Financial Inclusion Support Worker (NILS)

Metro Assist; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Above‑award pay (SCHADS Level 4)

Salary packaging

Wellbeing leave

Supervision & training

EAP access

Meaningful work

Job summary

Stepwise Community Services, formerly Metro Assist, is seeking a Financial Inclusion Support Worker (NILS) on a fixed term 28 hour/week contract until June 2027. You will assess NILS eligibility, gather documentation, prepare loan applications and support clients through the process with referrals to energy and utility assistance programs.

You will work within the Financial Inclusion team to provide information, referrals, and connections to Financial Counselling and emergency relief as

Qualifications

• Certificate III or IV in Community Services, Business, Financial Services or a related discipline.
• Experience in community services or not-for-profit sector.
• Experience in client service, community services, financial inclusion, administration or related field.
• Ability to support clients with budgeting, financial information, documentation and application processes.
• Strong client engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to assess client needs and eligibility and apply program guidelines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping, data entry and reporting.
• Ability to work independently while contributing within a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide responsive, respectful and client-centred intake and support to individuals accessing Financial Inclusion services.
• Screen clients and assess eligibility for NILS and other Financial Inclusion supports.
• Complete client assessments and support loan applications, including documentation.
• Complete and submit NILS loan applications per guidelines and funding requirements.
• Maintain accurate client records and supporting documentation in CDS, MyNILS App and other systems.
• Provide information, referrals and connections to Financial Counselling and emergency relief when required.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Financial Inclusion team and organisation to support service delivery.
• Comply with policies, procedures, Code of Conduct, WHS requirements and professional standards.
• Participate in training, supervision and professional development.

Skills

Client engagement

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Budgeting support

Record keeping

Independent work

Team collaboration

Documentation

Program eligibility assessment

Education

Certificate III or IV in Community Services, Business, Financial Services or related discipline

Job description

Stepwise Community Services (formerly Metro Assist) are seeking a Financial Inclusion Support Worker NILS on a fixed term 28 hour a week contract until June 2027 (potential for an extension) to join our team.

The Financial Inclusion Services portfolio delivers a range of supports including NILS, EAPA, financial capability assistance, and referrals to financial counselling and emergency relief. The NILS program provides no‑interest loans to eligible clients to help them access essential goods and services, reduce financial stress, and improve wellbeing.

About the role

The Financial Inclusion Support Worker (NILS) supports the delivery of Stepwise's Financial Inclusion services, with a primary focus on the No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) and related financial assistance programs. The role provides accessible, client-centred support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship by assessing NILS eligibility, assisting clients to gather required documentation, preparing and submitting loan applications, and supporting clients throughout the application process. Where NILS is not appropriate or a client has additional needs, the role provides information, referrals and connections to relevant internal and external services, including available energy and utility assistance programs.

Key responsibilities

• Provide responsive, respectful and client-centred intake and support to individuals accessing Financial Inclusion services
• Screen clients and assess eligibility for NILS and other relevant Financial Inclusion supports in accordance with program guidelines
• Complete client assessments and support clients through the loan application process, including gathering required documentation, obtaining quotes and identifying any additional support needs
• Complete and submit NILS loan applications in accordance with Good Shepherd guidelines, organisational and funding requirements
• Achieve a target of 23 approved NILS loans per month, in line with program KPIs and funding requirements
• Maintain accurate, complete and timely client records, case notes and supporting documentation in CDS, MyNILS App and other relevant program systems
• Provide appropriate information, referrals and connections to Financial Counselling, emergency relief and other internal or external services where required
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues across the Financial Inclusion team and broader organisation to support effective service delivery
• Comply with Stepwise Community Services' policies, procedures, Code of Conduct, work health and safety requirements, relevant legislation and professional standards
• Participate in relevant training, supervision and professional development to maintain and strengthen knowledge and skills required for the role

About you

• Certificate III or IV in Community Services, Business, Financial Services or a related discipline
• Experience working within the community services or not-for-profit sector
• Demonstrated experience in client service, community services, financial inclusion, administration or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to support clients with budgeting, financial information, documentation and application processes
• Strong client engagement, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to assess client needs and eligibility and apply program guidelines consistently
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping, data entry and reporting
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment
• Current Working with Children Check
• Current National Police Check

What we offer

• Above‑award pay under the SCHADS Award (Level 4)
• 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.