About Mary MacKillop Today
Mary MacKillop Today is a ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph, formed through the merging of Mary MacKillop International, the Mary MacKillop Foundation and the Josephite Foundation. Through Mary MacKillop Today, the vision of Australia’s first Saint and of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is being realised. In the spirit of Mary MacKillop and the Rev Julian Tenison Woods, we work in partnership to help create generational change through the teaching of practical life skills to women, men and children in Australia and overseas.
Mary MacKillop Today’s (then known as The Josephite Foundation) and its first No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) in Bathurst was established in 1998 by the Sisters of St Joseph Diocese of Bathurst to promote financial inclusion and provide marginalised people in rural areas access to fair and affordable finance. NILS is a Circular Community Credit Model established by the Sisters of Good Shepherd in 1981 and was based on a commitment to upholding individual dignity and respect. Since becoming an accredited NILS program through Good Shepherd Microfinance, Mary MacKillop Today has established 3 additional NILS based in Cowra, Lithgow and Young covering an area over 37,000 km².
In addition to providing loans, Mary MacKillop Today staff take a people-centered approach to clients and address any issues that might be affecting their financial capability, including assisting clients to access documents, Financial Capability and Budget Coaching, and referral to other agencies.
About the Role
The Financial Inclusion Support Officer will provide administrative support to assist in the processing and assessment of loans Mary MacKillop Today’s NILS Loans program. This is a part-time position (48 hours per week). We currently have 2 position available, one in Bathurst and one in Young/Cowra.
The key tasks that will be performed by the Financial Inclusion Support Officer will include:
- Completing interviews for clients who apply for a NILS loan through completing the Good Shepherd application system and supporting the client to collect and provide the required documentation.
- Make appropriate referrals to other services through providing contact information to the client or completing a referral form.
- Advocating for clients where appropriate, in first instance clients should be referred to specialist providers who are trained in the area the client requires assistance.
- Promoting Mary MacKillop Today to people on low incomes; referral agencies; community; industry; all levels of government; and philanthropic organisations.
- General administrative duties.
- Performing loan process task such as assessing, funding and loan Management
Key Responsibilities
Agency ethos and values
- Work within the ethos of Mary MacKillop Today thus supporting its strong commitment to social justice.
- Work within a community development framework.
- Respect people, their circumstances, and decisions.
Manage loans enquiries, applications and processes
- Respond to and record initial enquiries.
- Follow up enquiries to assist clients providing their documents.
- Develop a true and accurate budget with applicant.
- Discuss the impact and affordability of the loan.
- Complete verification of information by checking supporting documentation
- Contact retailers to confirm successful quotes.
- Complete Conditional Loan Agreements and supporting documentation with the customer and explain their rights, obligations and details of how the loan will operate.
- Create loan application and submit with all relevant documentation to the Loan Providers
- Follow up with clients on any arrears as advised by the Loan Provider
Networking and Promotion
- Develop comprehensive knowledge of relevant local agencies and support services.
- Raise program awareness, build networks and relationships within the local community (This can involve attending Interagency Meetings, visiting other sites, attending interagency, visiting service providers, attending open days, industry conferences).
- Represent programs externally as necessary.
Reporting and Teamwork
- Attend external meetings and training days as directed by the Team Leader
- Attend Mary MacKillop Today staff meetings in Bathurst.
- Provide timely reports as required by all internal and external stake holders.
- Provide any additional reports as required by Mary MacKillop Today
- Attend outreach locations to provide Mary MacKillop Today programs.
Compliance
- Compliance with and observance of all current Mary MacKillop Today Policies, Procedures and Practices, including our Safeguarding Policy.
- Compliance with and observance of all current Good Shepherd NILS policies and procedures
Selection Criteria
- 1 – 2 years’ minimum experience in office environment
- Ability to work within and contribute to the Mission and Values of Mary MacKillop Today.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively.
- Proficiency in various computer programs, including databases, with a high level of adaptability.
- Demonstrated experience in customer service and client interactions.
- Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment.
- Ability to multitask and pivot between tasks to meet business needs.
- Strong attention to detail with accurate data entry and documentation skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Adherence to Mary MacKillop Today’s Safeguarding Policy, and willingness to undergo a criminal record check or statutory declaration of local legal equivalent where criminal records checks are unavailable or unreliable.
How to Apply
Please email/submit your application to recruitment@marymackilloptoday.org.au including:
- Cover letter responding to the selection criteria; and
- your CV
Application closes: 10 Dec 2025. Please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This is classified as a Contact with Children position and therefore subject to child safe recruitment screening. The preferred candidate must be willing to undergo a criminal record check or statutory declaration of local legal equivalent where criminal records checks are unavailable or unreliable. Where possible and as required by Mary MacKillop Today the Candidate must also be willing to undergo a working with children check.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees, including those with diverse experiences and abilities, are valued and can thrive. We welcome the unique contributions of candidates from all backgrounds, including but not limited to varied education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs. As advocates for diversity, we believe that innovative thinking comes from varied experiences and strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.
