Finance Officer Jobs
The Role
This role will ensure the organisation is following robust financial systems and processes; carry out all day-to-day accounting tasks; and ensure timely production of financial information to inform management decisions. Most tasks can be done from home, however some tasks such as banking and petty cash reconciliation will require you to attend our offices. Once the initial training is complete you will be able to arrange your own hours, to be worked Monday to Friday.
This role is for a fixed period of 12 months, to cover maternity leave.
About You
A proven track record of relevant financial administration experience is essential and competence in the use of Xero accounting software, Excel and other MS packages such as word and Outlook is essential. You will have an organised approach to workload and ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines, be flexible and adapt to the requirements of the role. You must be able to clearly convey financial information to non-finance colleagues.
This role would suit someone looking to increase their experience of working within the charity sector as part of a busy and friendly finance team, perhaps whilst studying to complete AAT Level 4 or similar.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Baird and Co Recruitment, a specialist Social Housing recruitment firm, have been retained by The Yardley Great Trust Group and Sir Josiah Mason Trust in their acquisition of a Finance Director.
The role will work across both businesses following their partnership agreement in January 2023. Both businesses are steeped in the history of Birmingham, with the origins of The Yardley Great Trust Group going back to the 14th Century and SJMT’s beginnings in 1868. Their work in the Alms House arena is also highly individual, an area of support found in the heritage of SJMT.
The Finance Director role would ideally start swiftly and will take on a largely strategic direction whilst still requiring operational input.
Based in Olton, candidates with experience in a senior leadership role in finance whilst holding an understanding of how charities, housing providers or public sector organisations work will be highly advantageous.
The Finance Director post will cover many facets including, but not limited to:
Executive Leadership
- Working with the executive team to develop and manage the delivery of robust corporate, strategic and financial business plans
- Demonstrating positive leadership behaviours and bringing values to life within the organisational culture
- Effectively planning and providing for the resources required to action strategic and operational plans
- Undertaking quarterly reviews of the Charity's Risk Registers, reporting on major risks and mitigations at each Board meeting.
Financial Strategy and Control
- Leading on the delivery of strategic and annual financial business plans, ensuring viability is regularly tested through scenario modelling, appraisals, and stress tests
- Taking responsibility for annual budget and management accounts processes and preparation of statutory accounts
- Maintaining up-to-date reserves policies that meet the requirements of both the Charity SORP and RSL SORP
- Managing relationships with investment managers, ensuring regular review of performance and satisfaction
- Developing and maintaining effective systems of financial control that ensure that business plans are continually reviewed and reported on
- Maintaining overall responsibility for the computerised accounting system, including sales ledger, purchase ledger, cash book and nominal ledger
Treasury
- Being responsible for each Trust’s Treasury Management strategy and policy to ensure the availability of and flexibility of funding to support the achievement of strategic objectives and reduce exposure
Risk Management
- Leading on the development of risk management strategies and registers, audit frameworks, procedures and appraisal systems for capital projects and all other significant areas of risk.
Growth and Innovation
- To support the Chief Executive in the development of the Strategic Business Plans in a way that supports innovation and growth in services
ICT / HR
- Leading on the development and delivery of an effective ICT and Telecoms Strategy which supports mobile and agile working and customer relationship management that underpins our drive for excellent business
- Supporting with the development, implementation and review of an effective People Strategy which supports the vision and values of each Trust
- Reviewing the administration of all statutory returns and sector-relevant returns/surveys
- Leading on the annual remuneration review to approve or decline and make recommendations for salary increases
- Taking responsibility for the outsourced payroll and workplace pension scheme
- Overseeing the relationship with the outsourced IT support provider, ensuring optimal support to staff and monitoring performance against contract
- Working with and developing the use of financial accounting software to meet the operational and strategic development needs of the business
To secure the Finance Director post, the Trusts are seeking the below:
- Proven experience at a senior leadership level in a finance environment
- Experience preparing financial business plans, modelling scenarios and sensitivity analysis
- A track record of delivering on a range of other corporate support services such as IT or HR and Governance
- A relevant Professional Qualification i.e. CCAB or equivalent and membership of a recognised UK body desirable
- Up-to-date knowledge of all regulatory requirements including Finance, People, IT & Governance
- Experience developing services to achieve and support strategic organisational objectives.
The Trusts are also seeking a Finance Director who can demonstrate the values of SJMT and YGT:
- Personalised
- Dignity
- Innovation
- Excellence
- Honesty
- Fun
If interested or want to discuss other Social Housing Executive roles please get in touch with Matt Baird.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Salary: £46,920 (London) / £42,373 (National) per annum
Hours: Full time (but open to proposals including part time, job shares etc)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits:
· 27 days annual leave + statutory holidays + 3 closures days over the Christmas period;
· Flexible working for all staff including working from home / hybrid working, and flexi-time/TOIL scheme;
· Attractive family friendly policies;
· Private healthcare cover;
· Season ticket loans;
· Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.
For more information about our benefits please visit our website.
Location: London/Bristol - employees are able to work from home on an arrangement agreed with their line manager and we have colleagues based around the UK.
An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for a Policy Leader (Finance Policy).
The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around 6 million people.
This role is a crucial and exciting one within our policy team and the wider organisation. You will use your knowledge and understanding of housing associations and their finances to build strong relationships with Finance Directors across our membership, and use their and your specialist knowledge to shape the financial environment so that housing associations can best deliver on their social purpose.
Whether this is making a persuasive and evidence-based case to the government for additional grant funding to build new homes, or working with sector experts on the detail of accounting, pensions, tax or treasury policy, or meeting with banks, lenders, ratings agencies, UK Finance, HMRC, and the Treasury on behalf of our members, this role is central to our work influencing national social housing policy.
Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to download the full job profile and person specification for this role.
Key elements of the role:
· Shape and lead our policy work on key strategic issues for housing associations around housing finance – advocating for solutions and mitigating risks that affect the delivery of housing associations’ social purpose;
· Develop evidence and ideas on technical policy areas into salient policy solutions that will make a difference for the sector and influence government;
· Represent the NHF to senior colleagues in government, members and external stakeholders with credibility, expertise and political judgement;
· Communicate with and provide advice to members on critical changes to policy and the external environment.
The successful candidate:
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
· A strong and in-depth understanding of housing association finances and the operating model of housing associations (finance qualifications are not required, but a technical understanding of finance and accounting issues will be vital);
· An ability to lead the development of credible, robust, evidence based policy, including on complex and technical policy areas;
· An ability to communicate credibly, clearly and persuasively in writing and in person including to Chief Executives, senior government officials and finance professionals;
· An ability to draft, oversee, adapt and deliver complex plans for the delivery of multiple projects or programmes of work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBT+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.
Disability confident committed employer
We are a disability confident committed employer and if you are a disabled person who demonstrates you meet the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.
We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please contact Stephanie Green, People Manager with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.
Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.
Uploading your CV and cover letter
If you decide to apply for this role, when requested, please upload a version of your CV that does not include any personal details, such as name, gender, age etc. You should also ensure that you do not add your name at the end of the cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.
Right to work in the UK / UK VISA Sponsorship
You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.
Closing date for applications: 6 May 2024
Interview date: 16 May 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Are you detail-oriented with a passion for finance? Are you available immediately or on a short notice period? My client is seeking a dedicated Payments Officer to join their Finance team on an initial 6-month temporary basis.
My client is a leading charity based in central London seeking an interim Payments Officer to bolster their team on an initial 6-month temporary basis with a strong opportunity to get extended.
The main responsibilities of the interim Payments Officer are:
- Verify accuracy and authenticity of invoices and supporting documentation.
- Log invoice details onto the purchase ledger system for approval and coding.
- Match invoices with purchase orders and follow up on outstanding items.
- Communicate effectively with budget holders to resolve discrepancies.
- Prepare documentation for weekly payment runs and handle incoming queries promptly.
My client is looking for:
- Prior experience in accounts payable or similar role.
- Proficiency in using finance software and Microsoft Office suite.
- Familiarity with accounting principles and procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
My client can offer a flexible approach to working, with 2 days a week going into the office based in central London and the rest working remotely. There is also a strong opportunity for this role to get extended or go permanent.
Applications are under constant review and the post can close early if the right candidate is found. Please apply immediately if this role is of interest.
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
As the Chief Operating Officer at Quo Vadis Trust, you will play a pivotal role in leading the organisation through a transformative phase of growth and change.
Reporting directly to the CEO and spearheading the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for enhancing QVT's operating model across key functions, including Finance, People and Culture, Operations, Supported Accommodation and Care services.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We're looking for a temporary Revenue & Income Officer to join Your Place and be part of our dedicated team to help us with our mission to solve homelessness in east London, one person at a time!
About the role
Based within the Resident Services team, the Revenue Officer will play a critical role to help deliver an effective and high performing rent collection and recovery service in accordance with legislation, the organisation’s policies, set performance targets and customer satisfaction requirements.
In collaboration with the RSM and RI Team Leader and Finance Team to ensure that Your Place are compliant with all regulations and using robust policy and procedures. Support with the set up of the new Pyramid system and ensuring the right systems are in place to effectively manage the Revenue and Income stream and arrears of the organisation.
Maximising the organisation’s Revenue and Income by liaising with both internal and external partners including the Resident Services, Keyworkers, HB, DWP and directly with residents., and effectively managing the arrears.
This role will also manage the impact of welfare reform provisions, ensuring an effective advice and support service to residents to manage risk on revenue and income levels.
Contract: Temporary Contract (until September 2024)
Hours: Monday - Friday 37.5 hours
Location: Canning Town, London
Other responsibilities include
- Investigating and support clients with Housing Benefit Appeals
- To support our project to transfer all accounts from Inform to Pyramid
- Investigate and support to manage Overpayment Claims from Housing Benefit
- Ensure rent accounts are up to date and correct. Checking HB entitlements against PC rates and requesting adjustments accordingly.
- Chasing ex resident arrears
- To manage resident rent and accommodation charge accounts and other former resident debts, on a regular basis identifying trends and patterns on individual accounts and then liaise with Support Workers or residents to rectify income issues and address arrears in line with policies and procedures
- To contribute towards the continuous improvement of performance in line with the organisation’s service plan targets
- To work collaboratively and closely with the Finance officer and Revenue and Income Team Leader to ensure all rent accounts tally.
About you
- Demonstrable experience of working in a supported housing environment in a similar or related role for at least 5 years
- GSCE (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- Experience of working with software applications including Microsoft office and bespoke IT Systems.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and priorities workloads.
- Able to take ownership and deliver excellent customer service in a professional and confident manner
- Demonstrate a positive, flexible approach to team working.
- Ability to communicate with residents and colleagues effectively.
- Ability to provide customer focused and responsive services.
- Willingness to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the service
- Patient and pro-active
- Commitment to the Your Place values including diversity and inclusion
- Housing or a related qualification - desirable but not essential
About applying
When applying don't forget to answer the questions in our application process to tell us more about how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience to be successful in this role.
At Your Place, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that the different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better resident outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of peoples age, disability, sex, gender, identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and a right to work in the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The main purpose of this role is to support 1625 to raise vital unrestricted funds and pro-bono support, so the charity is able to deliver life changing projects to young people across the Southwest.
You will be pro-actively building relationships with businesses, individuals and community groups around Bristol and the surrounding areas. You will co-ordinate and attend fundraising events and ensure that young people are at the centre of all of our fundraising efforts. We also have two regular team office days per week.
You will be leading on our biggest fundraiser of the year, Sleep Out. Through this and other events, and guided by our fundraising strategy, you will develop new and existing relationships. These relationships will help raise vital funds and also secure valuable pro-bono and volunteering support.
You will be comfortable managing a varying workload and working with a wide range of people both internally and externally. By meeting people in person and attending events throughout the year, you will build support and champion the work that we do.
You will be detail orientated in your delivery and be driven to produce high quality events and fundraising communications.
This is a full-time role, and flexible working is supported.
Please find full details of how to apply via our website in the advert below. The deadline for application submissions is Wednesday 24 April 2024 at 23:59.
We are striving to better represent the young people we support and therefore are particularly keen to increase applications from ethnic minority groups, Muslim and male candidates as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. We also encourage applications from people with relevant lived experience.
If you need an adjustment to be made to any part of the recruitment process, please let us know as soon as possible.
Who are we?
We are a leading youth homelessness charity based in the Southwest, working with over 1,500 young people. At 1625 we are driven by Social Justice and Passion: we strive to do something that matters and take pride in seeing the results of our work in social outcomes and improving young people’s lives.
What you will be doing:
- Delivering a range of fundraising campaigns.
- Building strong relationships with businesses, individuals and community groups through regular meetings with key partners.
- Bringing creativity to the fundraising strategy!
- Working with our Communications and Marketing Officer to deliver an effective marketing campaign for all fundraising activities.
- Identifying meaningful volunteering opportunities for supporters.
- Ensuring the Customer Relationship system (CRM) is up to date.
You will be in the Funding and Communications Team and your line manager will be Katy Greenlaw, Communications and Community Fundraising Manager.
At 1625ip we are led by our Competency Development Framework. This connects our values to our behaviours in everything we do and gives us the tools to develop. The framework ensures our recruitment is better informed, applications and interviews are behaviourally based, and job profiles are developed on the ‘how’ of a job.
No prior fundraising experience? No problem! We believe in your potential and are committed to providing training and support to help you thrive. If you have transferrable skills and you are interested in this role, but you are worried about the application process, please get in touch with us. We encourage you to have an informal chat with the recruiting manager to discuss how your personal or professional experience and skills could be transferred to this role. Details of how you can do that are further down in this advert.
Contract details:
- Hours per week: 37.5 per week
- Contract type: Permanent
- Pay: £ 27,803- £ 29,269 per annum
- The location: You will be based in Kingsley Hall, in Old Market, close to Bristol’s main train and bus stations as well as the vibrant city centre. There is also flexibility and support to manage working from home.
A few benefits at 1625ip
In return for your dedication, we offer:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum plus all Bank Holidays
- Employee Health Cash Plan
- A supportive and approachable team with an emphasis on colleague wellbeing
“I feel grateful to work here every day! The work feels useful and worthwhile, and I feel like I am able to make a difference for our young people” (From Colleague Wellbeing Survey 2023).
“I couldn’t be happier with the opportunities and support I have received in my career progression that has led me to my dream job!” See what other colleagues have said about their career development with us on our website.
Important dates:
- Application deadline closes: 23:59, Wednesday 24 April 2024.
- If you have not heard from us by Monday 29 April 2024, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
- Interviews are on Thursday 02 May 2024 or Wednesday 08 May 2024.
Application information
Ready to see yourself in this rewarding role? We can’t wait to hear from you.
- To access the Job Pack and submit an application, please visit the vacancy page on our website.
- You will be asked to answer 4 amount questions at the end of the Word application form. These are required to ensure your application can be shortlisted.
- Please note the online e-application form cannot be saved so we recommend you prepare your Word application form before you start filling in the e-form.
- Please get in touch with us if a hard copy of the application form would be preferred. We will organise a time for you to collect it from and return it to Kingsley Hall (our main office in Old Market). An online application will then be created for you.
Contact us:
- To have an informal chat about the role, please contact Katy Greenlaw - please find her email on the job advert page on our website.
- If you have any queries, please email our jobs inbox - please find the email on the job advert page on our website.
- For support with your application should you need it, Future Bright - WECA provide free coaching.
Equal opportunities for everyone:
We believe those with a criminal record should have an equal chance to become employees or volunteers and encourage applications.
As an organisation who safeguard and promote the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, any job offer will depend on a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. We comply fully with the DBS code of practice and undertake to treat all applications for positions fairly. For successful candidates with a criminal record, a risk assessment process will take place with the recruiting manager.
We also pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer for everyone regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion and beliefs, sex and sexual orientation.
Please see our Policies section on the website, for further information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri, 7.5 hours per day). May be required to work occasional evenings and public holidays.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: In range of £58,000 per annum
Location: London, E8 4DG
Our client, Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA), is a housing association with charitable aims that create positive change in people’s lives. As well as homes and support, they empower people to learn, access work and discover their creative talents. Based mainly in Hackney, Islington, and Newham, they work with people who are homeless, have mental ill health, learning difficulties and multiple needs. PBHA work enables people to move on and lead independent lives.
PBHA are committed to an asset based and psychologically informed approach to their work. Mutual support, participation and personal development for both staff and service users are key to this.
The role:
Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Property and Development will oversee the provision of high-quality asset management and repair services in-line with PBHA values and strategic objectives. Working closely with the Director of Services, the successful candidate will aid in the identification, management and acquisition of opportunities that will enable PBHA’s strategic growth. The role will help to ensure that PBHA’s work, and homes, meet building standards, health and safety obligations, regulatory framework, and will always provide a high-quality service to PBHA tenants.
Key duties and responsibilities:
- Spearhead line-management of PBHA’s Property and Development Team through performance management and handling employee relations issues if necessary.
- Organise and coordinate work programmes.
- Lead Housing Development programmes ensuring compliance with building standards, health and safety and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in the recruitment, selection, induction and onboarding of team members.
- Participate in on-call rota and respond appropriately to out of hours incidents.
- Provide strategic and operational direction to enhance the long-term management and investment objectives of the property portfolio.
- Ensure PBHA’s assets are surveyed and data records are established and upheld to monitor property condition.
- Oversee and manage stock improvement and maintenance programmes, ensuring that they meet service standards and agreed budgets.
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, present to Board and Services Committee, offering recommendations in accordance with the Asset Management Strategy.
- Develop high quality policies, procedures and systems relating to Property and Development Service.
- Advise tenants and other PBHA teams on strategy and future policy implementation.
- Propose appropriate partnership development opportunities to the Senior Leadership Team.
- Monitor and evaluate service delivery, collating information for monthly, quarterly and annual performance metrics.
- Respond proactively to complaints regarding services, staff and contractors.
- Develop and implement new procedures in response to legislation changes and emerging best practice.
- Aid team in creating and maintaining good working relations with landlords, contractors and professional consultants.
Person specification:
- Experience delivering and improving Repairs and Maintenance Service, preferably for a Registered Provider or Charity.
- Substantial project or change management experience.
- Experience developing specifications for property related tenders and managing contracts.
- Revenue and Capital Budgets experience.
- Staff management experience.
- Building related qualification and professional body membership, e.g. RCIS/MCIOB, degree or HND in building management.
- Knowledge of project management, e.g. PRINCE 2/APM Techniques.
- Experience of housing development issues, funding, approaches and financing.
- Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation.
- Prioritisation and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Strong IT and data management skills.
- Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
- Communication skills, specifically with stakeholders.
- Committed to innovation and creating customer value.
Peter Bedford Housing Association offers in return:
- Excellent support
- Enhanced company sick pay
- Access to an extensive range of training
- A psychologically informed environment
- 26 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays, rising up to 30 days with service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Agile working.
To apply, please register your interest and we will send you an application form to complete. Using an application form supports equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
Peter Bedford Housing Association is an Equal Opportunities employer who support an inclusive culture and diversity for their staff and those they represent. They are committed to encouraging further growth from diverse groups, and welcome applications from people of all abilities and under-represented groups. Currently, PBHA have an underrepresentation from men and disabled communities. As such, they particularly welcome applicants from these groups.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Margins Project, Union Chapel’s Frontline charity, work with people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and helps address pertinent social justice issues these communities face.
The charity runs three integrated programmes:
• a community drop-in programme providing access to nutritious hot meals, and limited access to showers & laundry services.
• advice and engagement programme providing one-to-one as well as group advice service on benefits and housing, and onward referrals to pertinent services.
• support employment programme offers a paid catering training to 10 people who have had experience of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, and or imprisonment.
Our range of services are designed to help guests (service users) at varying stages, from having no roof over their head to getting back into employment.
This role offers an opportunity for an experienced adviser to help shape and evolve Margins services. Experiences on the ground at the drop-in programme inform the charity’s strategic direction. The role will involve expanding our partner network to link into pertinent statutory and other charitable organisations that provide services that will help our guests with their housing, substance misuse, recidivism, and mental health challenges.
We work closely with people on an individual case work basis to get guests off the streets, into hostels or temporary accommodation where possible, and work with private and social landlords on a range of issues. We support and represent the people we work with on the phone and in person, including at the council, the doctors, the job centre, and benefits tribunals.
Our drop-ins run on Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am to 1:00pm where attendance is currently from 65 to 75 guests. The advice and engagement worker works more intensively with smaller numbers of up to 20. The demand for more follow up work and advocacy support has been increasing over the last two years and this in-house advice worker is critical for this demand.
Working collaboratively with the Drop-in Community worker (currently vacant), the head chef, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, you will be responsible for the support of a caseload of guests, some with complex needs, and will undertake key work responsibilities including registering the guests, identifying their housing, benefit and personal needs and conducting all necessary follow ups including occasional advocacy support, where deemed necessary.
Job Title: ADVICE AND ENGAGEMENT WORKER
Responsible to: Head of Margins
Location: Margins Offices at Union Chapel, Islington, London
Salary: £32,500 - £35,000
Terms: Full time 37.5 hours per week with 1 hour unpaid for lunch.
Three-month probation, two months’ notice.
23 days annual leave + bank holidays. Workplace pension scheme (NEST)
Start date: May 2024
Purpose of Job:
• To advise and assist guests (service users) with benefit claims and related issues, e.g., Housing Benefit, DLA, PIP, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit, and other benefits. In particular, assisting them to claim Housing Benefit and UC to reduce risk of rent arrears.
• To develop significant contact and liaison with comparable housing and benefits advice organisations.
• To encourage guests engage with Margins activities, and where practicable, with the wider Union Chapel activities.
• To develop, facilitate and deliver group advice workshops/training programmes and open discussions forums to engage guests who historically do not engage with Union Chapel.
• To Refer Margins guests to relevant internal and external services.
• In liaison with the head of Margins and the chef to refer potential candidates to Margins’ Supported Employment Programme.
The Advice and Engagement Worker will have an active role in identifying and engaging guests as well as referring potential candidates to the Supported Employment Programme, a programme anticipated to expand beyond its current services in Margins catering.
Responsible For:
• Working with caseload of guests
• With the support of drop-in services community worker (currently vacant) to ensure the smooth running of the drop-in services
• Identifying opportunities to improve services both at a project and organisational level.
• Assist the Head of Margins in ensuring that the Margins Project remains GDPR compliant.
• Represent the organisation effectively internally and externally.
• Working in partnership with statutory and other charities to deliver co-ordinated support to guests.
• Identify relevant training opportunities in capacity building.
• Initial liaison with and acting as the first referral contact for the Supported Employment Programme
Key Duties:
• To encourage and assist guests achieve the maximum income from benefits to which they are entitled to, and to refer to relevant support services such as mental health, social services, community support.
• To advise guests on basic budgeting and where applicable to refer to Tenancy Support Officers or outside agencies for more complex help.
• To liaise closely with local authorities, social, and private landlords to try to achieve the best outcome for our guests.
• To identify if the guest is accessioning the right benefit that will support their long-term wellbeing.
• To support newly arrived refugees with their housing and benefit advice needs.
• To actively assist guests with formal appeals against Local Authority, DWP and HMRC decisions regarding benefit entitlement. Representing at Appeal Tribunals.
• To signpost guests to resources that can assist them in finding work.
• When needed, signposting guests to specialist providers in mental health or drug and alcohol support services.
• To Support guests on paying their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management.
• To Address breaches of occupancy agreements and develop strategies that would prevent and avoid eviction.
• To assist guests with backdated claims for Benefit by supporting their applications through to completion.
• To ensure all guests’ files are up-to-date and that data is captured on our management system.
• To provide written reports and statistics as and when requested.
• To attend supervision, training, and meetings as and when required.
• To provide advocacy support to guests as and when required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
• Good knowledge of the benefits system, including Universal Credit.
• Experience of working with homeless and marginalised people and understanding of the issues that face them.
• Experience of working or collaborating with people with mental health issues.
• Experience of working with refugees and their needs.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours.
• Embrace a strength-based approach.
• A clear understanding of professional boundaries.
• A knowledge of the best practice in Safeguarding Adult procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skill.
• Ability to work proactively as part of a team.
• Ability to plan, manage and action follow-ups on time and manage and contain workload.
• Proficient in IT skills and competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• Committed to personal and professional development through ongoing training.
Desirable:
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of providing advice to vulnerable groups
• Experience of delivering provision for the benefit of vulnerable backgrounds
Equal Opportunities:
• Ensure consistent and effective implementation of Union Chapel Equal Opportunities & Diversity policy and procedures.
• Positively promote an environment which respects and values the diversity of staff, volunteers, and Guests.
This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Advice and Engagement Worker. It is therefore not comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the postholder and the line manager from time to time. The post holder may undertake any other reasonable duties within the capabilities and scope of the post as specified by their line manager. In such circumstances appropriate training will be provided.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a support statement, both no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experiences to meet the criteria of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start with “Advice and Engagement Worker” in the subject line. Please also complete our Equal Opportunities Form.
Closing date: Tuesday 30 April 2024, 8am
Interviews will take place w/c 13 May 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.