Financial Counsellor (Fixed Term 6 Months)

Metro Assist; Sydney; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above‑award pay (SCHADS Level 5)

Salary packaging

Wellbeing leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Supervision & professional development

Job summary

Stepwise Community Services is seeking a qualified Financial Counsellor for a fixed-term 6-month position based in Campsie, Sydney. You will deliver free, independent and confidential financial counselling to individuals and families experiencing difficulty, coordinating with partners to provide holistic support.

You will assess financial circumstances, develop action plans, advocate with creditors, and contribute to community education and systemic advocacy.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Financial Counselling with FCAN accreditation.
• Experience with disadvantaged CALD communities.
• Knowledge of NSW service providers and finance sector.
• Excellent oral and written communication across casework.

Responsibilities

• Deliver client-centred financial counselling, assessment, casework and referrals.
• Assess clients’ financial circumstances and eligibility.
• Advocate with creditors, utilities, and government agencies.
• Maintain accurate case files and reports in CDS/DEX.
• Deliver community financial education activities.
• Support systemic advocacy and policy submissions.
• Participate in supervision and professional development.

Skills

Assessment & casework

Cultural competence

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Work health and safety

CALD knowledge

NSW service knowledge

Education

Diploma in Financial Counselling (FCAN accredited)

Job description

Financial Counsellor (Fixed Term 6 Months)

About us

Stepwise Community Services (formerly Metro Assist) are seeking a qualified and client‑centred Financial Counsellor to join our team.

to join our Financial Inclusion Services team, delivering free, independent and confidential financial counselling to individuals and families experiencing financial difficulty.

About the role

The Financial Counsellor provides free, independent and confidential financial counselling to individuals and families experiencing financial difficulty or financial hardship. The role supports clients to understand their financial situation, rights and available options, make informed decisions and develop practical strategies to address financial problems and improve their financial wellbeing. The Financial Counsellor provides assessment, information, financial counselling casework, advocacy, negotiation, referral and other appropriate supports in accordance with the needs and goals of each client. The role works collaboratively with internal and external services to support coordinated responses where clients are experiencing complex or multiple needs. The position also contributes to community education, early intervention and systemic advocacy by identifying emerging financial hardship issues and barriers affecting clients and communities, and supports the delivery of accessible, responsive and high-quality financial counselling services across the funded program.

Key responsibilities

Deliver client-centred financial counselling, assessment, casework, advocacy, referral and relevant financial assistance supports in accordance with program and funding requirements

Assess client needs, eligibility and intake requirements, and undertake comprehensive assessment of clients' financial circumstances, including income, expenditure, assets, liabilities, debts and other relevant financial obligations

Work collaboratively with clients to identify their priorities, consider available options and develop appropriate financial counselling strategies and action plans

Provide financial counselling in accordance with FCAN standards and Stepwise policies

Advocate and negotiate with creditors, financial institutions, utility providers, government agencies and other relevant organisations on behalf of clients where appropriate and authorised

Maintain accurate case files, documentation and reports, and manage an allocated financial counselling caseload, including prioritisation, follow-up, review and appropriate closure of client matters

Deliver financial capability and community financial education activities to communities within funded catchment areas, including priority and vulnerable communities

Maintain accurate client records, case notes and statistical data in CDS and DEX in compliance with privacy, information security and reporting requirements

Contribute to policy and law reform submissions through FCAN, CCLC or Stepwise and identify case studies to support systemic advocacy

Participate in regular professional supervision and reflective practice, identify professional development goals and incorporate learning into practice

Location - Campsie

About you

You are an experienced and client‑centred Financial Counsellor who delivers high‑quality support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. You bring strong assessment and casework capability, cultural competence, and the confidence to work effectively with clients from CALD, Aboriginal and low‑literacy backgrounds.

Diploma in Financial Counselling with FCAN accreditation and registration (or willingness to obtain)

Demonstrated assessment and casework experience with disadvantaged communities including CALD, Aboriginal and low‑literacy clients

Knowledge of NSW service providers and strong understanding of the finance sector

Excellent oral and written communication skills across casework, group work and community education

Knowledge and experience in community development, liaison and advocacy

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights

Commitment to Work Health and Safety and safe work practices

Current Working with Children Check, Current National Police Check, Current Driver Licence

Desirable: Experience delivering community education, Experience in EAPA, Experience supervising students or volunteers

What we offer

Above‑award pay under the SCHADS Award (Level 5)

Salary packaging to increase take‑home pay

Additional paid wellbeing leave

Ongoing supervision, training, and professional development

Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Meaningful work that makes a difference for children and families

Stepwise is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports an inclusive approach in the workplace. We celebrate our diversity and welcome applications from all cultures, ages, religions, genders, LGBTQIA+ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory National Police Check, provision of a current Working with Children Check and confirmation of the right to work in Australia.