Position Details

• Continuing | Part time 0.6 – 0.8 negotiable
• Higher Education Officer Level 6 | $94,456 - $100,710 p.a. + 17% Super
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Role

As a Financial Counsellor with Flinders University Student Association, you will play a pivotal role in building a service that responds holistically to the welfare needs of Flinders students experiencing financial hardship.  Working within a dedicated team, you will deliver a high‑quality, confidential financial counselling service that equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to manage their finances.

The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Providing oversight of a student loans and grants program, including guidance and support to a Student Grants and Welfare Officer.
• Deliver expert advice around the range of welfare options that the Student Association provides to students.
• Offering a professional financial counselling service including assessment of student’s financial situation, advice on budgeting, credit, bankruptcy, and other options to reduce financial stress.
• Working collaboratively with University staff, elected student representatives and external agencies to reach and effectively support students most in need.

You will also have opportunities to create meaningful change across the University community by contributing to financial literacy initiatives delivering education workshops, and strengthening referral pathways to ensure students can easily access support. This role has the opportunity to genuinely impact the way we support students in financial hardship.

About You

You are someone who brings empathy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to social justice to everything you do. You hold (or are working toward) a Diploma of Financial Counselling/ Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) along with associate or full membership with SA Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA). You understand the importance of providing advice that is ethical, impartial, and centred on the needs of students.

With experience in case management and advocacy, and you are confident communicating with a broad range of stakeholders—including creditors, external agencies and students and staff.  You bring experience delivering financial literacy initiatives, welfare programs, or community education activities that empower clients to make informed financial decisions.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, and to work with a diverse range of individuals and groups.
• Negotiation skills, sound judgement, and practical problem‑solving abilities to enable the support of students through challenging situations with clarity and care.
• The ability to approach each interaction with curiosity, respect, and a genuine desire to empower others.

To learn more about key responsibilities and capabilities, please view the Position Description

About Flinders University Student Association (FUSA)

FUSA represents the rights and interests of Flinders University students. We are governed by an elected Student Council which directs the priorities of FUSA each year with the support of dedicated staff. We provide a welcoming and lively student experience that focuses on campus culture, giving support to students in need, and facilitating opportunities for students to be a part of the wider University community. Our services include; supporting student representation across university colleges, a wide range of events and activities for students, administration of a large clubs program, student media, financial welfare services including financial counselling, and advocacy on behalf of students regarding academic difficulties.

Life at Flinders

They say know your place.  We say you've found it right here.

Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next.

Rising to a challenge is nothing new for Flinders. During our first 60 years, we’ve navigated revolutionary changes in social and cultural norms, and have responded to transformative economic, environmental and technological developments. Through it all, we’ve continued to deliver for our students and community, innovating in learning and research to prepare graduates for the changing world they help create.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers 
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia). 
• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice   

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy
  
  

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

Flinders University will require a current completed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Gender Based Violence Declaration which is satisfactory to the University. The contract of Employment is conditional upon the receipt of these completed compliance checks.

A disclosable outcome will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

In addition, it is a requirement of this position that the incumbent maintain a current Working With Children Check which is satisfactory to the University in accordance with the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA).

How to Apply and Information

• You are required to submit 3 documents - a resume, cover letter and a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the below four Key Position Capabilities of the position description.

• • Some case management experience delivering a responsive and high-quality financial counselling service.
  • Demonstrated experience in providing advocacy support for a client group; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
  • Well-developed written communication skills, including the ability to communicate in a professional manner with creditors, external agencies, students and staff, and prepare submissions and reports.
  • Proven ability to use initiative, set priorities, and manage complex workflows and competing priorities.

• For more information regarding this position, please contact Ben Smith.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.