Financial Counsellor

• Be part of the development of a high-impact specialist service supporting vulnerable Territorians
• Join a cohesive team of innovative and experienced lawyers and advocates
• Work in a best-practice environment where staff development and opportunities are prioritised
• Be part of an exceptional organisation with a firm commitment to people, culture and advocacy!

About the Organisation

Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) is a non-profit community-based organisation committed to legal and social justice and the protection and expansion of rights, fairness, and well-being in the NT. DCLS especially works with people who are vulnerable or marginalised. DCLS:

• Provides legal, advocacy, and support services
• Collaborates to understand obstacles to justice and try to achieve reform.
• Promotes understanding and acceptance of rights, justice, and inclusion 

The main services within DCLS are the General Legal Service (GLS), the Seniors and Disability Rights Service (SDRS), and the Tenants’ Advice Service (TAS)

About the Opportunity

Use your Financial Counselling skills to support positive outcomes for vulnerable people!

We are currently seeking a dynamic Financial Counsellor to join our team on a full-time basis (with negotiable flexible part-time hours available for the right candidate) for a Fixed Term Contract of 2 years. 

This role is funded through a grant from the Financial Counselling Foundation to deliver financial counselling services to tenants in private rental accommodation who are experiencing or at risk of financial hardship. 

The Financial Counsellor will deliver high quality financial counselling services to eligible clients. This will include assessment of financial situations to provide short- and long-term solutions, including the provision of information, advice, and practical assistance to meet positive outcomes and increase financial literacy and well-being. 

Reporting to the Principal Solicitor and as part of the Tenancy Team, you would work closely with lawyers and other team members delivering legal and non-legal support services to provide clients with trauma-informed, effective, and streamlined services. A client-centred approach and a commitment to ensuring high quality services are provided to vulnerable people are essential. 

About You

• A Diploma in Financial Counselling and a member, or eligible to become a member, of the Financial Counsellors’ Association of South Australia and NT
  • Experience in supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to understand and convey complex concepts to people from diverse social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.
  • Understanding of the social issues facing financially disadvantaged clients and their families.
  • Ability to recognise the ways in which legal issues may interact with financial and other non-legal issues.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the principles of social justice and human rights.
  • Ability to effectively time manage a high and diverse workload.
  • Ability to work independently and as a collaborative and effective team member.
  • Understanding of economic and social issues affecting vulnerable people in the Northern Territory, particularly remote regions.
  • Personal resilience, adaptability and ability to meet the challenges of remote service delivery
  • Current NT Driver’s License, NT Ochre Card & Criminal History check (or the ability to obtain).

Desirable

• Experience in a community-based organisation in a remote setting.
• Experience in developing and delivering financial education programs.
• Experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) / Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. 

About the Benefits

As our Financial Counsellor you will receive an attractive salary in line with SCHADS Award level 5, starting at $93,000 plus super, based on skills and experience, and great benefits!

In addition, you will have access to great benefits including:

• Salary sacrificing of up to $15,900 annually
• 6 weeks annual leave, including leave loading on all 6 weeks, and 15 days of personal leave 
• Have the opportunity to join our social club and do fun activities with people from all areas of our business
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Ongoing training and professional development

You will be joining a close-knit team of professionals who are extremely passionate and dedicated to delivering high-quality and effective legal advice and aged and disability services to the community.

To Apply

Email your application (resume and cover letter addressing the selection criteria) to ***********@dcls.org.au by the 18th March 2024 

For more information and the position description - https://www.dcls.org.au/join-us/employment/ or contact 08 8982 1***