The Women’s Legal Service (SA) is a community legal centre that provides free legal assistance and support services to vulnerable women and their families throughout South Australia. The main office is located in Adelaide however Women’s Legal Service (SA) provides services to more than 13 locations across the metropolitan, rural, regional and remote South Australia.

The Financial Counsellor will work alongside other members of Women’s Legal Service (WLSSA) multi-disciplinary team to coordinate services and activities with women and their children that foster strength, safety, healthy living, overall well-being, and an achievement of justice.

This role is expected to:

• a) provide practical financial education, support and advocacy to women facing financial challenges.
• b) empower clients to improve financial literacy and develop long-term stability.
• c) assist clients in managing essential financial issues, such as utility debts, through targeted support
• d) equip clients with practical skills in budgeting, saving and overall money management
• e) offer guidance and refer clients to Women’s Legal Service financial counsellor for specialise support when required
• f) Focus on enabling effective navigation of financial difficulties to foster independence

Primary responsibilities

• Deliver best practice service to clients in line with agreed goals/contribution
• Seek feedback from client/stakeholders/peers in order to reflect and improve on service support for own practice
• Maintain a client-centred approach to service delivery at all times
• Empower clients to build financial literacy and practical money management skills
• Support clients in managing essential financial issues
• Provide guidance on budgeting, saving and financial planning
• Refer clients to specialised support services based on their financial needs

Essential Characteristics

Relevant qualification in community services, education and/or financial counselling , or substantial relevant experience.

• Experience delivering financial education and support
• Demonstrate ability to conduct needs assessments and provide one on one case work
• Experience assisting clients with budgeting, debt management and practical money management strategies
• Familiarity with negotiating with creditors for essential expenses such as utility bills
• Strong communication, negotiation and advocacy skills
• Experience maintaining accurate, confidential client records and data
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of financial hardship programs and relevant assistance schemes
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with community organisations and financial institutions
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in financial capability support
• Calm in a busy environment, thinks clearly - can respectfully manage complex conversations.

The salary range for the position is dependent on experience and commences at level 4.4/5 of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 plus superannuation plus salary sacrifice. Salary will be negotiated and is subject to experience.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.