Aboriginal Financial Counsellor

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander financial counsellor will deliver assistance, advocacy, advice and information to people in financial difficulties. The Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander financial counsellor will focus their services towards Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients. The primary task of the role is to assess the presenting problems and provide clients with various options for the client to decide on a suitable course of action.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
To assess the clients overall financial situation including any legal action they may be facing or may face as the result of their financial difficulties and provide information on all possible available options that address the client's specific problem/s and the implications of these options on their financial situation.
Advocate and negotiate on behalf of the client with credit providers or debt collections agencies as instructed by the client.• Maintain accurate statistical data and other relevant information for funding bodies, meet individual output targets and ensure all data is provided to the funding body in accordance with the funding agreement.
Undertake all necessary administrative, clerical and Centre processes to ensure timely and accurate information is stored to minimise potential conflict issues and meet funding body requirements.
Identify gaps in community knowledge, and plan, develop and deliver community legal education on financial counselling and related credit and debt matters.
Participate in local networks to promote the service and strengthen links with key contacts that improve access for clients.
Identify policy and law reform issues, contribute to and assist in the preparation of policy documents and law reform submission on issues affecting clients.

Details

Download Position Description

Qualifications

Relevant Financial Counselling qualifications and Accreditation.
Member of NSW State Association of Financial Counsellors (FCAN).
Case management experience in Financial Counselling.
Demonstrated knowledge of consumer protection legislation and policy, credit system, debt recover and bankruptcy laws.
Demonstrated Advocacy and negotiation skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to negotiate tasks.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and also within a team environment.
Demonstrated experience in administration and an ability to data reporting requirements.

Essential Criteria

This is an identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. All applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent. Being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine qualification authorised under Section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination ACT 1977.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Aboriginal peoples and communities.
Demonstrated understanding and experience in complying with regulatory, ethical, privacy and other relevant guidelines.
Superior interpersonal skills including ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders and exercise tact and sound judgement.

Other Information

ABOUT ILC AND OUR BENEFITS
A clear commitment to providing a safe, welcoming workplace. We provide equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or age.
A flexible work environment, including work from the office and home.
5 weeks annual leave, plus 17.5% leave loading (pro rata).
Salary Sacrifice.
Additional week off over Christmas/ New Year, in addition to annual leave.
Generous personal leave entitlements.
Employee Assistance Program.
Continued training and professional development opportunitiesSalary.
$89096 - $93128 (pro rata plus 11% Super + 17.5% Leave loading).
Up to $16000 salary sacrifice.

How to Apply

Applications should state the job role and be addressed to Louise Farroway - Centre Coordinator.

lfarroway@illawarralegalcentre.org.au

Applications must address the Selection criteria to be considered.

Successful applicants will be notified of interview times and method via email.

Unfortunately, unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.

Illawarra Legal Centre

ORGANISATION OVERVIEW
Illawarra Legal Centre Inc (ILC) exists to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people to access free legal services and to recognise their legal rights. ILC’s people are dedicated, driven, person focused and committed to the principles of social justice and human rights.