Financial Counsellor Job Description
Make A Difference Dingley Village Inc (MADDV) was established in 1982 as local residents voiced their concerns about the community.
We are a not for profit, non political, non denominational organisation. We have 4 part time staff and over 50 volunteers.
We see 100’s of people in crisis each month via our Food Pantry, emergency relief, and counselling and financial services.
MADDV delivers support services principally to individuals and families living in the Cities of Kingston and Greater Dandenong. We seek to ensure the provision of high quality services.
MADDV receives funding from local council. It also attracts funds through private donations, philanthropic trusts, sponsorship and fund raising.
General Information:
This position is 2 day (14hrs) a week startingJanuary 15 for a 12 month casual contract,on a Wednesday and Thursday. Re-appointment will be based on performance and the successful refunding of the position.
Applications close 30th November 2017 with interviews to be held second week of December 2017. The office will be closed from 21/12/17 – 15/1/18.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Financial Counselling Casework
* Assess Client’s overall financial situation
* Provide information and all relevant options to assist the client in addressing their financial situation and implications of these on him/her
* Advocate and negotiate on the client’s behalf with credit providers as required
* Form local networks with the agencies and community workers and refer clients where appropriate
* Endeavour to equip clients to better manage their financial affairs in the future
- Community Education and Development
* Encourage clients to advocate and negotiate on their own behalf
* Provide support and resources to community based initiatives in community debt advocacy
Other Duties
* Prepare monthly written reports for the Board
* Maintain confidentially and good file management practice
* Liaise with the Office Manager and other staff where appropriate
* Participate in professional development activities and supervision as directed by the FCRC and other relevant bodies
Key Selection Criteria
* A qualification in Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) is mandatory or a combination of relevant experience and the willingness to undertake this course
*The ability to identify financial difficulties and recognise social problems and link with financial problems
*The ability to identify the nature and extent of assistance requested by the client and whether referral to another agency may be required
* Experience in composing letters and reports that are appropriate to each situation
* Awareness of legal responsibility and consequences of action taken on behalf of clients
* Knowledge of policies and practices of major creditors and ability to negotiate to the benefit of the client
* Demonstrate ability to identify types of legislation which apply to the debt
* Knowledge of legal steps involved in the recovery of secure and unsecured debts
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Update Access data base
* Be able to work autonomously as well as part of the team.
Applications should include a brief cover letter and address the selection criteria together with current resume and be sent to:-
Marion Harriden
Make A Difference Dingley Village Inc
31B Marcus Rd
Dingley Village 3172
Or email to