Financial Counsellor

Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) provides high quality legal and social support services to women, specialising in the areas of family law, domestic violence, child protection, financial abuse legal protection, and sexual assault through our counselling notes protect program.  WLSQ is committed to the creation of a society in which every woman:

• Is safe from violence.  
• Is able to tell her story, have it heard and respected; and  
• Receives a fair and just outcome from legal and social welfare systems.

The Financial Counsellor provides holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe financial counselling to women experiencing financial abuse and hardship. This role supports clients to understand their financial rights, manage debt, access entitlements and develop strategies to achieve financial independence and stability. Working collaboratively with legal and non-legal teams, the position ensures coordinated, client-centred support and contributes to community education and advocacy in line with WLSQ’s mission and values.

This role may be offered on either a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the successful candidate. The position will initially be work from home, before transitioning to an office-based arrangement. The successful candidate will be required to attend the Milton office for induction and participate in professional development days in person as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Provide holistic, trauma-informed and culturally safe financial counselling to WLSQ clients experiencing domestic and family violence:

• Assess individual client needs and provide counselling support and casework to clients experiencing financial abuse at various location including outreach clinics in regional, rural and remote communities.
• Build rapport with clients and help them understand their financial rights, advocate on their behalf with creditors and other agencies to alleviate or seek reduction in debt.
• Provide information about debt management options for client experiencing financial hardship.
• Help clients access resources and entitlements to improve their ability to manage their financial affairs.
• Assist clients to improve their financial standing, develop strategies to achieve financial independence and build resilience.
• Develop safeguarding plans from financial abuse.
• Maintain detailed and accurate client records and documentation.

B. Stakeholder engagement and community education:

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with key stakeholder and agencies who work with priority access groups.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of community legal education materials relating to financial counselling, financial hardship, financial abuse and domestic violence.

C. Adhere to the vision and values of WLSQ:

• Develop respectful and professional relationships with WLSQ team members and key stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively towards the WLSQ strategy.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA / SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

1. Minimum of three years’ experience providing financial counselling to women experiencing financial abuse.
2. Knowledge of financial counselling interventions, information, advocacy and support appropriate for clients affected by domestic and family violence and an ability to prioritise client safety in advice, strategies and interventions.
3. Working knowledge of legislation relating to credit, debt, social security and domestic violence.
4. Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
5. Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, often in emotionally charged or high-stress situations, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
6. Successfully manages multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, balancing demands to ensure the delivery of quality outcomes.
7. Provides evidence-based interventions, demonstrating expertise in handling complex cases and delivering effective outcomes for clients.
8. Recognises and addresses complex, multi-faceted needs of clients, adjusting services to meet these needs while considering the client’s background, environment, and long-term goals.
9. Demonstrates an extensive knowledge of resources and services for information and referral of clients and families/carers.
10. Meets service delivery targets, maintains quality, and takes initiative in improving client outcomes.
11. Commitment to and ability to work within a feminist framework and to work independently and as a member of a team.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: 

This role requires the incumbent to have a clear National Police Check, to obtain a blue card, and to hold a Diploma of Financial Counselling and Membership with Financial Counselling Queensland. It is a genuine occupational requirement for this position that the incumbent be a woman (Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)).

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS 

• Salary Packaging: Take advantage of not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax liability and maximize your take-home pay. 
• Remuneration package: from $58.37 to $60.95 per hour plus statutory super and attractive salary sacrifice options. 
• Career Development: Access to career and professional development opportunities, including conferences, events, and a dedicated training and supervision budget. 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counselling services available for you and your family. 
• Additional Leave Entitlements: Enjoy additional paid parental leave and extra leave during the Christmas and New Year period. 
• Flexible Work Arrangements: We’re open to discussing how we can tailor this role to fit your needs. 
• Inclusive Work Culture: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. 
• Ongoing Training: Participate in continuous training programs throughout the year to enhance your skills. 
• On-Site Amenities: Enjoy complimentary snacks and fresh fruit available in the workplace 

APPLY NOW! 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position. 

To apply for this position, click on ‘apply’ and upload a copy of your cover letter and CV. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.