Financial Counsellor

Upper Murray Family Care · Australia

Location: Albury, NSW or Wangaratta, VIC

Employment Type: Full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract (Remote working may be available for the right applicant)

Classification: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award, Level 5

Make a meaningful difference to people experiencing financial hardship

Salary between $105,577 and $110,359 (pro rata) plus superannuation (based on skills and experience)

Salary packaging to maximise your take-home pay

4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata) plus 1 week Health and Wellbeing leave

Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance

A supportive, collaborative workplace committed to wellbeing and continuous learning

UMFC is looking for a compassionate and skilled Financial Counsellor to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an opportunity to provide practical, empowering and client-centred financial counselling to people experiencing financial difficulties, helping them understand their options, navigate complex circumstances and work towards improved financial wellbeing.

You will provide financial counselling through our offices and outreach services, as well as work collaboratively with other professionals and community organisations to support positive outcomes for clients.

About the role

As a Financial Counsellor, you will:

Assess clients’ financial circumstances, needs and priorities and determine the most appropriate support, including information, referral or ongoing financial counselling casework.

Provide accurate and practical financial information and support clients to make informed decisions about their financial circumstances.

Advocate and negotiate with creditors, debtors, government agencies and other relevant organisations on behalf of clients.

Identify and respond appropriately to risks affecting client safety and wellbeing, including family violence, mental health concerns and alcohol and other drug use.

Provide secondary consultation to service providers supporting older people who may be at risk of or experiencing elder abuse.

Make appropriate referrals and connect clients with services that support financial wellbeing, care coordination and the prevention of elder abuse.

Maintain accurate and timely client records, data and reporting in accordance with organisational, legislative and funding requirements.

Build and maintain strong relationships with community organisations, Financial Counsellors and other service providers to strengthen referral pathways and client outcomes.

Contribute to a collaborative team environment and remain current with developments, resources and issues relevant to the financial counselling sector.

About you

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, practical and committed to empowering people to make informed decisions about their lives.

You will bring:

A Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) together with current membership or eligibility for membership of a relevant Financial Counsellors Association.

Knowledge and understanding of case management and working within a counselling framework, including risk assessment and responding to issues that may affect client safety and wellbeing.

Strong advocacy and negotiation skills, with the ability to support clients while maintaining their autonomy and empowering them to make informed decisions.

Excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritise competing demands and manage confidential and sensitive information.

Strong IT skills and confidence using client management, database and Microsoft systems.

The ability to communicate complex information clearly, accurately and practically, and to adapt to changing circumstances.

Knowledge of relevant community services, agencies and referral pathways, supported by strong interpersonal and networking skills.

The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and develop effective relationships with clients, community members, professionals and external organisations.

Why work with UMFC?

At UMFC, we are looking for a compassionate and skilled Financial Counsellor to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an opportunity to provide practical, empowering and client-centred financial counselling to people experiencing financial difficulties, helping them understand their options, navigate complex circumstances and work towards improved financial wellbeing.

UMFC is a Not For Profit organisation committed to supporting vulnerable communities. We offer a supportive, collaborative workplace committed to wellbeing and continuous learning.