• Flexible work conditions, salary packaging, 5 weeks’ annual leave plus leave loading
• Salary range: $80,700 to $84,600pa
• Fixed term 3-year contract

We are seeking a financial counsellor with minimum three years’ experience to work with female victims-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV). This role provides the opportunity to use your professional skills and expertise to make a real difference in the lives of people who have experienced violence and trauma. You must be a fully accredited member of the Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW. This position is open to female applicants only.

About South West Sydney Legal Centre

South West Sydney Legal Centre (SWSLC) is a not for profit, community legal centre. We deliver legal services to facilitate access to justice for disadvantaged people in South West Sydney including specialised legal services for victims-survivors of DFV. We also provide information, court support, referral and casework to victims-survivors of DFV through government funded DFV services. Our DFV services cover LGAs in South West Sydney and Central Sydney.

SWSLC uses a multidisciplinary model bringing together lawyers, social workers, and community workers to provide trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally safe legal assistance and DFV support services to clients. Services are provided through phone support and face-to-face services in our offices, at courts and through outreach services and community engagement. SWSLC has offices in Liverpool, Bankstown, Smithfield and Sydney.

About the Role

This is a new role funded by the Financial Counselling Foundation for three years to deliver financial counselling services to women affected by DFV. The successful applicant will demonstrate they have the skills to communicate sensitively with women in financial difficulty and crisis, and will be able to recognise the ways in which other life issues may interact with personal financial issues. Applicants must have a commitment to empowering women affected by DFV, an understanding or willingness to learn the principles of a trauma-informed approach to service delivery and have demonstrated ability to engage effectively with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Initially, all referrals to the financial counsellor will come from solicitors and from DFV workers employed by SWSLC. External referrals may later be considered once capacity is determined. The financial counsellor will provide a thorough assessment of clients’ financial situations and provide short and long-term responses to their financial challenges. The key aim of the financial counselling role is to deliver specialised financial counselling support for women affected by DFV, recognising that women are at greater risk of DFV and that certain groups are particularly vulnerable: young women, pregnant women, women with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women experiencing financial hardships. The financial counsellor will provide high quality case planning, information, advice and practical assistance to clients.

The duties of the role may require travel in the Sydney metropolitan area to deliver services to clients and to deliver community education activities. A current driver’s license and ability to use your own vehicle for work travel is essential. Travel reimbursements apply.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location, hours and remuneration

• The role will primarily be based in Liverpool but will include travel around the South West Sydney and Central Sydney areas.

• The position is full-time 35 hours per week, 5 days per week on a fixed term contract until 30 June 2023.
• Remuneration - SCHADS Level 5, paypoint depending on years of experience ($80,700 to $84,600) plus super

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with the not for profit sector
• Salary packaging to achieve a tax effective total salary package
• Flexible workplace
• 35 hour working week
• 5 weeks’ annual leave, including annual leave loading

To discuss your specific queries, please contact Effi Vassiliadis by email [email protected], using the subject line: DFV Financial Counsellor enquiry via EthicalJobs, leaving your contact number for a return phone call.

This position is open to female applicants only. SWSLC considers being a woman to be a genuine occupational qualification for this position under section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Records Check and a Working with Children Check.

For more information about SWSLC and our services and to view the application package and how to apply, go to our website www.swslc.org.au, click on ‘contact’ then ‘work with us’.

If this sounds like an opportunity that interests you, we would love to receive your application.

A position description is attached.