Financial Counsellor - Family Relationship Services

Location: Albury, NSW or Wangaratta, VIC

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

• 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 committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, respected and able to make a genuine difference in the lives of the people and communities we work alongside.

If you are passionate about financial counselling, advocacy and supporting people to build greater financial wellbeing and independence, we would love to hear from you.

The relevant Position Description can be accessed via the UMFC Careers page by selecting the applicable vacancy.

https://employmenthero.com/jobs/organisations/upper-murray-family-care/.

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact Rachel McCloskey at rmccloskey@umfc.com.au

A Child Safe, Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

UMFC is a Child Safe organisation and is committed to child safety. We want children to be safe, happy, and empowered. We support and respect all children as well as our staff and volunteers. We are committed to the safety, participation, and empowerment of all children.

We celebrate diversity and recognise that every person brings unique strengths, perspectives and experiences. We are committed to fostering a culturally safe, inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone can thrive.

We warmly welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people and individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.

As an organisation that works alongside diverse communities, we value a workforce that reflects the people we serve and are committed to ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

Company Overview

Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC) beckons you to join a warm, supportive, and culturally safe working environment where your expertise can make a real impact. Every day, we all lean into our values - unwavering integrity, considered empathy, determined advocacy, passionately optimistic, bravely collaborative. UMFC is a committed Child Safe organisation. UMFC is also committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion - whether this is within our workforce or through our work with clients and communities.

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