Financial Counsellor

The Financial Counsellor role is a fixed term, part time employment contract till June 2024, with the possibility of a contract extension depending on funding.

This is a three-day-per-week arrangement with the flexibility of negotiating days worked. 

Macarthur Family & Youth Services is looking for an enthusiastic, highly skilled and dedicated person to provide financial counselling at the centre and outreach to families residing in Campbelltown and Camden.

Role:

The position will assist people in financial difficulty by providing information and support to help them deal with their financial problems, manage their debts and alleviate the stress of being in financial hardship. A key responsibility is to deliver high quality provision of information, advice, practical assistance, referral and groups. This role works collaboratively as a member of the team within Macarthur Family & Youth Services multi-disciplinary model.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Families in financial difficulty residing in Campbelltown and Camden
• Provide information, options, practical assistance and advocacy to address financial issues and alleviate financial burden. 
• To provide free and confidential assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing financial crisis or chronic financial difficulties through counselling.
• Contribute to Macarthur Family & Youth Services community education and engagement activities including the preparation of materials. 
• Build financial resilience with clients to improve their financial standing and develop strategies to reach their goals. 
• Help clients to safeguard themselves from economic abuse (elder abuse, scams etc.).
• Maintain client records and documentation within requirements and timelines. 
• Facilitate community educational groups for the purpose of raising awareness of financial issues.
• Accurately record and report against funding outcomes.
• Deliver outcomes / KPI’s set in the funding contract.

To provide a professional financial counselling service assisting individuals and families experiencing financial difficulties.

This includes: 

• Assessment of the financial situation of clients
• Provision of information relating to legal implications of debt 
• Assistance with budget planning 
• Provision of information regarding government assistance 
• Assistance in accessing community resources as required, and 
• Empowering clients to manage their own financial situations and to deal with creditors through provision of information on their rights and responsibilities 
• To advocate on behalf of clients when required – in a manner that encourages independence and self-sufficiency in clients 
• Implementing strategies that prevent future financial crisis where possible 

This includes: 

• Receiving and assessing referrals
• Managing demand for the service
• Referring to other programs or agencies where appropriate including Responsible Gambling Services and Warruei Services.
• To participate in the implementation and facilitation of community development activities as required
• To accurately record client contact information as part of the agency data collection system both for accountability purposes and to assist in the planning and targeting service delivery according to identifiable needs 
• To ensure engagement activities/outcomes for the program objectives are met
• To maintain contact with other service providers and agencies in order to promote  integration of the service in the community and also to enable the development of best practice in the field
• To participate in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the program
• To participate in professional development activities in order to maintain skills appropriate to the demands of this position. This includes gaining knowledge about legislative and other changes that impact on the client group
• Other duties as required

Organisational Obligations: 

Demonstrate commitment to Macarthur Family & Youth Services Mission, Vision and Values. 

• Comply with Macarthur Family & Youth Services Policies and Procedures. 
• Observe all legal and legislative requirements. 
• Ensure a high level of confidentiality and integrity. 
• Assist in the development of, and participate in Macarthur Family & Youth Services initiatives, projects and events. 
• Cultivate productive and collaborative working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous improvement and transparent work practices. 
• Liaise with others in a professional, respectful and constructive manner. 
• Participate in professional supervision and other reflective practice opportunities as required. 

Selection Criteria: 

Essential: 

1. Qualifications –  Diploma in Financial Counselling
2. Current membership of the Financial Counsellors Association of NSW inc. 
3. Experience in Financial Counselling 
4. Highly developed skills in advocacy and negotiation 
5. Experience working with vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community 
6. Demonstrated ability to link into support services and resources for people with complex needs and in financial hardship 
7. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, as well as with external stakeholders 
8. Demonstrated experience running groups 
9. Competence in use of keyboard and standard PC software including excel
10. NSW Working with Children Check Clearance & Criminal Record Check, current full drivers licence and access to a vehicle with comprehensive insurance. 

Additional Information & Salary

• An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful applicant. Salary Packaging is available with this position. 
• All offers of employment at Macarthur Family & Youth Services are subject to a six-month probationary period. 
• The term of the contract may be extended beyond June 2024 pending funding from the Office of Responsible Gambling. 

To receive the information package and selection criteria please contact the administration team,  Gleness and Erlinda on: 02 4620 4667