MHLC Financial Counsellor Inside Access

The role

The Financial Counsellor will provide financial counselling assistance to clients in our Inside Access Prison Program, including at the Western Plains Correctional Centre. The Financial Counsellor will be required to attend various outreach, correctional services, and stakeholder venues to provide information, advice, consultations and case work in financial counselling matters.

The Financial Counsellor will also deliver education sessions in various settings, proactively network with key stakeholders, identify systemic issues and think strategically.

The incumbent will have the opportunity to provide their clients with a wraparound financial counselling service, working collaboratively with our lawyers, correctional services and partners. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with exceptional organisational and communication skills, energy and vision.

The full position description outlining key responsibilities, performance indicators and ways of working is available by contacting ***********@mhlc.org.au.

Key selection criteria

Essential (Skills, knowledge, experience)

1. Financial counselling practice experience or the ability to quickly acquire it and the capacity to manage a significant and complex caseload;

2. Exceptional oral and written communications skills, including letter drafting, negotiation, accurate and timely data entry, and record keeping;

3. Exceptional interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to engage with people who have multiple and complex needs and vulnerabilities including an understanding of trauma, the impacts of incarceration, and mental ill health.

4. Experience networking and building relationships with a range of stakeholders including corrections staff and allied support services, health services, community support agencies and government and a capacity to engage in outreach and financial counselling education sessions as required. An ability to recognise and respect the formal structure or hierarchy of Corrections and legal organisations and their policies and procedures is essential;

5. Demonstrated capacity to work in a team and support a cohesive team environment, as well as to work independently with accountability under the direction of the Principal Lawyer; and

6. Commitment to social justice and alignment with MHLC vision and principles.

Desirable (Skills, knowledge, experience, qualification and/or training)

1.     Knowledge and experience in community legal and/or correctional services sectors, including legal education and development, policy, and law reform.

Prerequisites

1.     A Diploma in Financial Counselling;

2.     Membership, or eligibility to be a member of Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic); and

3.     Correctional facility security clearance including criminal history checks.

Any changes to these prerequisites after employment commences must be communicated to the employer immediately by the employee.

Hours of work

This position is a full-time position to be worked 5 days a week (38 hours), with work based at various correctional facilities each week.

This position is subject to state funding. 

Applications will be assessed and interviews conducted as received. Applications that do not include a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria will not be considered.