Managing Financial Counsellor

About the role

The Managing Financial Counsellor provides operational leadership, professional supervision and practice management for the Financial Counselling team at Consumer Action Law Centre. The role oversees service delivery, manages staff performance, ensures compliance with professional standards and contributes to strategic and operational initiatives. It operates with a significant degree of autonomy and reports to the Director of Financial Counselling Practice, with 8-10 direct reports. The centre runs the National Debt Helpline telephone service in Victoria and NDH chat in Victoria and Queensland.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and develop a team of Financial Counsellors and Intake Workers, including performance management, coaching, recruitment, induction and professional development.
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality, client-centred financial counselling services within the team.
• Provide professional supervision, case consultation and file review to Financial Counsellors.
• Manage day-to-day operations, establishing and monitoring service outcomes, performance indicators and operational priorities.
• Work with the Director and other Managing Financial Counsellors on strategic priorities, operational plans and service delivery models.
• Contribute to policies, procedures, systems and work practices, and drive continuous improvement.
• Exercise delegated authority on staffing, operational decisions and practice management.
• Advise leaders, colleagues and stakeholders on professional practice, risk management and emerging sector trends.
• Represent the organisation in sector forums, partnerships and networks, and monitor operational and service delivery risks.

Required profile

• Diploma of Financial Counselling (or equivalent recognised qualification) and current full membership of Financial Counselling Victoria, or eligibility to obtain it (mandatory).
• At least 5 years of professional practice in financial counselling, including complex cases and vulnerable clients (mandatory).
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including staff supervision, performance management and workforce development in a regulated environment (mandatory).
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Community Services, Human Services, Law or a related discipline (highly desirable).

Required skills

• High-level interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, able to tailor communication to diverse audiences.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop staff, set clear performance expectations and foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture.
• Experience managing complex client matters and providing professional supervision and expert advice.

Salary range: $130,358.40 - $135,809.79 plus 14% superannuation, depending on skills and experience. Applications close at 6:00 pm on 4 November 2026.