Financial Counsellor

knowmore legal service is currently seeking a Financial Counsellor to join our team in the community legal sector. An attractive remuneration package including access to salary packaging and full or part time hours (4 to 5 days per week) is available for an on-going role based in our Brisbane office.

About knowmore

knowmore is a nation-wide independent community legal centre providing free legal information, advice, representation and referrals, financial counselling and systemic advocacy for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. Since 2022 our service has expanded to provide legal advice and financial counselling for people applying to the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, and free legal advice for survivors of child sexual abuse that are not eligible to apply to the National Redress Scheme. We continue to provide free legal advice and financial counselling in relation to the National Redress Scheme.

knowmore uses a multidisciplinary model bringing together lawyers, intake officers, social workers and counsellors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement advisors and financial counsellors to provide trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally safe legal assistance to clients.  Services are provided through a national phone line and face-to-face services in key locations, supported by a comprehensive program of outreach and community engagement across Australia.  knowmore currently has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin.

About the Role

The Financial Counsellor role delivers financial counselling to clients who have applied (or are considering applying) for redress payments under the NRS or TSGRS. The key aim of the Financial Counselling team is to deliver high quality information, advice and advocacy to clients to support them to manage a lump sum to their best advantage. 

The support provided may include (but is not limited to) assistance with debts and hardship issues, discussions on how a redress may affect the client’s financial situation, as well as discussion around the protection and management of a lump sum payment.  

The Financial Counsellors work collaboratively as members of a national team. They provide quality services to clients in a culturally safe and appropriate manner within a trauma informed and multi-disciplinary framework.

The Financial Counselling team is also involved in providing information and training to other organisations that support people applying for redress payments. 

Organisational Obligations

• Share our values and have a strong commitment to improving the lives of survivors of child abuse.
• First Nations cultural competency – to work in ways that recognise and counteract privilege and bias, and appreciate the values, traditions, belief systems, and experience of First Nations People.
• Demonstrate an active and dedicated commitment to knowmore’s Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Commitment to working within and supporting knowmore’s practice framework (trauma-informed culturally safe, person-centred).
• Comply with knowmore’s 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 knowmore’s initiatives, projects and events. 
• Cultivate productive and collaborative working relationships and outcomes through open an inclusive planning, continuous improvement and transparent work practices.
• Liaise with others in a professional, respectful and constructive manner. 
• Take reasonable care to protect their health and safety and the health and safety of others. 
• To engage in professional supervision and other reflective practice opportunities as required. 

Selection Criteria

• Excellent record in providing quality financial counselling to vulnerable clients and an understanding of the effects of trauma for individuals and families.
• Knowledge of relevant State, Territory and Federal credit, debt and social security legislation.
• Understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and experience in providing culturally safe services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly, collaboratively and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, as well as with external stakeholders.
• High level written (case notes, letter writing) and verbal skills with strong interpersonal communication abilities.

Qualifications and Other Requirements

• Must hold Diploma of Financial Counselling or Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) qualification.
• Must be eligible for membership of Financial Counselling state peak body.
• A satisfactorily National Police Records Check and a Working with Children Check.
• The ability and willingness to travel and having a current driver’s licence are highly regarded.

Location & Hours

• The role is based in Brisbane
• Full or Part time (4 or 5 days per week)
• Ongoing Contract - subject to funding of the knowmore service

You will also have 

• Right to work in Australia (passport, Visa etc)
• Satisfactorily National Police Records Check
• Employment Working with Children Check. 

Benefits

A competitive salary commensurate with the not for profit sector is offered together with the availability of salary packaging to achieve a tax effective total salary package.  In addition to being a flexible workplace, knowmore offers 12% superannuation (0.5% above the SGC), a 37.5 hour working week and 5 weeks annual leave, including annual leave loading.

Employees have access to a training and development opportunities as well as our Employee Assistance Program.

Additionally, knowmore offers the ability to partially work from home to facilitate a balanced work life.

Meet Aunty Glendra

Aunty Glendra Stubbs is a Wiradjuri woman and an Elder in Residence at knowmore. She has been supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients since knowmore began in 2013. In this video, Aunty Glendra shares her story about working at knowmore and supporting her clients on their journey. Video linked below.

How to apply

Further Information about knowmore is available at www.knowmore.org.au

For more information and to discuss your specific queries, please contact Jenna Conway-Jones, Financial Counsellor Manager, on 03 8663 7400.

If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested, please click ‘Apply Now’.

Due to the volume of anticipated applications, only successful applicants will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted as applications are received. There is no application closing date for this role, we are keen to proceed with recruitment as soon as possible and interviews may be conducted as applications are received.

Agencies please note: This recruitment assignment is being managed directly by knowmore. We do not require extra assistance at this time.