Rural Financial Counsellor
Job No:
121316
Location:
West Wyalong
- Bring your financial planning and counselling expertise to assist people facing financial issues in rural communities
- One part-time opportunity is available
- Comprehensive on-the-job training and induction program provided
- Attractive remuneration package available, commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Additional benefits include salary sacrificing
About the Organisation
Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Central West Inc. also trading as Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW - Central Region (RFCSCR), is a not-for-profit organisation that hosts government funded programs to foster regional economic development in the Central and Western regions of New South Wales.
RFCSCR has experienced Rural Financial Counsellors based in Dubbo, Forbes, Parkes, Bourke, Broken Hill, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Coonabarabran, Walgett, Orange, Tottenham, Mudgee and Nyngan. This team of experienced specialists service the Local Government areas surrounding these locations. They provide confidential, free and impartial financial assistance and counselling to primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses experiencing financial difficulties.
To learn more visit the RFCSCR website here.
About the Opportunity
RFCSCR has an exciting opportunity for a suitable person wishing to become a Rural Financial Counsellor to join the team and servicing the Bland Shire area. There is one position available, offered on a part-time (P/T) contract basis (with a 3-month probation period), and further extensions being subject to further funding.
As a Rural Financial Counsellor, you will be primarily responsible for providing assistance to primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses experiencing financial difficulties by analysing their financial circumstances and identifying their financial and business options. You will help clients identify ways to become self-reliant and better equipped to manage change and adjustment.
Some of your day to day responsibilities will include assisting and supporting a client to:
- Review and understand the financial position and viability of the client’s business enterprise;
- Identify and understand options to improve the business enterprise and/or their financial position;
- Develop a plan to implement the options chosen by the client with your support and provide advice to implement that plan;
- Assist in negotiations with lending institutions in relation to: − loan applications and contracts with those institutions − processes relating to farm debt mediation;
- Provide various options on generic financial products in accordance with ASIC requirements;
- Understand and minimise risks to their business's financial position; and
- Understand the availability of support options available and how to access them.
The roles do encompass the need for a portion of the counsellor’s time to be utilised with administrative reporting duties and database management, as required.
About You
To be successful in this position you will have previous experience in a financial planning and/or counselling capacity and a solid understanding of the financial issues facing people living in remote or rural areas. Previous experience living and/or working in a rural area in a financial services role, will be highly regarded.
Ideally, you will hold a Diploma in Community Services (Financial Counselling), however RFCSCR is willing to fund the right candidate to obtain this qualification and provide full training whilst on the job.
You must also have the ability to attend field days and community events to build a network and profile in the community. You will also have a demonstrated ability to prepare detailed financial analyses for clients and the ability to present a range of financial and business options for business improvement or adjustment, with a focus on helping clients adapt and change.
RFCSCR is looking for a person with high level oral and written communication, interpersonal, mediation and networking skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse cultural groups. Ideally you will have some experience in business development, however this is not mandatory providing you are a confident and approachable person who can quickly gain the confidence of the local farming community.
An understanding of rural issues, including farm enterprise activities and business management issues will also be critical to your success in this position.
This is a rare opportunity to provide a positive and much needed service to regional communities in NSW. Given the prevailing demand for counselling services in regional communities, successful candidates will be required to service the neighbouring towns surrounding their preferred location, as such it is essential to have a current, unrestricted driver's license.
About the Benefits
The successful candidates will be rewarded with an attractive remuneration package commensurate with your experience and qualifications. Any associated travel expenses will be reimbursed.
In addition to the financial benefits, you will enjoy an intensive induction and training program when you join the organisation (this is likely to be conducted in Dubbo), ensuring you are equipped with all the tools you need to hit the ground running.
Please note: Due to the geographic areas that the counsellor role services, it is preferred that the successful applicant reside in the identified location, or the immediate surrounds.
To apply for this position, please answer the questions below and attach your current resume and answers to the Key Selection Criteria when prompted to do so.
To view Key Selection Criteria, please click here.
If you are looking for an opportunity to use your financial knowledge to make a real positive difference in the local community - Apply Now!
