SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES INC.

JOB DESCRIPTIONTitle: FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR – 6 month limited positionResponsible to: Katherine Regional Manager

Accountable to: General Manager Community Services

Service: Somerville’s Financial Counselling Service provides free, independent and confidential financial counselling and financial literacy services with a focus on Problem Gambling, to members of the community experiencing financial hardship. Financial Counsellors provide information, options and support for individuals, couples, families, small businesses and consumer groups to explore, develop and implement strategies to overcome their financial situation.

To assist individuals and families to gain access to community services and entitlements.

Selection Criteria:

Essential Requirements

1. Demonstrated commitment and ability, through appropriate service delivery models, to impact positively on the dignity and quality of life of people who are affected by social and economic disadvantage.

2. Sound oral and written communication with a demonstrated ability to communicate professionally with a varied cohort of clients and professional bodies.

3. Ability to work effectively autonomously and in a team environment.

4. Highly skilled in the use of ICT to engage with clients and team members in a remote / out of office environment. A willingness to work from home, ensuring the home office meets organizational and funding body requirements for privacy and confidentiality.

5. Demonstrated efficiency in the use of computer systems including word processing, spreadsheets, email, record management, database and business systems.

6. Effective organisational and time management skills with a demonstrated ability to deliver on outcomes in a dynamic and changing environment.

7. Commitment to cross cultural awareness and an ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from diverse cultures.

8. High level of professionalism including the confidential management of all organisational, client and employee information.

9. Commitment to work to Organisation policies and procedures and comply with Somerville’s Code of Conduct, Child Wellbeing Code of Conduct and comply with and implement Work Health Safety practices.

10. Commitment to continuous professional development.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling) with eligibility for membership of the relevant Financial Counselling Association or willingness to complete this qualification.

2. Relevant qualifications and experience working in the human services sector and working with people experiencing disadvantage within a counselling framework and a willingness to complete the Financial Counselling Diploma.

Last reviewed: April 2020

3. Relevant experience working in the finance or banking area with sound knowledge of consumer banking, financial systems and relevant legislation and a willingness to complete the Financial Counselling Diploma.

Additional Requirements

1. Criminal History Check

2. Working With Children Clearance

3. Current Drivers Licence

4. Vaccinations – Influenza, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ensure that financial counselling services are responsive to client needs by utilising a variety of intervention methods and strategies.

2. Ensure that the individual financial needs of clients are met by providing a case plan that is developed with the client, is clearly defined and with achievable outcomes.

3. Promote government programs and entitlements to consumers, ensuring all avenues for support and assistance are explored.

4. Ensure that a full client caseload is maintained by working within funding guidelines and program targets.

5. Ensure an effective integrated client service is delivered by building linkages with key community partners, working collaboratively with relevant parties and referring clients to other appropriate services. This may include referral to other Somerville services.

6. Ensure documentation meets organisational, legislative and funding requirements by completing and maintaining appropriate client documentation and statistical information.

7. Identify issues of concern to consumers with a view to taking appropriate social action aimed at bringing about changes in legislation, government policy or commercial practice.

8. Work toward increased consumer protection and seek tighter controls on the actions and practices of debt collectors, finance providers and other identified providers of goods and services.

9. Maintain an awareness of current legislation and regulations relevant to the duties of a Financial Counsellor and comply with statutory provisions concerning the duties of this position

10. Establish and maintain appropriate professional and referral networks and assist in community liaison and promotion of all of Somervilles and other agency services.

11. Participate in required professional development including: case discussions, staff meetings and weekly touchpoint supervision with the Manager and monthly supervision with external designated supervisor.

12. Comply with work health and safety policies and procedures and report hazards to ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of others in our workplace, including our clients and visitors.

13. Other duties as requested by the Manager.

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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Thank you for considering a position with Somerville Community Services (Somerville). Somerville is a dynamic organisation providing a range of services to people in the Top End of the Northern Territory through its three service arms of Disability Services, Family Services and Financial Services. We pride ourselves on the diversity and dedication of our workforce and our strong commitment to the principles of social inclusion for all people. The Somerville HR team look forward to receiving your application if the job description and our organisational values fit with your personal values, aspirations and skills / areas of expertise.

SOMERVILLE’S EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

Somerville offers employment conditions that meet, and in many areas exceed, the requirements of Fair Work Australia. For more information on minimum employment requirements under Fair Work Australia go to www.fairwork.gov.au

SOMERVILLE’S INDUCTION PROCESS:

Successful applicants will be provided with a copy of the Somerville Staff and Volunteers Handbook which provides comprehensive information on Somerville’s induction processes and the requirements under the organisation’s policies, including the Somerville Code of Conduct. Your induction will include support from your immediate manager to understand the policies and procedures that relate to both the organisation and your specific area of employment. There are a number of online courses that may be required to complete within the probationary period.

SOMERVILLE - A FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE:

Somerville has been the recipient of several awards for its initiatives in ensuring a family friendly work environment for all employees and the organisation proudly supports gender equity across all of our operations.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING AT SOMERVILLE:

Somerville has a smoke free policy and is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees. Somerville also offers opportunities for its employees to engage in health promotion activities and social activities are a regular feature of our annual calendar. The Somerville staff incentive program contributes to our high staff retention rate and ensures that the dedication of employees is recognised and celebrated.

‘I really enjoy working for Somerville. They are very considerate about family matters and really conscious of employees’ health and wellbeing’.Vince Yuen,Maintenance Assistant – Asset Management.

‘I have worked for Somerville for over20 years. I am very supported by the management team in the work that I do. Somerville does it right!’ Lee-Anne Stubbs,Disability Services Coordinator, Katherine.

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INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

SOMERVILLE’S EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

Somerville offers employment conditions that meet, and in many areas exceed, the requirements of Fair Work Australia. For more information on minimum employment requirements under Fair Work Australia go to www.fairwork.gov.au

SOMERVILLE’S INDUCTION PROCESS:

Successful applicants will be provided with a copy of the Somerville Staff and Volunteers Handbook which provides comprehensive information on Somerville’s induction processes and the requirements under the organisation’s policies, including the Somerville Code of Conduct. Your induction will include support from your immediate manager to understand the policies and procedures that relate to both the organisation and your specific area of employment.

REMUNERATION

Salary as negotiated

Hours – 38 hours per week, 8.30am – 5.06 pm Monday to Friday. Could be flexible in order to expand Somerville’s service operating hours

Annual Leave – 4 weeks

Personal/Carer’s Leave – 2 weeks

Superannuation – 9.5% of ordinary earnings

Salary Packaging is available to all Somerville employees

Overtime is not generally required. If approved extra time is worked, Time in Lieu will be granted in accordance with Somerville’s procedures

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Continuing employment is subject to a 3 month probationary period from commencement date.

CHILD SAFETY AND WELLBEING

Somerville is committed to providing a safe environment, for children and young people, free from exploitation and abuse of all kinds. To ensure this we require all applicants to undergo extensive screening prior to appointment.

CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK (CHC): Current CHC is required.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CLEARANCE (WWCC): Current WWCC is required.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

Somerville has a smoke free policy and is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment.

FAMILY FRIENDLY:

Somerville aims to foster good working relationships amongst employees and between employees and employers. Wherever possible, a flexible approach will be taken in order to assist any employee who is experiencing difficulties balancing work and family responsibilities, taking into consideration that such an arrangement does not have a detrimental effect on the Organisation’s operations.

WORKPLACE DIVERSITY:

Somerville aims to foster a supportive, inclusive and harmonious work environment that respects all employees, volunteers and students, acknowledges their diverse strengths, unique contributions as well as the values from their own cultures that they bring to the workplace.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND STAFF INCENTIVES:

Social activities are conducted throughout the year where staff and management can exchange information and share ideas. These include golf days, bowling days, Christmas parties, etc.

Staff incentives have been encouraged to reduce pressure on workloads and communicate an appreciation of the dedication of staff.

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