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Women’s Legal Service Victoria (Women’s Legal) is a specialised and state-wide organisation that has been providing legal services and support to women since 1982. Informed by our feminist practice, we improve the legal system for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence through our integrated legal service, capacity building, advocacy and law reform. Our vision is for women and non-binary people to live free from violence and discrimination in a gender equitable society.

Key Responsibilities

1.        Financial Counselling

·        Conduct confidential and sensitive assessments of clients’ financial situations in the context of family violence;

·        Assess risk factors related to financial abuse using MARAM framework (e.g., controlling access to money, forced financial dependence) and provide immediate strategies to increase safety;

·        Provide financial counselling assistance and advice to service users and manage a caseload of clients;

·        Work collaboratively with Women’s Legal Lawyers and Social Workers to identify financial issues of clients and determine the financial counselling assistance that can be provided;

2.       Organisation

·        Work cooperatively with all staff members to advance Women’s Legal and strengthen its integrated service delivery model;

·        Develop and strengthen external relationships and networks;

·        Share knowledge and upskill colleagues in areas of professional experience/expertise; and

·        Participate effectively in organisational strategic planning initiatives and projects.

3.       General

·        Contribute to a healthy, productive group culture where work practices, decision making, and behaviour reflect Women’s Legal's intersectional feminist philosophy and values; and

·        Perform other duties as directed and necessary for the proper performance of the role.

Key Selection Criteria

4.       Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviour

The following skills are required to be demonstrated:

·        Knowledge of relevant State and Federal credit, debt and social security legislation;

·        An understanding of the trauma victim-survivors experience and the capacity to work with complex client presentations in a non-judgemental manner;

·        Capacity and interest to learn about areas of law impacting clients at Women's Legal such as Family Violence and Family Law;

·        Experience working with diverse communities, and a commitment to culturally safe practice;

·        High level oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with staff, a diverse range of clients, external stakeholders and organisations;

·        Ability to formulate financial action plans, set goals and work with women who have experienced family violence to achieve these goals;

·        Enthusiasm and commitment to contributing to a multidisciplinary team; and

·        A commitment to addressing the drivers of gendered violence and economic disadvantage for women and advocating for systemic change.

5.       Qualifications and Experience

·        Diploma of Financial Counselling;

·        Member of/eligible for membership of, Financial Counselling Victoria Inc (FCVic);

·        Proven experience (minimum 3 years) providing financial counselling to clients in a community or not for profit organisation; 

·        Demonstrated experience using trauma informed practice working with clients; and

·        Family Violence Training for Financial Counsellors (otherwise to be completed).