Community Development Worker

POSITION TITLE: Community Development Worker - Financial Literacy

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

This position supports the delivery of Waltja's financial literacy support services on remote central Australian communities and in Alice Springs. This position will assist Aboriginal families to identify and address money management issues, to gain financial literacy skills, and to provide financial counselling to individuals and their families. This position works closely with the Financial Literacy team and Emergency Relief team.

The Community Development Worker – Financial Literacy will be based in Alice Springs with regular monthly to designated communities (out of Alice Springs 3 to 4 days in a week, on average once per month). This is a full-time position.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Community Development Worker – Financial Literacy will be accountable to the CEO, and will work in partnership with Waltja's other remote program field workers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     Provide support financial counselling to help people address their financial problems to individuals and families in remote communities and in the Waltja office in Alice Springs. Support is to be based upon a strengths-based approach, the principles of self-determination, and respect for Aboriginal people, communities and culture

2.     Assist clients to liaise with Centrelink and other stakeholder to manage debts and support to apply for No Interest Loans (NILS) in a friendly and culturally respectful manner

3.     Provide intensive support through an in-depth assessment of a person's financial situation to understand the extent of the person's financial difficulties and support clients to decrease their dependency on emergency relief funding

4.     Provide financial literacy education training as required, for individuals, small groups or community workshops

5.     Engage Aboriginal people from each community wherever possible as mentors, advisers, and co-workers to assist with Waltja's service delivery, and support skills development of community members related to the program objectives

6.     Work collaboratively with relevant local and regional service providers, agencies and institutions, to provide and receive referrals

7.     Advocate for client's access to relevant services, and for appropriate and informed service delivery to community clients

8.     Where appropriate assist in the preparation of submissions for external funding

9.     Work as part of Waltja's team across all projects. Work together with other staff, Management and elected Board Members. Support and mentor junior staff where relevant. Participate in Waltja events and meetings as directed

10.  Represent Waltja at Conferences, Seminars, Meetings, and Committees and in other community forums

11.  Identify training and professional needs/opportunities, and undertake training as directed by Management Team

12.  A commitment to comply with all Waltja Policy and Procedures and Code of Conduct

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Essential:

1.     Completion of a Diploma in Financial Counselling or related higher qualification

2.     Previous skills and knowledge to satisfactorily provide financial counselling and financial literacy services

3.     Previous experience in community development work, including community consultation, service delivery, performance and data reporting, and evaluation

4.     A commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, demonstrated ability to relate sensitively and effectively with Indigenous people and demonstrated awareness of the issues affecting Aboriginal children/young people and their families in central Australia

5.     Demonstrated capacity for strategic decision-making, and initiative to make appropriate decisions when required

6.     Current NT Drivers License or commitment to transfer current Drivers License to NT immediately upon appointment

7.     Current NT Working with Children and Vulnerable Persons (Ochre Card) authorisation, or the capacity to acquire this within 6 weeks of provisional appointment

8.     Willingness to undertake a Police Check (for criminal history) – required within 6 weeks of provisional appointment

Desirable:

1.     Experience working in or with remote central Australian Aboriginal communities

2.     Experience working with Aboriginal families to assist them to make positive change and/or to address barriers to self-determination

3.     Experience driving 4WD vehicles in remote areas

SALARY PACKAGE:

Wage: SCHADS Award Level 4-5 (depending upon qualifications): currently starting rate is $44.58/hr

Superannuation: 12.0% standard and trainee rate, Waltja pays 14.0% as bonus for nonsmokers

Travel: $75/night for remote travel

Annual travel bonus: $950 per year

Wellbeing allowance: Up to $800 reimbursement of personal well-being services costs

Equipment: All digital/computer/phone equipment as needed, Swag supplied

How to Apply

Please apply by email to with a current Resume and a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria. Only applications addressing the selection criteria will be accepted.

Closing date: Monday 17 November 2025

Start date: Immediate start available or January 2026 negotiable

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, please note this position may be filled before the closing date. Previous applicants need not apply.