Financial Counsellor

The Financial Counselling program has been established to respond to the growing need of residents in the community that are experiencing financial problems and require professional assistance to overcome those issues.  The program is funded by the Federal Government Dept of Social Services. A team of four Financial Counsellors provide the program across the Casey, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula region.

The Financial Counselling program works alongside a suite of support services and programs providing a holistic and strengths based approach to assisting the clients that we work with.

This position would be based at Narre Warren but would also include some outreach in the region.

The program also includes provision of Financial Capability and Literacy information. Our Stay on Track program offers workshops across the region as well as tailored individual assistance.

Key Responsibility Areas of the position:

1. To provide direct client services related to a wide range of financial issues and difficulties experienced by disadvantaged people.  
2. From a financial counselling perspective, assess the client’s situation and provide information and explanation of all relevant options to assist the client to address their situation.
3. Advocate and negotiate on the clients behalf where necessary and authorised by the clients, with creditors and other appropriate contacts.
4. Ensure clients are kept informed of all progress and maintain accurate client files and case notes in line with Confidentiality and Privacy principles.
5. Provide information of alternative sources of finance and other community resources. Eg. No Interest Loan Scheme.
6. Assist with the provision of the Stay on Track financial capability program.
7. Work collaboratively with all program staff, in particular financial counselling colleagues and Social Work program staff to ensure that all services are provided in a professional, holistic and efficient manner.
8. Provide advice to the Executive Officer of issues and trends identified within the financial counselling program as appropriate.
9. Liaise with other community and government agencies providing services to the residents in the funded area, to enhance the undertaking of financial counselling and community development activities.
10. Consider and develop strategies to work with CALD communities and other vulnerable groups to ensure delivery of financial counselling services and financial literacy information.
11. Work with the volunteer team to ensure they have a good understanding of the financial counselling program and can provide information and appropriate referrals to the program.
12. Represent the agency as required within the local communities.

General

1. Ensure the provision of all services with a focus on customer service and industry best practice.
2. Ensure provision of efficient and effective financial counselling services and assistance to clients and the maintenance of privacy and confidentiality of all matters including client files.
3. Keep up to date with developments, legislation and regulations relevant to the efficient running of the program.
4. Keep up to date statistics and client files and contribute to the efficient running of the service.
5. Provide monthly workers reports to the Executive Officer, attend staff and Board meetings as required.