• Team: National Financial Counselling Team
• Reports To: Head of Financial Counselling
• Direct Reports: Nil
• Location: Illawarra Women's Trauma Recovery Centre
• Employment Status: 0.8 FTE
• Classification: SCHADS Level 5.1
• Date Reviewed: November 2024
• Award: Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry 2020
• Delegation and Authority: Senior Management

The Organisation:

The Zahra Foundation supports women and non-binary folks affected by domestic and family violence through programs and financial counselling services.

By facilitating pathways into further education, training, and employment, we empower our participants to break the cycle of abuse. We are one of the leading non-government, not-for-profit services in Australia providing trauma-informed specialist financial counselling and programs for people recovering from domestic violence.

Our tailored programs and financial counselling promote economic empowerment and support women and non-binary folk on their journey to recovery after domestic and family violence.

The foundation is embarking on significant growth and seeks value-driven individuals passionate about social justice and gender equality to join our team. The development of our three-year strategy is on foot, making this a great opportunity to join a value-driven organisation and influence the change we need in our communities to end gendered violence in Australia.

The Zahra Foundation addresses the issues of gendered violence through innovative projects, advocacy for change, and community awareness. Our programs and services are co-designed with survivor advocates and are policy innovators in our mission to break the cycle of domestic violence.

How do we break the cycle of domestic abuse?

• Quality services that are trauma and violence-informed, grounded in best practices and research.
• Partnering with corporates and stakeholders.
• Community awareness.
• Informing policy and research from Zahra Foundation's service delivery data.
• Listening to and centering the experience of survivors in everything we do.

Our Vision, Purpose & Values

Our Vision:

• Every woman in Australia recovering from domestic and family violence is economically empowered and safe.

Our Purpose:

• Empowering women’s economic independence to break the cycle of abuse.

Our Values:

• To instil HOPE and optimism in the lives of women and children.
• To provide women and their children with a range of financial and educational OPPORTUNITIES.
• To build meaningful relationships and PARTNERSHIPS with stakeholders and the community.
• To deliver services that promote women’s economic EMPOWERMENT.

Objectives of the Position:

Deliver the Zahra Foundation Specialist Economic Abuse Financial Counselling service designed to economically empower women and non-binary people impacted by domestic and family violence.

At Zahra Foundation, we are seeking a passionate Financial Counsellor to join our team. However, we also welcome applications from Financial Capability Workers (FCWs) who are enthusiastic about developing their skills and pursuing a career as a Financial Counsellor.

The FCW role focuses on building financial literacy, budgeting skills, and supporting clients to improve their financial wellbeing. For FCWs, this position offers the opportunity to transition into financial counselling, and we will provide support for you to complete the Diploma of Financial Counselling, enabling you to become a fully qualified Financial Counsellor.

Team:

The Zahra Foundation Economic Abuse Financial Counsellors are specially trained and accredited financial counsellors and domestic and family violence specialists who understand economic and financial abuse in the context of domestic and family violence.

The team provides specialist trauma and violence-informed services to women and non-binary folk across Australia who are recovering or impacted by domestic and family violence. Working within an intersectional feminist, client-centred, strengths-based framework, the team uses professional skills to assist, support, guide, and advocate on behalf of participants in financial hardship due to economic abuse.

Providing financial literacy, budgeting, and creditor advocacy, participants are provided services until they have increased economic empowerment. The team works in compliance with the financial counselling code of ethics and national standards.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Delivery of Specialist Financial Counselling Services:

• Provide confidential, high-quality financial counselling to individuals recovering from financial abuse.
• Advocate for clients on financial rights, debt management, credit regulations, and consumer finance issues.
• Deliver financial counselling services that foster financial literacy, economic empowerment, and long-term independence.
• Ensure service delivery aligns with Foundation values and client needs.

Client-Centered Practice:

• Uphold trauma-informed and violence-informed principles in all interactions with clients.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions and case data.
• Ensure culturally sensitive service delivery, prioritizing diverse and inclusive practices.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Operate in line with Zahra Foundation policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Stay updated on legislative requirements, professional standards, and best practices for financial counselling.
• Participate in regular supervision, training, and professional development to maintain service excellence.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure seamless referral pathways and client outcomes.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including industry and community partners, to strengthen service delivery and advocacy.
• Contribute to evaluation and reporting processes for financial counselling programs.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:

Qualifications and Knowledge:

• Diploma of Financial Counselling.
• Membership eligibility with the relevant Financial Counselling Association.

Skills and Behaviours:

• Strong client advocacy and communication skills, with the ability to work compassionately with individuals experiencing trauma.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• A commitment to excellence in quality service delivery, aligned with the values of the Zahra Foundation.

Experience:

• At least 2 years of experience in financial counselling sector
• Experience working in trauma-informed and violence-informed settings is highly desirable.
• Candidates from outside the domestic violence field are welcome, with accredited DFV training provided.

next steps

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

Contact Information:

For any inquiries or further information regarding the position or a confidential chat, please contact our Head of Financial Counselling - Buffy at [email protected], using the subject line: Financial Counsellor - Illawarra enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is Available on request.