Social Welfare Jobs

Location: York Crown and Magistrates Court, with regular travel to Scarborough and Harrogate.

Citizens Advice offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. Through our national network of charities, we give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a difference, every single day, to people from all walks of life? The people that turn to Citizens Advice need help overcoming an obstacle in their lives – from debt to evictions to trouble at work – and you can be key to them getting the support they need in the quickest, easiest, and most effective way.

About us 
The Witness Service has over 260 staff and 3000 volunteers and offers free, independent, impartial and confidential support and information to 15,000 witnesses each month to give evidence in every criminal court in England and Wales.

Last year, Citizens Advice helped 2.6 million people face-to-face, by phone, email and webchat, and we received 25 million visits to our digital advice content. We solve 7 in 10 clients' problems, and 4 in 5 tell us that advice improved their lives.

The Role

As the Deputy Team Leader (Court Services), working alongside Team Leaders you will be responsible for the delivery of the Witness Service within your court/s. 

You will share responsibility for the effective coordination and development of volunteers who support witnesses in their journey through the criminal justice system.

You willbe responsible for general service administrative tasks within the courts, as well as inputting service data.

Who we are looking for

Do you have experience of working as or alongside volunteers?

Are you looking to develop your management skills or for a new challenge?

We are looking for someone who is a great motivator who thrives on leading teams to deliver positive outcomes.

We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, who can adapt to and manage change. Someone who has administrative skills and is computer literate to a high standard.

We look for people to help us improve and transform our organisation. We can offer you the opportunity to make a genuine impact and create lasting change within an organisation that makes a difference in the lives of millions of people every year.

If you would like to apply, please submit an anonymous CV and a cover letter that addresses the following criteria. Please give examples in your covering letter to help demomstrate the following criteria:

• Experience of delivering or supporting delivery of effective front line services to a diverse range of clients and stakeholders.
• Experience of working with a team of  volunteers or as a volunteer.
• Experience of working directly with a diverse range of clients or service users.

This post is subject to enhanced vetting and barring check.

The National Citizens Advice Operates from offices in England and Wales, with 4 regional offices based in Cardiff, London, Birmingham and Leeds, therefore all successful applicants must be based within England or Wales.

Please be aware that Citizens Advice is not a sponsoring organisation. Therefore the successful applicant must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure the right to work in the UK independently.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is of strategic importance within the organisation and recognised as integral to all we do as a service. Central to pursuing our EDI mission is building diverse and inclusive teams in which everyone has a sense of belonging. We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins all our EDI work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from people we would like to see better represented in our organisation and sector - people of colour, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. We follow the social model of disability. We will offer an interview to disabled candidates who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident Interview Commitment where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.

Citizens Advice seeks to redeploy internal staff who are at risk or under notice of redundancy and will prioritise them in the recruitment process where necessary. If you have been confirmed as at risk or under notice of redundancy please ensure you indicate this in the at-risk box in your application.

Please note, in the event of a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the application early.

This vacancy closes at 23.59 on the closing date.

Make a difference

This is an exciting opportunity to join our new service supporting Unpaid Carers across Lewisham to improve their health and wellbeing, and access support that meets their needs.

The team works with unpaid Adult Carers, Young Adult Carers and Young Carers, completing statutory and holistic assessments to understand people’s individual circumstances and level of need. You will carry out home visits and community meetings, co-produce support plans, and develop effective relationships with Unpaid Carers, families, and professionals.  

You’ll build on your local knowledge to signpost and facilitate access for Unpaid Carers to support services, including financial and benefit advice, housing, health and safety home systems, and leisure and social activities. You will also support the development of escalation plans so that Unpaid Carers are prepared for unforeseen circumstances that would impact negatively on ability to care.

Applicants should have relevant personal or professional experience of working with Unpaid Carers and/or vulnerable adults or children in a social care, health, education or voluntary and community sector. You’ll need a practical understanding of barriers faced by Unpaid Carers, and an awareness of cultural differences and access to services. Experience of working in mental health or dementia services would be an advantage.

You should be an excellent communicator and able to motivate and empower others. This is a full-time role.

Don’t wait. Apply today!

We offer our employees:

• Inclusive values-based environment
• Competitive remuneration package
• Workplace pension scheme
• Generous 31 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Opportunities for hybrid working
• Benenden Health Care
• Death in Service Benefit
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Supported Volunteering scheme
• Development opportunities
• and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion, and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

35 hours  - possible job-share

Location: Based in Sefton, Merseyside.

The cost-of-living crisis is biting hard for many people in Sefton and demand for our advice services is rising, and people seeking training or work or with poor health need encouragement to ask for help in navigating the benefits system, or deal with money worries. We are looking for an adviser to work in South Sefton Foodbanks to provide face to face advice, primarily with benefit issues. You will work from foodbanks the majority of the time and also have weekly day/s based with our Welfare Benefits team in our Bootle office.

This is a genuine opportunity to join a passionate and dedicated high-performing team of advisers, caseworkers and money advisors to help people in Sefton with the problems they face, particularly with Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, better off calculations and other welfare benefits and debt.  92% of our clients agree or strongly agree they would recommend our advice service to other people. 

You will have a thorough understanding of the issues involved in interviewing and working with clients, and in particular vulnerable people, with excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with clients and our partners.

As well as a competitive salary Citizens Advice Sefton also provides access to:

• Generous annual leave of 28 days (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays
• 7% employer contribution pension
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free VDU eye care test
• Professional and advice sector recognised training

For a job pack that contains more information about the role and our organisation and the online application please go to our website via the apply button.

Closing date for applications: 3rd May 2024 5pm

Interviews in-person or online: Wednesday 8th May 2024

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two key individuals to join the team at Basis Yorkshire as a Sexual Exploitation Specialist (LGBTQ+). You will be providing bespoke trauma informed 1-1 and group work for Young People who have experienced, who are experiencing or who are at risk of sexual exploitation. 

Our energy for and commitment to our work makes us a vibrant and resilient organisation with a strong and compassionate workforce.  We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people who have experienced or are experiencing child sexual exploitation, can embrace our core values of respect and trust and will support us in providing a unique service through their creative approach.

Basis Yorkshire is an award-winning charity that was founded in 1995 and now operates across Yorkshire. This is a unique opportunity to join a challenging and vibrant organisation, working with women and young people who are involved in sex work or being sexually exploited. For more information about what Basis Yorkshire does and its values, please visit our website.

Basis is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian backgrounds, those who experience racism and those from the LGBTQ+ community as they are currently under-represented within our staff team. Equally we encourage applications from experts by experience. All appointments will be are made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description. You will be based in Leeds and may need to work some unsocial hours. There is some free parking but parking near the office will also be reimbursed.

Basis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. This post will be subject to enhanced DBS check.

In addition to being part of a fun, dynamic and vibrant workforce, we offer a benefits package including flexible working, contributory pension (4%), childcare vouchers, funded external supervision and an Employee Assistance package, 35 hour full time week.

We are looking for a reliable and committed person to be part of our team of advisors providing information, advice and emotional support to carers, working collaboratively with colleagues and other organisations to achieve this.  Experience of providing such support is essential and prior working with carers desirable.

The work is primarily telephone based, but there are times when face to face support is required.The role may also include undertaking talks and presentations to both promote and raise awareness of the service and our organisation.

Closing Date: Monday 13th May 2024 9am

Interview Date: Thursday 23rd May 2024

Hours: 37.5 Full Time (part time may be considered)
Location: Various locations in the London Borough of Hounslow
Closing date: On an on-going basis until filled – we reserve the right to withdraw this job opportunity early if this vacancy is filled
Interview date: To be arranged directly with shortlisted candidates.

Citizens Advice Hounslow is a well-established charity operating in the London Borough of Hounslow, supporting over 10,000 clients a year. We want to expand our capacity for face to face and telephone advice; hence we are looking for an experienced generalist Adviser with the ability to provide advice in person as well as on the phone through our dedicated helplines.

In particular, the role requires you to:

• conduct a thorough holistic exploration of the problem(s) to gain an accurate picture of the client’s situation
• do a benefit calculation as standard for clients
• give full advice and support to clients to resolve their issues
• where necessary, make a referral or signpost clients
• write up case notes to Citizens Advice national standards

For more information about the role and the criteria to apply for the post, please download the Job Description and Person Specification.

We might consider strong trainee advisers who have completed the adviser training and have been exposed to sufficient practical generalist work (about to achieve the adviser certificate or an equivalent qualification).

Please note: We can only respond to successful applicants. If you do not hear from us within three weeks from receipt of your application, please assume that it has been unsuccessful.

We offer a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, pension contribution, and training and opportunities to continue your professional development.

We consider applications from all applicants who meet the person specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

You will be working with children and families to provide trauma informed support with the aim of reducing trauma symptoms and rebuild relationships.

You will receive support and training and a competitive starting salary of £20,000 for a 28 hour week. Reduced hours may be possible by agreement. This is a two-year fixed term post with the possibility of becoming permanent after two years.

We are looking for someone who will work with professionalism, empathy and kindness, have knowledge of working with children and families who have experienced trauma due to abuse and have a trauma informed, child focused approach. Experience of working with complex family situations where there are safeguarding concerns with the ability to assess risk is required.

You will be based at our office in Redhill and you must be able to reliably commute to the office. 

For further information (including a full Job Description and Person Specification) please read the Candidate Pack.

We follow NSPCC safer recruitment guidelines and we do not accept CVs, please complete the application form within the candidate pack

The Role

We are looking for a coordinator to carry out the delivery of our Vocational Qualifications and Funded Modern Apprenticeship Programmes.

The role includes course and funding administration, communication with students and teaching staff, registration with external bodies, and maintenance of student records.

This post requires essential knowledge of IT with a clear understanding of data input and good data management principles, attention to detail and the ability to follow strict timelines in accordance with our funders, as well as adhering to contract requirements. You must be knowledgeable in using Microsoft office packages, be keen to learn various administrative procedures and to use database systems, both internal and external. We also require good communication and organisational skills.

We continuously recruit students for our various programmes throughout the year, so the successful candidate will have a flexible approach and the ability to prioritise. We are a small organisation so the ability to work independently and to self-motivate is essential, as well as being a supportive member of a small admin team.

About Us

Training for Care is an educational not-for-profit organisation delivering vocational training and short courses in Social Care and Childcare. We have a long history of providing high quality learner focussed training to all levels of staff in the sector and we work with a variety of organisations, from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Training for Care is based in Edinburgh and delivers training throughout Scotland.

Hours/Salary

This post is part time, 28 hours per week. We can offer a hybrid approach, however 3 days in the office environment is preferred (EH7 5QY)

Salary: £25,000 Pro Rata (Full-Time Equivalent (FTE))

Closing date: Friday 3rd May 2024.

LGBTQ+ Heritage Project Worker

Responsible to: Communications and Engagement Manager

Hours: Full time 37 hours (job-share considered)

Salary: £23,100

Based: Remote, with direct work in Milton Keynes

Contract: Fixed term for 1 year

Closing Date: Friday 17th May

Q:alliance provides support, information and representation for the LGBTQ+ people who live, work and play in Milton Keynes and Bedford. We have detailed knowledge of the issues and challenges that organisations and individuals face locally. It’s our goal to create more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is well represented and supported.

This exciting new role will help deliver the directives of a history and heritage project funded by the Heritage Lottery. The project will support the erudition of LGBTQ+ heritage in Milton Keynes, advancing local communities’ understanding of Milton Keynes’ LGBTQ+ history and inspiring a commitment to encapsulating, celebrating, and feeling connected through shared heritage. This post will be key to extending our reach into seldom asked communities, as well as securing relationships with founding community members. This role will support our Communications and Engagement Manager to develop safer spaces for LGBTQ+ local communities through collaboration with partner agencies and delivery of LGBTQ+ cultural competency training to a range of stakeholders involved in the wider project.

You will work cross-departmentally and participate in effective monitoring systems to ensure robust reporting.

Main Responsibilities

• Project Development - Develop and implement the directives of the funded project, supporting key partners in their collaboration with Q:alliance. Communicate project aims with communities and stakeholders and establish meaningful engagement in the concept of encapsulating heritage and celebrating differing LGBTQ+ identities in Milton Keynes. Support the gathering of audio histories and the collection and succession of community artefacts through the archive. Evaluate and analyse impact.

• E-book creation – Support the Communications and Engagement Manager on the development of an E-book to capture the outputs of the project, including key heritage findings and personal stories.

• Event coordination – Plan, organise and support the delivery of history clubs in line with the project plan, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of invested community members. Support the curation of associated exhibition events.

• Stakeholder and community engagement – Work with the Communications and Engagement Manager to plan engagement and outreach activities in line with the directives of the funded project. Forge and support enduring relationships with key partners, strengthening our commitment to building an alliance of cross-sector compassionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in its diverse forms.

• Training – Support the development and delivery of LGBTQ+ cultural competency training to a range of stakeholders involved in the project.

• Data capture and intelligence - Support Q:alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work.

Skills and Experience Expertise

• Experience of project management and/or community engagement

• Experience of training and/or education delivery

• Excellent planning, organisation and administrative skills

• Experience of the voluntary sector Communication

• A flair for adapting communication techniques dependent on context and audience

• Ability to use negotiating and persuasion skills to resolve issues and spotlight community needs

• Aptitude for inspiring others to engage in community needs-led project directives Behaviours

• Skills in forming constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels

• A demonstrable track record in effective public engagement

• Passionate about equality and the rights of LGBTQ+ people

• An ability to listen with empathy to the views of communities and team members

• Competence to work on own initiative and demonstrate forward thinking

• Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage

Desirable

• Event planning experience

• Experience in arts and/or exhibition curation

• LGBTQ+ lived experience

What you’ll bring to the team

You will serve as a prominent point of contact for the LGBTQ+ Heritage Project and encourage long-term advocates of our organisation and the community’s engagement in history, heritage and legacy work. You will elevate the team’s commitment to the funded project, providing concentrated time and resources to ensure its success. You will improve the ways in which our team communicates and responds to the needs of seldom heard members of the LGBTQ+ local community, inspiring innovation in our engagement with heritage concepts.

The Project Assistant will have responsibility for the following documents.

• Heritage Lottery Grantee Monitoring documents and final report

• Monthly reports to the Communications and Engagement Manager

Closing Date: Friday 17th May 2024

Interview Date(s): Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th May

Please note: CVs and Cover Letters will not be accepted for this position. An application form sent to the specified recruitment email address is requested. 

Citizens Advice Wirral is a local charity that supports Wirral residents by providing advice, information, casework and social prescribing services. We assist clients with a range of issues including benefits, debt, employment, housing and life challenges that affect their health and wellbeing. Citizens Advice Wirral also actively works for change in the policies and practices of organisations that impact our clients - we are passionate about the difference our Research and Campaigns work can make to people’s lives.

Our values shape how we as an organisation operate and how we work with each other across all roles: Open and Honest, Professional, Empowering, Non-judgmental and Approachable. They apply to all areas of our advice-giving, our research and campaigns work and how we challenge discrimination and champion equality.

We are recruiting for a Help To Claim adviser to provide support to people making a new Universal Credit claim and work with them up until they receive their first correct payment. This role will involve working across a variety of channels including telephone, web-chat and video conferencing.

Working for Citizens Advice Wirral has a range of benefits including:

• A generous holiday allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days) plus bank
• holidays (pro-rata)
• Agile working, including up to 5 additional days of flexi leave each year
• (pro-rata) and both home and office-based days (role dependent)
• A contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

To find out more and start your application please go to our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 5pm 28th April 2024

You will be working from the Haverfordwest Office, as well as being home based, and travel throughout Pembrokeshire is essential.

Salary: Band DP3 (2) - £23,550 FTE this is £18,840 actual for 28 hours a week and £14,130 for 21 hours a week

Hours: 21hours or 28 Hours per week depending on suitable candidate

We are looking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic, hard-working experienced Information & Advice Officer to join our organisation.

You will be committed to providing up-to-date information and advice to older people and their carers in outreach locations, via telephone, online and face to face. Working to approved quality standards, you will be responsible for the effective delivery of providing advice covering a range of topics including (but not exclusively); Welfare Benefits, Housing, Social Care and local services.

Closing date: There is no formal closing date. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled. If you are interested, please therefore apply as soon as possible.

Interviews: To be confirmed – via Microsoft Teams

This is fixed term contract funded initially until November 30th 2024 and subject to review and funding thereafter.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Provide advice covering a range of topics including (but not exclusively); Welfare Benefits, Housing, Social Care and local services.
• Provide support in managing financial issues, maximising income, payment plans, budgeting and claiming welfare benefits.
• Provide support to older people to build personal and wider community resilience and live healthier and more connected lives in their own homes for as long as possible, thereby, reducing isolation, loneliness and increasing their independence.
• Provide support with available housing options, e.g., private rented, social housing, shared accommodation.
• Work with partners to obtaining aids and adaptations to assist individuals in remaining independent in their home and reducing the impact of frailty.
• Develop a working knowledge of the information resources and office systems, which support the advice service, using them effectively and contributing to their continuous improvement.
• Keep up to date on relevant changes in the law, policies, and procedures, both locally and nationally, as they apply to and affect older people and their carers.
• To provide and maintain statistical information and case records in line with data protection regulations.
• Contribute to the maintenance of local information systems.
• To work as part of a team with other advice staff and volunteers.
• To liaise with outside agencies including Social Services and Department for Works and Pensions on behalf of clients, and for the purpose of establishing close working links.
• To make home / outreach visits as necessary
• To assist with the training and supervision of the advice volunteers.
• Promote the service to local partners and those over 50.

Experience of delivering Welfare Benefits Advice is required.

Do you enjoy collaborating with people and are you looking for a role where you can make a positive difference, work creatively, learn, and do something different every day?

Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre are working in partnership with Wychavon District Council to recruit a Communications and Community Builder to work in and around Pershore and the surrounding villages.

The contract is for an initial 18-month term.

The initial focus of the Community Builder role is to research and establish a deep understanding of the area, collaborating with local residents and existing organisations to uncover the key community assets and skills of local residents.

The role involves ‘Supporting and encouraging residents to be active in their local community and helping them to take the lead on topics that are important to them.’

Confident at all levels and ‘have an interest in community led projects and services.

“As part of the role we also want someone to help showcase the work to the community and play a lead role in our communications. This means we can share community stories, local information, and the work of our organisation to inspire others to get involved.”

You will have the skills to create graphics, infographics, videos, and posters and also be competent at event organisation.

The successful applicant will be motivated, flexible in working hours, and a real people-person. Access to a vehicle to get around the area is desirable for which expenses will be paid.

The role is based within the team at Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre and is an exciting new role, with potential to make a significant long-lasting impact in the Pershore and south - Wychavon neighbourhoods and communities

Closing date 3rd May 2024. Interviews 15th May 2024

About Citizens Advice Camden
We are a well-respected local charity with more than 80 years’ experience of delivering free, independent and impartial information, advice and casework services which meet the changing needs of local residents. Our aims are to provide the independent, impartial, confidential and free advice people need for the problems they face and to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. 

​We target our services at the most vulnerable in our community. Our client profile closely matches local indices of deprivation with most of our clients coming from the most deprived wards in the borough. We identify trends to ensure our services remain agile and able to respond to changing and emerging advice needs.

​About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a new initiative, providing generalist advice to service users of Mind in Camden. This new project will develop to meet the needs of service users and so you will need to be flexible in your approach.

​You will be an experienced Generalist Adviser able to work in partnership with staff at Mind in Camden to support their service users. Clients will either self-refer or be referred from the core team at Mind in Camden.

​Advice will be delivered both face-to-face and remotely according to individual needs. Face-to-face advice will be delivered at Mind in Camden offices and those of Citizens Advice Camden. This role is not suitable for remote working only.

​You will need to be experienced in delivering generalist advice on issues such as welfare benefits including Universal Credit, housing, money advice and cost of living issues. You will also be available to support Mind in Camden staff in identifying suitable referral routes to support their service users so that overall needs are met. This role is not available as a trainee position.

​​Closing date for applications: 9.00am Monday 29 April 2024

Interview date(s): 8-10 May

Purpose of project

The work should build on the previous State of The Sector report which was produced in 2020 and can be found here. This will be used to inform decision-making and new ways of working between the public sector and the VCFSE (voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise) sector.

Background

In 2020, there were over 2,700 charities registered with the Charity Commission as active in Somerset. While the majority are based within the county with a local remit, many others have a broader sphere of activity spreading beyond the county’s boundary. There are also hundreds of additional formal and informal or unregistered voluntary groups across the county. 

Together, these make up the local VCFSE sector, performing an essential role in strengthening their communities and enriching individual lives. It is vitally important for the well-being of Somerset’s communities and residents, that the ‘health’ of the sector is monitored and understood. Throughout the Covid pandemic, and the cost of living crisis, these groups provided a lifeline of support and services to individuals within their communities, and they continue to do so. However, these organisations have been hard hit in recent times due to increasing demand and challenges around sustainability and capacity. It is more important than ever to understand the state of the sector and what it needs to grow, develop and thrive in Somerset.

Scope of work

Spark Somerset is committed to innovative and creative approaches to support our communities. We invite interested researchers to design and deliver a mixed-methods approach to the research which will likely include: 

• Scoping: conduct an in-depth review of national and regional research; evaluate findings; compare, contrast & report on findings 
• Survey: design, develop and administer an online survey which gathers evidence from a range of organisations across the sector (e.g. size, type, purpose); analyse, collate and report findings
• Interviews: recruit and conduct telephone/video/in-person interviews with a cross-representative sample of stakeholders
• Focus groups: recruit and conduct focus groups with a cross-representative sample of stakeholders

Deliverables

The researcher will be expected to:

• Produce a comprehensive report detailing results of the research, including recommendations (see the previous State of The Sector report, published in 2020)
• Produce an executive summary of the report along with an illustrative infographic
• Present the results of the research to the steering group

For further information about this opportunity and how to apply, please visit our website.