POSITION DESCRIPTION Title: Financial Capability and Emergency Relief Worker Division: Financial Wellbeing and Capability Program Duration: Contract from April 2015 until June 2017 Position status: 0.7 EFT Location: Warrnambool and Outreach sites as required Reports to: Practice Leader, Financial Wellbeing and Capability Program Date: March 2015 INTRODUCTION Bethany is a dynamic not for profit and non denominational organisation that was established in 1868 and has responded to the changing needs of the community ever since. Bethany s mission is to value people, strengthen lives, effect change. The organisation is governed by a skills based Board of Management, has an annual operating budget of around $10 million and employs over 140 staff. Over 90% of the Bethany s income is provided by state and federal governments with the remainder generated from community and philanthropic sources. Bethany fulfils its mission by the provision of a broad range of prevention, intervention, support and educational services to individuals, children, young people and families based on research, best practice and professional standards. OUR VALUES Courage We take action and stand up for what we believe. Respect We value people and build upon their strengths. Integrity We are open, fair and just in everything we do. Innovation We develop new ways of working to make a difference. Collaboration We work together to improve outcomes. Bethany is a QIC accredited organisation Financial Capability and Emergency Relief Worker Page 1 of 5
THE FINANCIAL WELLBEING AND CAPABILITY PROGRAM This Program aims to support individuals and families to navigate financial crises and build financial wellbeing, capability and resilience for vulnerable people and those most at risk of financial and social exclusion and disadvantage. The Program has two major components - Emergency Relief services and Financial Counselling and Capability services. Emergency Relief helps people address immediate basic needs in times of financial crisis. Access to Emergency Relief is considered universal and is a safety net for people experiencing financial distress or hardship and who have limited means or resources to help them alleviate their financial crisis. Financial Capability services help people to build longer-term capability to budget and manage their money better and make informed choices. Financial Capability workers deliver financial literacy education, information and coaching and maintain a strong focus on supporting consumers to change their behaviour and learn by doing. The Financial Capability worker will undertake tasks associated with both Emergency Relief and Financial Capability services, and will work in collaboration with Bethany South West Services Financial Counselling staff. Financial Capability workers do not provide financial counselling financial advice, or deal with complex financial or legal matters. If individuals require such assistance, Financial Capability workers will facilitate access to financial counsellors and other relevant services as appropriate. The program will operate across South Western Victoria. The position will be based in Warrnambool and will also provide outreach services in other Regional Centres. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1 Service Delivery - Emergency Relief To interview clients seeking Emergency Relief and to assess the specific needs of the individual and their family; Provide appropriate assistance to clients, within budgetary and resource limitations; Depending on the client's situation, to provide information and support, and where appropriate, refer clients to Bethany South West Services Financial Counsellors, other Bethany services and to other relevant Community Service agencies. 2 Service Delivery - Financial Capability Provide financial capability services to individuals, families, groups and communities in the South West; Ensure clients have access to basic financial literacy, education and support resources; Provide financial literacy community education workshops to local groups in the South West; Financial Capability and Emergency Relief Worker Page 2 of 5
Help clients, groups and communities build skills to decrease financial stress and strengthen capacity to effectively manage money; Assist families at risk of homelessness to manage their finances and household expenses in order to prevent future accommodation crises; Provide secondary consultations that aim to enhance financial wellbeing; Facilitate access to financial counsellors and other relevant services as appropriate. 3 Organisational Responsibilities To establish and maintain accurate client files in line with standards, Privacy Principles and agency procedures. To actively participate in regular supervision and to participate in team and agency meetings. To operate within, and participate actively in, a multi-disciplinary service team. To assist in the development and delivery of publicity, information, education and skills development to stakeholders. Participate in research, data collection and quality assurance activities. To participate in staff development and in-service training as required. To manage statistical data as required by the Agency and funding body. To prepare program information and reports as required and speak on behalf of the program/agency with approval of Management. Participate in annual performance appraisals and undertake staff development as identified. Support and participate in the Agency s continuous quality improvement process. Other duties as required. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Essential A relevant tertiary qualification in community services or a comparable discipline. A minimum qualification of a Certificate III in Community Services Work is required, incorporating the following mandatory units: CHCFLE301A work with clients needing financial literacy education CHCFLE302A educate clients in fundamental financial literacy skills, and CHCFLE303A - educate clients to understand debt and consumer credit. Financial Capability and Emergency Relief Worker Page 3 of 5
Workers who have formal qualifications in a Diploma or above relevant to the Community Services Sector, will only need to complete the three financial literacy education units of competency located in the Community Services Training Package. This training will be undertaken at the successful applicant's cost. Study Leave may be applicable. Preferred Experience in community development, community education or health promotion and case management; and/or Experience in other financial support sectors including accounting, financial services, financial literacy programs. Experience in group facilitation and presentation skills Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the impact and issues related to financial crisis and associated behaviours. Experience in working across diverse communities including CALD, Indigenous and Rural communities. Well developed written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare documents for case planning or advocacy purposes, and highly effective interpersonal skills. The ability to formulate action plans, set goals and facilitate a positive approach in working with families, individuals and groups to achieve these goals within established time frames. An understanding of relevant legislation, a current knowledge of the practices of financial institutions and of effective service delivery models and the ability to work within such frameworks. The ability to contribute actively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, including the ability to participate in supervision in its various forms. The ability to liaise with other community organisations and form an effective network in which to promote the Program. Personal Attributes Other A team player who works in the interest of the agency and programs at all times. Ability to manage a range of complex projects and competing priorities by utilising analytical and conceptual skills to reason through problems. A self starter who is proactive in their work, takes responsibility for own actions, and works in partnership with colleageues and clients from a strengths based perspective. Proficient in the use of MS Office and knowledge of a range of IT programs. Current full Victorian Driver s Licence. Financial Capability and Emergency Relief Worker Page 4 of 5
SALARY & CONDITIONS This position is funded from April 2015 until June 2017 and is likely to be extended from June 2017 subject to additional funding being received. The classification for this position is based on the Social Community Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010, Social and Community Services Employee, Level 5 Pay Point 1 Pay Point 3 depending on qualifications and experience. Salary range $58,670 to $61,763 (pro-rata) per annum. Other employment conditions are as per the Bethany Community Support Enterprise Agreement (2014). Salary packaging is available in accordance with Government guidelines for public benevolent institutions. Co-location and work outside of business hours may be required. A six month probationary period will commence upon appointment and a review will be conducted at the conclusion of this period. The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Police Check and have or register for a Working with Children Check. FURTHER INFORMATION Contact: Phil Conrick, Manager, South West Services Phone: 03 6654 0700 Email: pconrick@bethany.org.au APPLICATIONS To apply visit our website www.bethany.org.au. Applications close: Tuesday 7th April 2015 by 5.00 pm Financial Capability and Emergency Relief Worker Page 5 of 5