Financial Counsellor

About the Organisation

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and among Australia’s most recognised and largest charities. Its purpose is to serve people through practical support, community care, and opportunities that help improve lives and futures. The organisation responds to people in crisis as well as times of national hardship, offering safety, support, and hope.

Role Overview

This permanent full-time Financial Counsellor position is part of the Moneycare team in South Australia and sits at SCHADS Level 4–5 depending on accreditation. The role is based in Modbury, South Australia, with flexibility for one work-from-home day each week.

The position focuses on helping people facing financial stress through the National Debt Helpline, including inbound calls, online chat, and in-person appointments. The work is practical, compassionate, and centred on improving financial wellbeing, capability, and resilience.

Key Duties

• Deliver financial counselling through inbound NDH phone calls, online chat, and face-to-face appointments.
• Carry out comprehensive assessments to understand each person’s situation, needs, and goals.
• Build joint case plans that support financial capability, resilience, and wellbeing.
• Represent and support community members when dealing with creditors, providers, and external agencies.
• Connect people with relevant services and strengthen their links to the community.
• Keep accurate case notes and records in SAMIS and complete required reporting.
• Recognise risks and service shortages, then escalate them appropriately.
• Take part in supervision, reflection, and ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to financial capability education where needed.

Requirements

• Diploma of Financial Counselling or equivalent minimum qualification.
• Eligibility for SCHADS Level 4 while progressing toward accreditation, or Level 5 if already accredited.
• Background in social services, community engagement, or support for financial hardship.
• Understanding of the causes and effects of financial hardship and exclusion.
• Confident communication skills across phone, chat, and in-person settings.
• Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and culturally safe practice.
• Resilient, professional, and focused on the needs of the community member.
• Current South Australian Employee Working with Children Check.
• A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is mandatory for all roles.

Benefits

• Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 tax free, plus an Entertainment Benefit of $2,650 tax free.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for confidential counselling.
• Discounts across financial, retail, and lifestyle categories.
• Flexible working arrangements, including one day from home each week.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers.
• Purchased leave options of up to 8 weeks.
• Five days of paid leave each year to experience other Salvation Army programs.
• Discounted health and fitness programs through Fitness Passport.
• Up to five days of paid leave annually to support a Salvation Army program or activity.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace with committed team members.
• A meaningful role that directly contributes to people’s financial wellbeing.

Additional Information

The organisation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. It strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Salvation Army is a child-safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Child-facing roles require a valid Working with Children Check.

The organisation values integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, and collaboration.

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and a short cover letter explaining their experience, qualifications, and interest in the position.

Number of positions available: 1.