Financial Counsellor

Make a real impact supporting financially vulnerable communities in the NT

• Attractive salary starting from $100,776 PLUS 12% Super
• Flexible working arrangements – Full-time or Part-time options
• Enjoy 6 weeks Annual Leave, 15 days Personal Leave
• Relocation assistance up to $3500, Salary packaging and more
• Lead an autonomous, established program with flexibility and strong organisational support

Darwin Community Legal Service (DCLS) is the Northern Territory's only generalist community legal and advocacy organisation, providing free services for over 35 years. Operating across Darwin, Palmerston, and Katherine, DCLS supports vulnerable people through legal advice, tenancy support, disability advocacy, financial counselling, elder abuse prevention, and more.

DCLS is not only client-focused but also a leader in systemic reform. The organisation regularly engages with NT and Commonwealth governments to influence policy and advocate for fairer systems giving staff the opportunity to impact lives at both grassroots and national levels.

With a strong social justice ethos, an inclusive work culture, and a passionate team of over 35 staff, DCLS is an ideal environment for professionals committed to equity, empowerment, and meaningful community change.

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Darwin Community Legal Service is looking for a full-time Financial Counsellor based in Darwin, NT. This standalone role reports to the Principal Solicitor and is responsible for delivering high-quality financial counselling services across Darwin and Palmerston. You'll manage a varied caseload independently while contributing to community education and systemic reform.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Delivering financial counselling support to clients experiencing financial hardship
• Engaging in community outreach and education across Darwin and Palmerston
• Managing end-to-end casework, including creditor negotiations and financial advocacy
• Providing referrals to appropriate legal or social support services
• Supporting systemic reform through advocacy, submissions, and sector collaboration
• Liaising with DCLS legal and advocacy teams for wraparound client support
• Maintaining client records and reporting against program KPIs
• Participating in team meetings, compliance, and organisational development activities

This is a fixed-term position through to December 2026, with strong potential for extension, subject to funding.

To read the full position description, click here

To be successful, you must hold a Diploma of Financial Counselling and be eligible for membership with the Financial Counsellors Association of NT (FCANT) or equivalent.

You will also need at least 12 months of experience working as a financial counsellor. Candidates with substantial banking or finance backgrounds and a minimum of 6 months' experience in a financial counselling role will also be considered.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Demonstrated understanding of financial counselling principles and practices
• Experience working with vulnerable or disadvantaged clients
• Ability to apply trauma-informed practice in a non-judgmental, empowering manner
• Strong interpersonal, written, and advocacy skills
• High-level autonomy, problem-solving, and time management skills
• Current NT Driver's Licence
• Current Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain)
• Current National Police Check (or ability to obtain)

Desirable attributes:

• Experience working in community legal or not-for-profit organisations
• Understanding of First Nations and CALD communities
• Experience working in or alongside the legal system
• Knowledge of the NT financial services landscape and consumer protections
• Ability to build local networks and community partnerships

As our ideal candidate, you are a self-starter who thrives in an independent role. You're deeply empathetic, culturally aware, and confident in managing complex financial cases. You bring strong initiative, integrity, and a passion for helping people reclaim stability and dignity through financial empowerment.

In return for your expertise and commitment, DCLS offers an excellent remuneration starting from $100,776 PLUS 12% Super and a host of benefits, including:

• Relocation support of up to $3,500 for the right candidates
• Flexible working arrangements – Full-time or Part-time options
• Salary packaging to increase your take-home pay
• 6 weeks Annual Leave
• 15 days Personal Leave
• Access to fleet vehicles for work travel
• Be part of a workplace that's inclusive, proactive, and reform-driven
• Work closely with passionate colleagues who believe in social justice
• Opportunities to contribute to systemic change across the NT and beyond

If you're an experienced financial counsellor ready to lead an impactful, autonomous program while being backed by a collaborative and values-driven team, we'd love to hear from you - APPLY NOW

Darwin Community Legal Service is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse candidates, and people with disability.