Job description
* Location: Alice Springs (with regular outreach to remote Central Australian communities)
* Employment Type: Part-time or negotiated
* Reports to: Program Manager / CEO (as per organisational structure)
Position Purpose
The Financial Counsellor provides specialist, client-centred financial counselling services to individuals and families experiencing financial stress, hardship, or crisis. The role supports clients to stabilise their financial circumstances, address complex issues (including debt, creditor pressure, housing stress, income support matters, and gambling-related financial harm), and strengthen longer-term financial wellbeing.
The position operates within Waltja’s Financial Wellbeing Hub (FWH) and is delivered through a hub-and-outreach model, including services in Alice Springs and facilitated outreach to remote Central Australian communities, working collaboratively with Financial Capability Workers, Remote Community Connectors (RCC), and partner agencies.
* Provide confidential, culturally safe, and trauma-informed financial counselling to individuals and families.
* Undertake comprehensive intake and in-depth financial assessments (income, expenditure, debts, assets, risk and vulnerability).
* Support clients with hardship applications, payment plans, budgeting frameworks and financial stabilisation strategies.
* Liaise with Centrelink/Services Australia (with client consent) to support income support access and payment matters.
* Assist clients to access identification, bank accounts, and essential documents that support financial inclusion.
* Provide information regarding NILS and other safe financial products, including eligibility and application processes.
* Participate in planned outreach visits to remote Central Australian communities to deliver coordinated services.
* Maintain accurate client records, case notes and service data in line with Waltja policies and funding requirements.
* Contribute to program monitoring and evaluation, including activity reporting and outcomes tracking.
Selection Criteria
* Diploma of Financial Counselling or equivalent recognised qualification (or substantial relevant experience with commitment to complete required qualification).
* Demonstrated experience providing financial counselling/casework, including complex debt and hardship matters.
* Knowledge of consumer credit, debt processes, hardship frameworks, and financial hardship supports in Australia.
* Demonstrated ability to advocate and negotiate with creditors, utilities, banks, and government services.
* Strong assessment, case management and documentation skills.
* High level communication skills and ability to work respectfully with diverse clients and families.
* Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
* Understanding of confidentiality, privacy and professional ethics.
* Current NT Driver’s Licence (or ability to obtain) and willingness to undertake remote travel.
* Ochre Card and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain).
Desirable
* Experience working in remote communities and/or with Aboriginal organisations in Central Australia.
* Experience supporting clients affected by gambling-related harm and financial stress.
* Experience delivering group education or financial capability workshops.
* 4WD driving experience and familiarity with remote travel safety requirements.
Salary and Entitlements
Salary and conditions are in accordance with the SCHADS Award, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Superannuation, leave entitlements and salary packaging are provided in line with Waltja policy.
For further inquires please email: recruit@waltja.org.au using the subject line: Financial Counsellor - Financial Wellbeing Hub - Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs.
A position description is attached.