Social Security Rights Victoria Inc. (‘SSRV’) and Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) are continuing their partnership in 2020. The Integrated Services Project (ISP) has been funded for a second year. We look forward to continuing to improve client outcomes by bringing together the work of specialist social security lawyers and financial counsellors.
We are pleased to introduce Karl Schaffarczyk who takes over this year from Bryn Overend as the ISP Community Lawyer. Karl has strong experience in community justice, working as an aged care advocate assisting clients to stop elder abuse, and later as a tenancy lawyer. Karl is looking forward to working with financial counsellors across the state to develop partnerships and further integrated service delivery. Bryn has moved into the SSRV Principal Lawyer role. He will continue to support the project and SSRV’s work with the financial counselling sector.
The ISP Financial Counsellor position is currently being advertised. Applications close on 10 February 2020. This is a great opportunity for an experienced financial counsellor who is interested in contributing to innovative, cross-sector collaboration. Please view Jobs at the FCVic website or contact SSRV for further information.
We are all aware of the devastating impact of the bushfires on so many Victorians. We know that financial counsellors are at the frontline in assisting people and communities who have been affected. SSRV wishes to acknowledge this work and invite financial counsellors to get in touch if you or your clients require information or assistance regarding Centrelink matters such as being rejected for payments, compliance and debt issues.
- >General Advice Line operates Monday and Wednesday, 9.30am-12.30pm, 03 9481 0355
- >Worker Help Line operates Monday to Thursday, 9.00am-5.00pm, 03 9481 0655
If you have a more general query or would like to know more about the Integrated Services Project, please feel most welcome to contact Karl – [email protected], 03 9481 0299 (SSRV Administration Line). This Project is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Justice and Community Safety with funding administered by the Federation of Community Legal Centres.