and 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
• Promote government programs and entitlements to consumers, ensuring all avenues for support and assistance are explored
• 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
• 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 of Somervilles and other agency services
• Participate in required professional development including: case discussions, staff meetings and weekly touchpoint supervision with the Manager and monthly supervision with external designated supervisor
• Comply with work health and safety policies and procedures and report hazards to ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of others in our workplace, including our clients and visitors
• Other duties as requested by the Manager

A position description is attached.

Beautiful Katherine