Financial Counsellor

Legal Services Commission; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 92,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Smart Salary benefits

Payment of Practising Certificate

Professional memberships

Employee Assistance Program

CPD program

Job summary

The Legal Services Commission of South Australia is seeking a compassionate Financial Counsellor to support clients facing domestic, family and sexual violence. You will assess financial circumstances, develop tailored strategies and deliver trauma-informed, practical support to promote recovery, safety and financial stability.

Working with legal and social work teams, you will engage with external partners, contribute to policy and service improvement, and help clients access essential

Qualifications

• Diploma of Financial Counselling with SAFCA eligibility.
• Experience counseling vulnerable clients in legal settings.
• Ability to explain complex financial information clearly and empathetically.
• Strong collaboration with internal teams and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Assess clients' financial circumstances and risks.
• Provide practical financial counselling and advocacy.
• Collaborate with legal, social work, housing and support services.
• Deliver trauma-informed services and maintain confidentiality.
• Contribute to service reporting, policy development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

MS Office

Electronic records

Education

Diploma of Financial Counselling

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic records management

Job description

We are seeking a compassionate and client-focused Financial Counsellor to provide information, advice and practical support to Legal Services Commission of South Australia clients, with a particular focus on people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.

In this role, you will assess clients’ financial circumstances, develop tailored strategies to address financial difficulties, and support their financial recovery, independence and long-term stability. Working collaboratively with legal and social work teams, as well as external stakeholders, you will deliver integrated, holistic and trauma-informed services that recognise the impact of trauma, prioritise safety, build trust and empower clients to make informed decisions about their financial wellbeing.

You will play an important role in improving access to justice by addressing financial barriers that can affect clients’ safety, stability and ability to access legal and support services. Through a collaborative, client-centred approach, you will help ensure clients receive responsive, accessible and practical support that recognises their individual circumstances and needs.

You will also contribute to community education, strengthen partnerships with legal and non-legal service providers, identify emerging community needs, and assist with service reporting, policy development and continuous improvement.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing financial hardship and disadvantage, while contributing to the Legal Services Commission’s vision of a society where all South Australians have access to quality legal assistance and fair justice outcomes. You will be part of a supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven organisation that values service, professionalism, trust, respect and collaboration.

About You

You are an experienced Financial Counsellor who is passionate about supporting vulnerable clients. You are skilled in undertaking client assessments, providing practical financial counselling and advocacy, and working collaboratively with legal, social work, housing and support services to achieve positive outcomes. You are also confident using a range of digital systems and technologies, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, email correspondence and electronic records management systems.

You must have:

Diploma of Financial Counselling which gives eligibility for membership with the South Australian Financial Counselling Association (SAFCA).

You will demonstrate:

Experience in providing financial counselling to vulnerable clients in a legal setting, in particular with people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.

The ability to communicate complex financial information in plain language, with empathy and sensitivity to the needs of clients.

Strong skills in identifying financial issues and delivering practical, sustainable solutions through assessment, counselling, advocacy and support.

The ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate effectively with internal teams and external agencies through a range of communication channels, including electronic systems, telephone and face-to-face interactions.

A commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining current knowledge and best practice within the financial counselling sector.

Well-developed organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Salary Range

Appointment will be made based on your experience at either the ASO5 or ASO6 classification.

ASO5 $92,122 – $102,456 pro rata plus 12% superannuation and leave loading.

ASO6 $105,747 – $111,854 pro rata plus 12% superannuation and leave loading.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Legal Services can offer its employees attractive salary sacrifice arrangements, including up to $15,900 pre-tax each Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) year for general living expenses.

Position Status

12 month contract available at the ASO5 or ASO6 classification level.

Workplace Benefits

We provide a range of financial and non-financial benefits to our employees that include:

• The opportunity to work alongside passionate and dedicated colleagues in a supportive workplace that is concerned about employee well-being.
• Generous salary sacrifice benefits through Smart Salary (as outlined above).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Payment of Practising Certificate for legal staff.
• Payment of relevant Professional memberships.
• Support for employees and their family through our inclusive Employee Assistance Program.
• Supported training and development opportunities in areas including working with vulnerable clients, cultural sensitivity and trauma informed practice.
• Access to a comprehensive in-house legal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.
• Contemporary workplace accommodation.
• Career development opportunities within the team and the organisation.
• Payment of employment screening checks.
• Access to Fitness Passport: a workplace health and fitness program that give you and your family access to wide choice of gyms and pools across South Australia.

Should you require any further information please direct your query to Senior Lawyer and Team Leader, Programs - Legal Information and Advice, Mikaela Murray on 08 372 .

We welcome applications from everyone. We are an inclusive employer, and support diversity and inclusion by recognising our staff for their unique qualities, ideas, and insights. Workplace benefits include flexible working conditions as well as access to very generous salary packaging benefits through Smart Salary (https://sagov.smart.com.au/) reducing the income tax you pay.