Financial Counsellor in Sydney

About us

Stepwise Community Services (formerly Metro Assist) are seeking a qualified and client‑centred Financial Counsellor to join our Financial Inclusion Services team, delivering free, independent and confidential financial counselling to individuals and families experiencing financial difficulty.

About the role

The Financial Counsellor provides free, independent and confidential financial counselling to individuals and families experiencing financial difficulty or financial hardship. The role supports clients to understand their financial situation, rights and available options, make informed decisions and develop practical strategies to address financial problems and improve their financial wellbeing. The Financial Counsellor provides assessment, information, financial counselling casework, advocacy, negotiation, referral and other appropriate supports in accordance with the needs and goals of each client. The role works collaboratively with internal and external services to support coordinated responses where clients are experiencing complex or multiple needs. The position also contributes to community education, early intervention and systemic advocacy by identifying emerging financial hardship issues and barriers affecting clients and communities, and supports the delivery of accessible, responsive and high-quality financial counselling services across the funded program.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver client-centred financial counselling, assessment, casework, advocacy, referral and relevant financial assistance supports in accordance with program and funding requirements.
• Assess client needs, eligibility and intake requirements, and undertake comprehensive assessment of clients' financial circumstances, including income, expenditure, assets, liabilities, debts and other relevant financial obligations.
• Work collaboratively with clients to identify their priorities, consider available options and develop appropriate financial counselling strategies and action plans.
• Provide financial counselling in accordance with FCAN standards and Stepwise policies.
• Advocate and negotiate with creditors, financial institutions, utility providers, government agencies and other relevant organisations on behalf of clients where appropriate and authorised.
• Maintain accurate case files, documentation and reports, and manage an allocated financial counselling caseload, including prioritisation, follow-up, review and appropriate closure of client matters.
• Deliver financial capability and community financial education activities to communities within funded catchment areas, including priority and vulnerable communities.
• Maintain accurate client records, case notes and statistical data in CDS and DEX in compliance with privacy, information security and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to policy and law reform submissions through FCAN, CCLC or Stepwise and identify case studies to support systemic advocacy.
• Participate in regular professional supervision and reflective practice, identify professional development goals and incorporate learning into practice.

About you

You are an experienced and client‑centred Financial Counsellor who delivers high‑quality support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. You bring strong assessment and casework capability, cultural competence, and the confidence to work effectively with clients from CALD, Aboriginal and low‑literacy backgrounds.

• Diploma in Financial Counselling with FCAN accreditation and registration (or willingness to obtain).
• Demonstrated assessment and casework experience with disadvantaged communities including CALD, Aboriginal and low‑literacy clients.
• Knowledge of NSW service providers and strong understanding of the finance sector.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills across casework, group work and community education.
• Knowledge and experience in community development, liaison and advocacy.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights.
• Commitment to Work Health and Safety and safe work practices.
• Current Working with Children Check, Current National Police Check, Current Driver Licence.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering community education.
• Experience in EAPA.
• Experience supervising students or volunteers.

What we offer

• Above‑award pay under the SCHADS Award (Level 5).
• 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.