Financial Counsellor

Ruah Community Services; Geraldton; On-site; AUD 106,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Ruah Community Services in Geraldton is seeking a Financial Counsellor within our Mental Health & Wellness team to support people experiencing financial hardship, mental health concerns and family violence. You will provide face-to-face and remote counselling, advocate with creditors and help clients build budgets for long-term independence.

Join a values-driven, inclusive workplace that offers salary packaging, generous leave and professional development opportunities; bring your Diploma of

Qualifications

• Diploma of Financial Counselling and/or relevant experience in financial counselling.
• Experience working with clients in financial hardship and mental health contexts.
• Knowledge of local resources and support services in WA.

Responsibilities

• Provide face-to-face, telephone and online financial counselling.
• Advocate and negotiate with creditors and utility providers on behalf of clients.
• Develop practical action plans, budgets and financial recovery strategies.
• Maintain accurate case notes and reporting.
• Build partnerships with community services and referral agencies.

Skills

Financial counselling

Advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Trauma-informed approach

Communication

Education

Diploma of Financial Counselling

Job description

Help people regain control of their financial future and create lasting change. Join Ruah's Mental Health & Wellness team in Geraldton and use your financial counselling expertise to support people experiencing financial hardship, mental health challenges and family and domestic violence. Through advocacy, practical support and person-centred financial counselling, you'll empower clients to build financial independence, stability and improved wellbeing.

About Ruah

Ruah is a leading values-driven employer in Western Australia’s community services sector. Our staff go boldly, not just supporting people in need, but working to end homelessness, end domestic violence and create opportunities for people struggling with poverty and mental health challenges.

Our professional team of operational and corporate services staff is backed by one of WA’s biggest Peer support workforces. Our staff reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, where difference is valued, celebrated and embraced.

By choosing to work with us, you are helping transform the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community.

About The Role

As a member of a multidisciplinary team within our Mental Health & Wellness service, you will provide financial counselling, advocacy and support to individuals experiencing financial hardship, mental health concerns, family and domestic violence, and other complex life challenges.

You will work alongside clients to identify solutions, navigate financial systems, negotiate with creditors, access community supports and develop practical strategies to improve their financial wellbeing and long-term independence.

This is a full-time permanent position, based in Geraldton, working 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

What You'll Do

• Provide face‑to‑face, telephone and online financial counselling services
• Support clients experiencing financial hardship, debt and financial stress
• Develop practical action plans, budgets and financial recovery strategies
• Advocate and negotiate with creditors, utility providers and other stakeholders on behalf of clients
• Assist clients to understand their rights and responsibilities relating to credit, debt and bankruptcy
• Maintain accurate case notes, case management records and reporting requirements
• Build strong partnerships with community services and referral agencies
• Deliver services using trauma‑informed, person‑centred and culturally responsive practice

What We’re Looking For

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Have

• Diploma of Financial Counselling or 1-3 years' experience in financial counselling with sound knowledge of financial counselling practices
• Current registration with the Financial Counselling Association of WA (FCAWA)
• Experience supporting people impacted by family and domestic violence and/or mental health challenges
• Strong knowledge of community resources, referral pathways and support services
• Experience in advocacy, stakeholder engagement and client‑centred case management
• The ability to work within trauma‑informed and culturally responsive frameworks
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building and administration skills
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion and culturally safe practice, including an understanding of Aboriginal culture and communities

What We Offer

• Salary aligned with Level 5 of the Ruah Enterprise Agreement (SCHADS Award) commencing from $105,916 plus superannuation
• 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading
• 16 weeks paid parental leave with flexible half‑pay options
• Salary packaging benefits including:
• Up to $15,900 general salary packaging
• Additional $2,650 meal entertainment packaging
• Additional packaging options for travel, accommodation, parking and education expenses
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family
• Ruah‑funded Journey Cover insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• A genuinely inclusive, supportive and values‑driven workplace
• Opportunities to contribute to reconciliation, diversity and community initiatives

Required Compliance

• Current Driver's Licence
• National Police Clearance
• International Police Clearance (if applicable)
• WA Working with Children Check
• Current First Aid Certificate

Applications close: 30 September 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the advertisement may close prior to the closing date.

For a Confidential Discussion About The Role, Please Contact

Alicia Roche – Service Lead, Mental Health & Wellness Regional at [e-mail] or 0422 386 565

We are building a workplace where difference is embraced and encouraged – and to do this, weneed people on our team who are representative of the clients we work with, who are passionate about change and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.

Everyone is welcome. Everyone belongs.

We are committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment.