About the Role

• Full-time, maximum term until 31 December 2025
• Based in Southport, QLD
• SCHADS Level 5 ~ $99,324.83 plus super and salary packaging

Role Purpose

Financial counsellors provide intensive support through an in-depth phone and/or face to face assessment of a person’s financial situation, short / long term case work, advocacy, and the identification of options to address financial concerns. Financial counsellors may undertake a triage process, prioritising and referring clients to other sources of support and assistance as necessary and work closely with other services through consultation and cross referral. Financial counsellors always support the person’s fullest participation and empowerment in planning and decision-making. This position is part of a team of financial counsellors who work with people across Queensland Southport & Gold coast catchment/s through face to face & phone support. Periodic attendance at broader agency functions and events may be required; and compliance with GSANZ policy, procedure and code of conduct is always expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide face to face and telephone based financial counselling services, information, advice, support, advocacy and referral for consumers.
• Assist consumers to make informed decisions on the best course of action to resolve their financial difficulties, and/or to build their capacity in the ability to manage their financial affairs.
• Assist people from diverse backgrounds with complex needs in a way that is respectful, ethical, nonjudgmental, appropriate, and professional
• Develop relationships with and utilize local networks to provide information and make referrals to other support services
• Maintain accurate client records are kept using the required client management database
• Implement measures to ensure the appropriate use of interpreters & translation services for clients from different cultural groups and or CALD communities.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Financial Counselling qualification (Diploma in Financial Counselling)
2. Demonstrated capacity to work flexibly and respectfully with a diverse range of people, including people with cultural, gendered, social and economically diverse backgrounds, who experience health concerns or disabilities, carers and people who have not previously accessed a community service
3. Demonstrated understanding of a trauma informed approach, including risk assessment and response to family violence and economic abuse
4. Strong commitment to and capacity for teamwork, collaboration, and networking
5. Clear and effective communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills
6. Commitment to the use of supervision, client and colleague feedback and professional development to continually improve practice

About You

• Certificate or Diploma in Community Services desirable or experience in a similar role
• Experience with loans systems or similar platforms
• Well-developed consultation and collaboration skills and be able to work in complex work environments
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation and regulations specific to financial and credit service
• Demonstrated capacity to support people who are impacted by trauma and able to work in a culturally sensitive way with people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and Aboriginal families.

About Us

Our 2023-2027 strategy outlines the world we want to see and our role in advancing it. We aspire for all women, girls, and families to be safe, well, strong, and connected. We strive for equity, dignity and social justice for women, girls and families by collaborating globally and acting locally, supporting our communities in Australia and New Zealand to thrive.

We want women, girls and families to live full and dignified lives, have dignified income and enjoy financial wellbeing.  We aim to provide place-based, people-centred, holistic services while working at the system level to achieve bold and audacious reform. We currently offer microfinance programs and products, financial counselling and coaching, family and domestic violence support services, family and youth programs, playgroups, education programs and community houses. These services are complemented by research and strong advocacy to address the underlying structural causes of injustice, exclusion, and inequality. 

Good Shepherd employees are committed to inclusive practice that responds to the specific needs, context, and circumstances of service participants. We embrace the diversity and intersectionality of individuals and recognise a person’s right to a unique identity comprising culture, language, ability, community, gender, sex, sexual orientation and lived experience.

Benefits

• Salary packaging (which can add up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per year)
• Paid parental leave
• Gifted leave at Christmas and Easter
• Employee Assistance Program, a free and confidential counselling service
• + more

How to Apply

Please click 'Apply Now' to complete your application. Please upload your resume and a brief cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.  Please apply as soon as possible, applications are considered as they are received.

To view the position description click here.

Personal data held by Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.

We recognise the rich diversity of people across Australia. We are committed to ensuring that our team is reflective of the diverse community we serve and to supporting a culture of equity, inclusion and diversity.

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand is a Child Safe employer. Employment is subject to satisfactory referee checks, a current employment working with Children Check, National Criminal History check and proof of the right to work in Australia.