Financial Counsellor

Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference?

As a Financial Counsellor you will provide a holistic, and confidential financial counselling service with a focus on financial empowerment and supporting people on low income, renting in the public, community, or private sectors and to build their capacity to sustain their tenancy.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Homelessness and Housing Team on a permanent, part-time (30.4 hours per week) basis located at our Kent Town Head office. 

The Day- to-day activities will include:

• Ensuring timely and accurate completion of client records, reports and data entry related to all client engagements and their progress into SYC and/or third-party system(s) as required.
• Contributing to the development of and facilitating community information/education sessions on budgeting and managing personal finances and presentations with local and community organisations
• Responding to incoming telephone and online inquiries in a professional and efficient manner by clarifying the issues, locating, and providing information, exploring answers and alternative solutions, and escalating unresolved problems.
• Developing short- and long-term action plans with individuals that will empower them to manage finances and achieve effective results.
• Conducting targeted financial and risk/vulnerability assessments of clients to establish their financial needs and goals, their strengths and current barriers enabling the provision of services based on individual circumstances.

About You

As someone with a vast knowledge and background within financial services and counselling, you will provide assistance and tools to those seeking help with their financial wellbeing. You will have the ability to problem solve and negotiate for better outcomes for those accessing this service in a timely manner. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills with well-developed verbal, and written skills and the ability to interact effectively and sensitively with people experiencing financial distress.
• Strong interview skills, and the ability to interact effectively and sensitively with people experiencing financial distress.
• Interpersonal conflict resolution and negotiation skills along with the ability to identify innovative and lateral solutions to problems.
• The ability to assess, interpret and summarise complex, detailed information such as legislation, contracts and policies and clearly communicate these to clients.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of:
  • Financial Counselling management practices, including budgetary processes and procedures, preparation of an accurate income and expenditure statement, preparation of a financial management plan and understanding of available options for debt management and appeals.
  • Legislation and frameworks concerning credit and debt issues affecting people experiencing financial stress.

For this role, you will need to:

• Be willing to complete a Working with Children Check and National Police Check
• Be eligible to work in Australia.
• Hold a Diploma of Financial Counselling.
• Be eligible to or have a current registration with the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association, including commitment to CPD and supervision.
• Be willing to work between the span hours of 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
• Have possession of a current valid Driver’s License, willingness to drive, and your own registered vehicle with a 4–5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Why join Team SYC?

• Increase your pay with Salary Packaging options.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Career development opportunities
• Enjoy an additional day off to celebrate your Birthday*
• Wellbeing leave
• Access an additional one week of paid leave each year, through SYC loyalty leave*
• Stay healthy with discounted Corporate Private Health Cover
• Access our free and confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Access to special discounts on memberships and fitness activities through Goodlife,  Fitness First and Zap Health Clubs. 
• Retail and Entertainment discount vouchers
• Enjoy special benefits with Beaurepaires 

*Qualifying periods and terms apply.

About us

SYC exists so everyone can succeed.

‍We invest back into the community, helping tens of thousands of people every year to create a life without disadvantage, to build sustainable independence and to experience wellbeing in all areas of their lives.

A non-profit human services organisation, SYC was founded in 1958 to support young people experiencing disadvantage in Adelaide. We now operate nationally, supporting more than 57,000 people annually with housing, education, employment, justice, health and disability services.

We are proud to work with people who are passionate and professional, who encourage and value diversity, who are courageous, creative and, most importantly, believe in people’s potential. Our vision of wellbeing, independence, and opportunity for everyone encompasses the people we work with, as well as the people who work for SYC.

To learn more about us, visit our website: www.syc.net.au. 

If you match the criteria above, we want to hear from you 

To apply please complete the application process by clicking the Apply Now button.

We’re proud to be a Circle Back Initiative Employer, and we commit to responding to every applicant.

Please complete the requested work history and screening questions on the application page (you are encouraged to detail any (and all) certificates or licence(s) information under the education section) and attach your resume.

SYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud of our diverse workforce. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disability to apply. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact our recruitment team who will be happy to support you via .