Financial Counsellor (qualified) or Financial Capability Worker (trainee)

Exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting, advocating and educating individuals facing financial challenges!

We are seeking applications from people that are either fully qualified or have an interest in obtaining a Diploma in Financial Counselling and relevant membership with South Australian Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA) (or a willingness to obtain). 

Centacare will support the right person to complete the Financial Counselling qualification! 

About the Position

As a Financial Counsellor (qualified) you will play a pivotal role in providing advocacy, support, and education to individuals and families navigating financial difficulties. You will: 

• Maintain and develop a professional relevant financial counselling service within the service area, including referral procedures, reporting and statistical data
• Provide information, support and advocacy to help clients overcome financial difficulty
• Provide advice regarding income and entitlements and whether debts are correct and legally owned
• Explore options and consequences with clients to address financial difficulties including debt negotiations, waivers, bankruptcy
• Assist clients in completing more complex documentation including statement of affairs, letters to creditors etc
• Liaise with other agencies/services and counsellors to ensure awareness of needs of families in financial crisis.

As a Financial Capability Worker (trainee) you will be responsible for delivering financial literacy education, information and coaching and maintain a strong focus on supporting consumers to change their behaviour and ‘learn by doing’. This includes basic financial literacy education and support either individually or in group settings. As a Financial Capability Worker, you will:

• Provide information, money management skills and coaching to help clients make better financial decisions and build financial resilience
• Deliver financial literacy information, education and support to clients
• Provide ongoing budgeting support and savings strategies to clients
• Assist clients in assessing utility or telco hardship programs, government concessions and accessing services
• Provide clients with information about financial rights
• Refer clients to financial counselling or other community services
• Manage statistical data as required.

This position is based in Whyalla, South Australia. 

About Us 

At Centacare Catholic Country SA, we are committed to service excellence, we will strive to build safe, sustainable, vibrant, innovative and engaged communities in the regions we serve.

We employ approximately 150 staff across our regional footprint, with offices located in Coober Pedy, Ceduna, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie and Whyalla.  

We support people in the areas of family, youth and children, health and well-being, education and training, homelessness and domestic violence.

We are an inclusive, child safe and a quality accredited organisation.

Benefits 

• Annual salary for a qualified Financial Counsellor (with full SAFCA membership) ranges from $82,043 to $88,287 (based on Full Time)
• Annual salary as a Financial Capability Worker (trainee) ranges from $71,136 to $76,273 (based on Full Time)
• Full Time (38 hours per week)
• As a trainee you would be supported to complete a Diploma of Financial Counselling 
• Salary packaging and salary sacrificing option of up to $15,899 which will significantly increase your take home pay
• Salary packaging cards for meal and entertainment benefits and other generous discounts available 
• Additional leave provisions available
• Fantastic professional and career development opportunities 
• Generous access to our external Employee Assistance Program provider 
• Work in a growing and supportive organisation with great career opportunities.

About You

As a qualified Financial Counsellor, you will have: 

• A Diploma in Financial Counselling and relevant experience, along with membership with the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA) (or a willingness to obtain)
• Experience in advising and providing financial information to families and individuals to assist in the resolution of financial issues at various levels including crisis intervention
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impact and issues related to financial crisis and associated behaviours in rural and remote locations
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, hardship provisions and the practices of financial institutions 
• Experience in developing case plans and facilitating a positive approach in working with families, individuals and groups to achieve these goals
• Experience in working in a highly confidential manner
• Experience in providing financial literacy and community education
• Demonstrated ability to identify an issue and seek creative solutions
• Highly effective communication skills (verbal and written), interpersonal skills and time management skills.

As a Financial Capability Worker (trainee), you will have: 

• A willingness to obtain or be working towards a Diploma in Financial Counselling (support will be provided) 
• Experience in assisting families and individuals in the resolution of financial issues at various levels including crisis intervention
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impact and issues related to financial crisis and associated behaviours in rural and remote locations
• An awareness of relevant legislation and hardship provisions and how to negotiate accessing them with clients
• An understanding of case plans and facilitating a positive approach in working with families, individuals and groups to achieve these goals
• Experience in working in a highly confidential manner
• A commitment to providing financial literacy and community education
• An ability to identify an issue and seek creative solutions
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), interpersonal skills and time management skills
• High level of ability in the use of Microsoft Office and Information Technology.

Requirements of the role:

• Hold (or willingness to obtain) a current DHS Working With Children Check – don't worry, we can support this process if necessary!
• Hold (or a willingness to obtain) a National Criminal History Record Check (Police Check) 
• Hold a current South Australian Driver’s License (minimum Provisional License) 
• Be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 (minimum of two doses) - evidence will be required prior to appointment

Centacare Catholic Country SA is committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within its workforce. People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please visit www.cccsa.org.au/careers/vacancies and request a copy of the Position Identification Document for further information on the role.

To be considered for the position applicants will be required to submit the following documentation via email to *********@cccsa.org.au: 

• Cover letter
• Copy of your resume
• Response to the Selection Criteria (found in the Position Identification Document)
• Contact details of three professional referees

For further information on the role, please contact Helen Dix, Assistant Manager on 8645 8233.

For further information on the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources on 8644 2020.

Applications close 9.00am Tuesday 12 March 2024

NOTE: Applications cannot be accepted through any other platforms.   

Applications that do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.