Are you passionate about helping people experiencing financial hardship and making a meaningful difference in the community?
We are seeking a compassionate
Financial Counsellor
to join our Community Engagement Services directorate providing support to those in need through the
National Debt Helpline
.
Our
Community Engagement Services
Directorate
is an integrated team of employees and volunteers dedicated to supporting the profile, awareness, and 'good works' of the St Vincent de Paul Society encompassing a range of professional services, including; policy development and implementation, procedural development, service evaluation, spirituality development, member formation, member skills training, administration, social justice advocacy and service provision.
For more information about the National Debt Helpline please visit:
About the Role:
As a
Financial Counsellor
, within the National Debt Helpline, you will provide free, confidential and independent financial counselling to people experiencing financial difficulty.
Working primarily in a telephone-based and Live Chat service, you will support clients to understand their financial situation, explore available options and make informed decisions.
You will work with people experiencing a range of financial pressures, including debt, housing and mortgage stress, utility hardship, credit and loan difficulties, cost-of-living pressures and other complex financial circumstances.
Maximum term Full time until 30th June ****
Working at our Canning Vale Location (in office)
Delivery of effective trauma informed telephone and live chat financial counselling information, advice and referrals to clients contacting the National Debt Helpline
Undertake assessment of clients' financial circumstances and identify appropriate options and strategies
Provide information regarding hardship arrangements, debt options, consumer rights and available supports to identify immediate remedies and longer-term solutions to improve a client's financial wellbeing




Maintain accurate and timely client records and meet relevant data and reporting requirements
Identify clients who may require ongoing casework and refer them onto face to face financial counselling or specialist services
Work collaboratively with colleagues and external services to strengthen referrals pathways and client outcomes
Participate in supervision and professional development and continuous quality improvement activities
Contribute to a supportive, respectful and client-centred team culture
What you need:
A Diploma in Financial Counselling (Mandatory)
Current membership, or eligibility for membership, with FCWA (Financial Counselling of Western Australia)
Strong knowledge of financial hardship, debt, consumer credit and financial counselling practice
Strong assessment, problem-solving, advocacy and negotiation skills
Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, particularly the build rapport with clients over the phone and through Live Chat
Demonstrate ability to work effectively with people experiencing vulnerability, distress, or complex circumstances
Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively within a busy telephone -based service
Good computer literacy and accurate case-noting and data entry skills
Demonstrates the ability to work independently, while effectively solving problems and maintaining focus.
Communicates clearly with the team and provides support to co-workers as needed
Working for Vinnies WA
At Vinnies WA, you'll be part of an organisation where people matter - both the community we support and the teams that make it all possible.




This is an opportunity to be part of an organisation that makes a positive difference to the lives of thousands of vulnerable West Australians, through a range of person-centred services and programs, made possible by the revenue raised through our Vinnies shops, generous donations, fundraising events and grants, and over 4,000 dedicated employees, volunteers and members.
More than this, as a not for profit, Vinnies WA are able to offer our employees:
Generous tax-reducing salary packaging benefits (F/T & P/T employees only)
Leave Loading + Birthday leave benefit (F/T & P/T employees only)
15% team member discount card to use in our retail shops
Screening & Application Process
At Vinnies WA, we are committed to providing a safe and engaging environment for children and vulnerable people to ensure that their rights, needs and interests are met and that they are protected from harm and abuse.
As such, we ensure that our preferred candidates are appropriately screened prior to any offer of employment, to make sure that the right people are in the right roles.
Screening will consist of Police Criminal History Check, Legal right to work in Australia and Working with Children Check (if required).
If you are passionate about our "good works" and are excited for the opportunity to represent Vinnies WA, we would love to receive your application through SEEK (hit "apply now").
Please provide:
Current resume with details of 2 professional referees
Cover letter addressed to Suzanne Long, outlining your suitability for the role and your motivation for applying (limited to 2 pages)
We are committed to creating a workforce that is as diverse as our Society.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, orientations and backgrounds.
Applications for this position will be reviewed as received.
No recruitment agencies please.

📌 Financial Counsellor (Western Australia)
🏢 St Vincent de Paul Society Western Australia
📍 Western Australia