Advice information jobs

Reports to: Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space Manager

Location: Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space (CHWS), Whitgift Centre, North End, Croydon CR0 1LP (additional locations may be identified in the future)

Hours:36 hours per week (full time), Monday to Friday with occasional weekend working required             

We are looking for 2 Advice Workers to join the team at the Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space (CHWS).

Croydon Health & Wellbeing Space (CHWS) is an exciting and dynamic service, run in partnership with Mind in Croydon and Croydon BME Forum and commissioned by South London and Maudsley Mental Health Service (SLaM). The CHWS opened in 2022 with the aim of providing advice, information, and specialist support to Croydon residents with mental health concerns, who drop-in, or have been referred to the via the local Integrated Care Network Plus multi-disciplinary clinical and community mental health support teams.

The Advice Workers will be part of a friendly team, including crisis workers and clinical mental health professionals and function as the first point of access for visitors to the CHWS. Following an initial conversation to ascertain the clients’ needs, the Advice Workers will provide information and advice, as well as signposting and referrals to specialist services, such as the Mental Health Personal Independence Co-ordinators, Social Prescribers and Community Link Workers, in addition to the wider voluntary and statutory services in the borough. The role will be fast paced and vary each day offering a fantastic opportunity for the postholder to develop their knowledge and skills and make a difference to the users of this service.

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham and Walworth and outreach locations across Southwark and South East London. We sort out problems together, for good, by providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice across all areas of social welfare law, and through using the experience of our clients to bring about positive change through research and campaigns. 

Gateway Assessor

NJC Scale 2 - £28,948 to £29,337 per annum

Full-time – 35 hours per week

The role will assist in providing a quality service to clients through face to face, telephone and digital gateway assessment by supplying accurate, personalised, relevant information and guidance. You must have:

• Recent experience of undertaking the role of Gateway Assessor or of providing information, advice and guidance to the public either through face to face, telephone and emails including experience of exploring clients’ problems and identifying appropriate next steps.
• An understanding of the main enquiry issues involved in assessing clients' problems
• Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening and questioning skills to understand the needs of others, especially in the context of telephony
• To understand, empathise with and be committed to the Service’s aims, principles and equal opportunities policies

Closing date: 9.00 am Monday 24 August 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 26 August 2026

In return, we can offer you a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, an employer matched pension contribution up to 10% of gross salary, an Employee Assistance Programme and training and development opportunities to continue your professional development.

Citizens Advice Southwark is an equal opportunities employer and encourages 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.

Head of Health Information and Support

Permanent

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum, plus benefits

London N1

Full time – 37.5 hours a week 

We're a hybrid working employer, meaning you're required to come into the office on average 2-3 days per week, currently Tuesday and Wednesday or Thursday

Closing date: 11.59pm, Mon 31 August 2026

First Interviews: 9/10/11 September 2026

Second interviews: 22/23 September 2026

 

An exciting opportunity for a Head of Health Information and Support has arisen at World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

World Cancer Research Fund champions the latest and most authoritative scientific research from around the world on cancer prevention and survival through diet, weight and physical activity, so that we can empower people to make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk.

We are seeking an inspiring, strategic and collaborative leader to shape and deliver WCRF’s Health Information and Support strategy across three core audiences: the general public, health professionals and cancer survivors. The team turns WCRF’s scientific evidence on cancer prevention and survival into practical, accessible information, training and support based on our Cancer Prevention Recommendations. The postholder will lead and develop the team, ensuring its work is innovative, evidence-based, high quality and demonstrably effective.

Working across Science, Policy, Fundraising, Communications and Engagement, you will create new ways to share our health information, improve existing resources and services, and build impactful partnerships. You will ensure that public and patient insight shapes our work from cancer prevention to survivorship, strengthen programmes for health professionals and make effective use of digital channels. Responsibilities include contributing to our Medical Education programme, participating in working and steering groups and speaking at national conferences, networking at events, engaging corporate audiences and acting as a spokesperson in broadcast and print media. Ultimately, you will help establish WCRF as the go-to source of information and support on the links between cancer, nutrition and lifestyle.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record of implementing strategy, developing business and operational plans, and leading high-performing teams. 

You will bring substantial experience in areas such as health information or education, working with healthcare professionals, UK health policy, health science or research, or marketing health information and services. You will be confident in measuring impact, managing budgets and using data to improve performance, with strong knowledge of non-communicable diseases and issues including nutrition, obesity, diet and physical activity. An excellent communicator and relationship-builder, you will be proactive, creative and results-focused, able to operate at senior management level and open to using digital, AI and other emerging tools to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

Application Details:

If you are interested in this role and feel you possess the necessary requirements, please submit a current CV and covering letter (maximum 2 pages) by the closing date. You must have current right to work in the UK.

Please note: Your cover letter should highlight how your skills and experience will benefit WCRF and equip you for the role.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

This is a 2-year funded post with specific responsibility to improve and increase our support to those over 65 who are experiencing financial hardship

In the brand-new role of team leader, you will take on the responsibility ofproviding structured line management to our existing advice service. Supporting our four skilled and experienced part-time advice workers, while also expanding the service.

You will coordinate and deliver advice and information to new and existing groups including our own Older People’s Lunch Clubs.

Establish new satellite provision, delivering finance workshops, and drop-in services, and providing additional delivery capacity.

Ensure our Advice and Information team keep up to date with changes to legislation and support mechanisms so that they are empowered to support people in a holistic way. This will include signposting service users to the most appropriate support both internally, to other parts of our service, and to other external support.

You will lead on our efforts to gain the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) to ensure our service is of the highest professional standard.

You will represent ICCM on relevant panels and network groups across Greater Manchester. This ensures our service is connected to the wider support landscape and integrated with city and region-wide initiatives.

You will be expected to take on a limited caseload of one-to-one appointments providing advice and information to people.

Between drop-in, group sessions and one-to-one case load it is expected that you will work based on approximately 2 days per week being direct delivery. This is once the role has been fully established.

The Team Leader will focus on:

· Increasing organisational capacity, extending our reach and reducing waiting times.

· Coordinating and developing the team, ensuring the service continues to respond to changes in the welfare system, and that updates are communicated effectively across the team and to the people we support.

· Developing the AQS framework to improve and ensure the quality of work.

· Increase capacity to develop links with other stakeholders and VCFSE, building on existing connections and forging new links with other agencies and referral pathways.

· Ensuring our casework, feedback and monitoring (including our CRM system) is accurate and up to date, so we can best show the impact of our work.

· Supporting our Irish Traveller work to ensure all residents can access our services. 

· Contribute to the delivery of culturally specific training to professionals within health and social care across Manchester.

Key Responsibilities:

· Day-to-day supervision and coordination of the Advice and Information Team, under the direction of the Advice and Advocacy Manager

· Provide regular individual supervision to each team member

· Develop culturally specific approaches to supporting older people across Manchester who are experiencing financial hardship. Including extending our reach to new people/areas and ensuring information is available, accessible, and in an appropriate format.

· Lead on attaining the Advice Quality Mark.

· Develop our service knowledge to take account of changes to the benefit system, council tax and energy prices.

· Provide oversight of the referral and booking system and the Case Management System to ensure all client activity is recorded. Working with the Administrator and other staff to ensure the smooth delivery of services.

· Review and enhance the outcomes monitoring system for the service. Ensuring good data collection and reporting internally and for funders.

· Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and make referrals where necessary in line with ICCM’s policies and procedures.

· Manage a restricted caseload

· Maintain accurate and timely case records and ensure follow-up actions are completed.

Organisational Responsibilities

• To ensure you fully embrace ICCM’s values in all your work.
• To promote the work of ICCM.
• To work as an accountable member of the staff team, working within the charity’s policies and procedures e.g. Equal Opportunities, Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Data Protection, Health and Safety.
• To attend, chair and participate in team meetings.
• To participate and engage in supervision and appraisal provided by the manager.
• To attend external panels, groups, conferences, etc. locally, regionally and nationally as directed by line manager.

It is the nature of the work at ICCM that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All staff are therefore expected to work in a flexible way, when the occasion arises, when tasks not specifically covered in their job have to be undertaken.

This role delivers one to one case work including ongoing support to resolve both immediate and crisis situations, in the main relating to welfare benefits, referring to appropriate support agencies and other ICCM services promoting a multiagency approach. The aim of the service is to empower people through access to appropriate support services and improve quality of life, health and wellbeing.

This is a fixed term role to cover for Maternity Leave (9 Months)

· Delivering client focused, culturally appropriate support services for the benefit of members of the Irish community in Manchester on an appointment office basis, drop in service, and on outreach for those with mobility issues facilitating access to mainstream health, housing, education and employment services.

• To provide support to members of the Irish community who are vulnerable through age, poor physical or mental health, homelessness, risk of homelessness, drug/alcohol use, offending, hate crime, social and cultural isolation etc.
• To complete an initial assessment of Service Users’ needs, presenting issues and risks, making onward referrals to statutory and other voluntary support agencies as appropriate for people to access specialist support
• An understanding of how to deal with people who have experienced trauma.
• Inputting all client based work onto the CMS; maintaining accurate and up to date case files and reporting.
• To facilitate the successful running of ICCM’s health and well being activities as required.
• To promote the wider work of ICCM, facilitating pathways to support where needed.
• To be aware of and maintain best practice in safeguarding.
• To commit to continuous professional development and keep up to date with best practise in the sector.
• To attend relevant training, conferences and seminars locally, regionally and nationally as directed by line manager.
• To participate and engage in supervision and appraisal provided by the manager
• To work as an accountable member of the staff team, working within the charity’s policies and procedures
• It is the nature of the work at ICCM that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All staff are therefore expected to work in a flexible way, when the occasion arises, when tasks not specifically covered in their job have to be undertaken.
• To ensure you fully embrace ICCM’s values in all your work.

Use your skills to make a real difference for local families facing hardship. As a Adviser with Citizens Advice Peterborough on the Peterborough Foodbank project, you’ll meet clients via prebooked face to face or telephone appointments, listening to what’s going on, exploring their options, and helping them take their next steps forward.

This is a hands‑on role delivered in partnership with Peterborough Foodbank, where your ability to talk to people, build trust, and communicate clearly matters more than previous advice experience.

We’ll train you to use our resources so you can provide advice and guidence on the issues that often sit behind food poverty including income, benefits, debt, housing and employment. You’ll help clients understand their rights, explore practical options, and feel more confident about the future.

If you’re compassionate, curious, and motivated to help people move out of crisis, this role gives you the chance to make a genuine impact every single day.

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham and Walworth and at outreach locations across Southwark and South East London. We sort out problems together, for good, by providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice across all areas of social welfare law, and through using the experience of our clients to bring about positive change through research and campaigns. 

Are you an experienced debt advice specialist ready to step into a leadership role? Do you want to use your technical expertise to support a team making a real difference in South London?

We are seeking a Money Advice Technical Supervisor to lead our dedicated debt and money advice services in Southwark. In this vital role, you will ensure our community receives the highest quality financial guidance while directly shaping the skills of our frontline advising team.

What you will do:

• Lead Quality Assurance: Conduct file reviews and case audits to maintain compliance with FCA regulations and the Advice Quality Standard (AQS).
• Support the Team: Act as the technical point of escalation, providing daily guidance, coaching, and feedback to advisers and volunteers.
• Manage Complex Cases: Oversee high-level casework, including Debt Relief Orders (DROs), bankruptcy, and severe housing arrears.
• Drive Performance: Monitor team outcomes against local project targets to ensure efficient and impactful service delivery.

What we are looking for:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience delivering specialist money or debt advice.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or checking the work of other advisers. 
• Ability to manage a challenging caseload, meet targets and prioritise work in the face of competing demands on your time.
• Ability to respond sensitively to clients from a variety of backgrounds who are under pressure and negotiate with third parties in order to minimise conflict.

Closing date: 9.00 am Monday 24 August 2026

Interviews will take place on: Thursday 27 August 2026

For further information and an application pack please go to our website via the apply button.

We offer a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, an employer matched pension contribution up to 10% salary, and training and development opportunities to continue your professional development.

Citizens Advice Southwark is an equal opportunities employer and encourages 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.

Use your skills to make a real difference for local families facing hardship. As a  Assessor with Citizens Advice Peterborough working with Peterborough Foodbanks, you’ll be the friendly, confident face at Foodbank sessions approaching clients, listening to what’s going on, and helping them take their next step forward.

This is a hands‑on, in‑person role delivered at Peterborough Foodbank locations, where your ability to talk to people, build trust quickly, and work closely with Foodbank volunteers matters more than previous advice experience.

We’ll train you to use Citizens Advice resources so you can provide information, signposting and support that helps tackle the issues behind food poverty.

If you’re compassionate, confident starting conversations, and motivated to help people move out of crisis, this role is perfect for you.

About the role

We're looking for a friendly, proactive Advice Caseworker (Outreach Specialist) to join our high performing Advice Service.

This is a unique role combining student advice and outreach. You'll provide one-to-one advice to students on academic matters, while also developing and delivering engaging outreach activities that help students understand the support available to them.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working with people, is confident communicating with a wide range of audiences, and is passionate about improving the student experience. You'll be equally happy supporting students in appointments as you are delivering workshops, attending events and building relationships across the University.

If you have experience supporting people, excellent communication skills, and enjoy making a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Join a supportive, ambitious team and help ensure every Imperial student knows where to turn when they need advice.

What you would be doing

You wil provide confidential, impartial advice and guidance to students on academic regulations and procedures, helping them understand their options and navigate challenging situations. Through appointments, meetings and written correspondence, you will support students in resolving issues while maintaining accurate case records and ensuring a high standard of service delivery.

Working closely with College departments and external organisations, you will help students access the support they need and contribute to identifying trends and emerging issues affecting the student experience. Your insights will help inform the Union's advocacy work and support positive change across the University.

Alongside your advice responsibilities, you will develop and deliver a programme of outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the Advice Service and wider Union initiatives. This will include promoting the service at Welcome events, delivering presentations, maintaining a visible presence across campuses and building relationships with key stakeholders to ensure students can easily access support.

You will also measure the impact of outreach and engagement activities, using data and feedback to continually improve the programme. In addition, you will contribute to training students, colleagues and elected officers, participate in relevant meetings and working groups, and support the Union's strategic commitment to student wellbeing, engagement and empowerment.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a compassionate and proactive individual who is excited about supporting students and helping people navigate challenging situations. You will have experience providing advice, guidance or one-to-one support through appointments, meetings, calls or similar settings, with the ability to build trust, communicate clearly and maintain confidentiality. You will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and produce clear written communications, while demonstrating a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

You will also be confident engaging with a wide range of audiences and promoting services through presentations, events or other outreach activities. Experience of encouraging participation, building relationships and delivering impactful engagement initiatives will be valuable, as will an understanding of the issues affecting students and young people. Above all, you will be someone who enjoys working collaboratively and takes a student-centred approach to their work.

The full requirements are set out in the Job Description and Person Specification.

What we can offer you

Please note this role is with the Students’ Union. We’re a registered charity in our right, with our own governance, systems, processes, and objectives. However, we work extremely closely with Imperial College London, so you’ll also be joining a wider community of staff working within higher education. If you’ve never worked in a students’ union, or are unsure why it’s different, we encourage you to get in contact. It’s a brilliant place to work.

As an employee of Imperial College, you will be part of lively community and work in a friendly and relaxed environment. Our aim is to provide to all our employees an encouraging and relaxed working environment with an emphasis on personal development and work-life balance. Based on that we offer:

• flexible working hours
• generous pension scheme
• 25 days holiday (plus 6/7 extra days per year for College Christmas and Easter closures)
• bicycle loan scheme
• season ticket loan
• health benefits
• excellent professional development opportunities and many more.

More information can be found on the Imperial College London Benefits page.

Further information

To apply for the role please complete the online application form.

We are running a characteristic anonymised application process for this recruitment as part of the College’s commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination. Applicants will be assigned an application reference number and applicants’ names will not be visible to recruiting managers until the interview stage. You will not be required to attach a CV. Please also refrain from including your name in your supporting statement.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People team (contact details on College page).

Closing date: 16 August 2026

Interviews will be expected to take place week commencing 24th August 2026.

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and other racial minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. If there are any reasonable adjustments needed through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, every role within Imperial College Union contributes to our environmental and social goals. This includes actively participating in initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices within every department.

Advice Services Manager

10-Month FTC | 4 or 5 Days Per Week | Hybrid Working - London
£36,565 pro rata | Immediate Start

I am delighted to be working with a respected community charity to recruit an experienced Advice Services Manager to lead a busy multi-site advice service supporting people with welfare benefits, housing, debt and immigration issues.

This is a hands-on leadership role managing staff and volunteers, overseeing day-to-day service delivery, driving quality and compliance, and helping shape future service development.

You’ll also maintain a small caseload to stay connected to frontline support and community needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support advice staff and volunteers across multiple sites
• Ensure high-quality, compliant advice delivery
• Oversee case management, reporting and service outcomes
• Drive service improvements and quality assurance
• Support training, safeguarding and team development
• Work closely with senior leadership on service growth and impact

About You

• Experience managing advice services within the charity/community sector
• Strong knowledge of welfare benefits, housing, debt or immigration
• Skilled in team leadership, service improvement and reporting
• Confident using case management systems and data
• Organised, proactive and community-focused

Hybrid working, immediate start, and the chance to make a real impact within a values-led organisation.

If you have the above skills and experience and are immediately available, please apply online today!

Please apply as soon as possible. Applications will be considered as they are received, and the vacancy may close early once a suitable candidate has been identified.

At Age UK Kensington & Chelsea, we believe that ageing should be about living well — staying connected, independent, and fulfilled at every stage of life.

We’re a vibrant, values-led local charity and proud partner of the Age UK network. Every day, we work alongside older people to design and deliver services that promote wellbeing, independence and dignity. From supporting people to manage their health, to tackling loneliness and influencing local policy, we put people and communities at the heart of everything we do.

Our Information and Advice service provides rights-based information, advice and advocacy on Welfare Benefits, Social Care and Housing options; practical assistance with individual grant applications, accessing social tariffs, blue/purple badge and taxi card applications. The service is delivered through a range of channels, including face to face, telephone, email and digital, across Kensington and Chelsea borough.

This is an exciting new role for us - to help shape our Information and Advice service, a service we're proud to dleiver within the community. If you're passionate about helping people, have experience of working as part of a team and are seeking a new challenge then get in touch!

The role is 21 hours per week.

Due to the number of applications we may not be able to respond to all unsuccessful applicants.

Could you play a key role in ensuring residents in our care homes receive safe, compassionate and high-quality care every day? We are looking for an experienced Quality Assurance Manager, with strong knowledge of CQC regulations, to support and work alongside our small, close-knit team across the Royal British Legion’s six care homes.

In this role, you will help our care homes deliver our Quality Assurance Framework and internal audit schedule in a way that supports learning, consistency and continual improvement.You will spend time undertaking planned and ad hoc audits, helping teams understand what is working well and where improvements are needed. You will also review the quality of internal audit activity and improvement plans, making sure any concerns are raised clearly and promptly with the Head of Quality and Care Standards.

A key part of the role will be helping our homes stay safe for everyone who lives, works in or visits them. You will provide quality assurance oversight of health and safety compliance, making sure audits, reporting and escalation processes support safe environments for residents, staff, visitors and contractors. Your audit reports will help show where positive change is happening and give senior leaders confidence that our internal standards and regulatory requirements are being met.

This is a great opportunity to use your quality assurance experience to make a real difference. You will work closely with home teams, Quality & Performance Managers, Registered Managers and senior care leaders, building relationships and helping to create a culture where learning, improvement and accountability are part of everyday practice.

We are looking for someone who brings strong experience in quality assurance, audit and improvement within a regulated care environment. You will be organised and analytical, but also approachable and supportive, with the ability to turn audit findings into practical actions that help teams deliver safe, high-quality care.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

*This role is homebased with regular travel.

Employee benefits include -

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%, depending on length of service
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

CLOSING DATE 23 AUGUST 2026  - INTERVIEW DATE 02 SEPTEMBER 2026
(Salary Band D2 - In line with SUBU’s pay framework, new employees are appointed at the lower end of the salary band).

Purpose of Role

This position entails offering advice and support on an individual basis through email, phone, or in-person meetings. You will maintain thorough records of all student interactions by effectively utilizing the case management system. Additionally, you will collaborate with other departments within SUBU to design, implement, and execute campaigns and events aimed at raising awareness of the
current issues impacting BU students.

To provide accurate and comprehensive advice, guidance, and representation to Bournemouth University Students on a range of issues including academic, housing and financial matters in accordance with BU and SUBU policies and relevant legislation. And supporting students through personal circumstances such as suicide, sexual misconduct, abuse, harassment, violence, racism and discrimination. To maintain an excellent level of understanding of BU’s policies and procedures to ensure high quality advice and support is given to students. This role also supports students to prepare for and attend formal meetings relating to the continuance of students’ academic studies, for example Academic Offence Panels and Fitness to Practice Panels. We aim to empower students by advising them and giving them the information to make informed decisions. The post holder will maintain an excellent level of understanding of BU’s policies and procedures to ensure high quality advice and support is given to students.

Key Tasks

• Advice and Guidance Duties: directly helping clients as a key objective, providing accurate advice, support and signposting or referrals as appropriate. Supporting students to prepare for and attend various BU panels. Maintain knowledge and understanding of policies, issues and legislation relating to advice for clients. Staff must have access to relevant legal material and keep up to date with the law in adherence with the Advice Quality Standard.
• Support/Mentoring Duties: Work as part of a team, support other team members when they require case support to ensure the best outcomes for the students. Supporting students to prepare for and attend various meetings & panels.
• Advocacy: attending Academic Offence Panels, Fitness to Practice Panels, University Panels, Support to Study meetings with the student, monitoring and challenging the panel where the meeting or process has not followed procedure as defined by policy, and to advocate for the student in the meeting where required. Also attending additional meetings with students where additional support and guidance is required. 
• Welfare support: assisting students when in crisis, using professional judgement and policies/ procedures to inform the approach taken with each individual, which may involve creating a crisis plan. Administration Duties: Maintain clear, timely and accurate case records. 
• Communication Duties: between clients, team, SUBU staff and Officers, University staff, other external contacts and use of social media.
• Organisational Duties: organising client meetings, prompting staff and students for input into various matters, supporting the day-to-day operational function of the department. Manage and prioritise own case load, effectively managing time and systems to record cases, monitor deadlines, carry out research and respond to clients with the information they require within an appropriate timeframe. 
• Data Duties: maintain and manage various client record and information systems.
• Compliance Duties: Supporting the delivery of operational plans, policy, and departmental objectives, ensuring that services operate within their legislative responsibilities Maintain confidentiality in line with the SUBU Advice policy, and principals of the Advice Quality Standard framework. 
• Reviewing & Evaluation Duties: participate in SUBU strategic planning and development sessions, ensuring all areas of engagement to reflect SUBU.
• Networking Duties: Develop and maintain effective working relationships Maintain strong relationships and partnerships with the University, Wellbeing organisations, Local organisation, and other relevant organisations such as Advice UK, Citizens Advice Bureau, Shelter.
• Key Union Events Duties: Supporting SUBU when asked to assist with the organisation and administration of the larger Union events such as Freshers, Summer Ball, Open Days May require weekend working during peak union events.
• Professional Development - Attend regular training to develop knowledge, skills
  and expertise.

General for all staff

• Key Union events duties: proactively to assist with the organisation and administration of Union events such as Fresher’s Fair and the Summer Ball.
• Staff must always adopt and endorse the company’s strategy and values as well as all supporting policies, across all aspects of the role.
• Participate in training, meetings or conferences considered relevant to their job with agreed Personal Development plan.
• Carry out your duties with full regard to the rules, policies and procedures and conditions of service contained in the staff handbook.
• Abide by the Organisation’s policies and procedures.
• Adhere to all health and safety legislation.
• SUBU is committed to promoting, educating, and taking direct action on environmental sustainability. All SUBU employees are expected to integrate environmental sustainability values and action into their role where feasible.
• To undertake any other task that is deemed reasonable within your skill set.

Person Specification

• Excellent communication and listening skills. 
• Ability to contribute to a positive team working culture and motivate others especially in times of high demand and critical delivery.
• Experience of providing advice and representation in one or more of the areas covered by the Students' Union's Advice Service, including using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Flexible; responsive to changing demands.
• Excellent attention to detail & ability to provide accurate information.
• Professionalism and discretion.
• Balanced judgement when considering courses of action.
• Understanding of diplomacy and neutrality.
• Positive attitude towards problem-solving.
• Awareness of the issues involved in working in a confidential environment and of the need to maintain professional boundaries and use appropriate referrals in advice work.
• Resilient temperament with the ability to hold sensitive and difficult conversations with people in a distressed or acutely affected state.
• Patience and empathy. 
• Commitment to excellent customer service.
• Knowledge of the application of the Advice Quality Standards.

JOB TITLE:                  Welfare Benefits Support and Information Officer / Advisor

ORGANISATION: Big Local Works – Charity No: 1182561

LOCATION:                       Big Local Works 4 Market Place, London SE16 3UQ

CONTRACT TYPE:           6-month / Fixed Term contract  (Sickness Cover)

REPORTING TO:             Charity Manager

General Information

Big Local Works (BLW) is a community-focused economic support and regeneration charity based in Bermondsey, South East London. We want to help create a thriving, inclusive local economy and community in which everyone can participate.

To make this happen, we maximise local people’s financial and economic wellbeing to reduce poverty and hardship, and give them support to find sustainable, active routes out of poverty, including through employment and enterprise.

We deliver our support in the community through three main services:

· Expert welfare and benefits advice and advocacy for local people experiencing poverty and hardship

· Employability Skills training and coaching to help people access ways of increasing their earned income

· Start-up and enterprise support for clients who wish to start trading on the local ‘Blue Market’

Our current Welfare Benefits Advisor is on leave of absence, so this role is temporary cover until the end of the year. We are looking for someone for an immediate start.

The role of the Welfare Benefits Support and Information officer is the relief of financial need by the provision of free advice, information, support and advocacy for Southwark Residents

Key Tasks include:

· To provide a generalist welfare benefits advice, information and casework service to clients using the services at BLW

· To provide a review of possible benefit entitlements and support clients to make claims, submit forms and applications as appropriate.

· Ensure advice service provided by BLW is effective and efficient, meets best practice and is of a consistently high quality, delivering a high level of customer care and client satisfaction.

· To provide welfare benefits support in a variety of settings i.e. drop-ins and community spaces, to provide advice and information, and welfare benefit checks to ensure individuals have accessible support.

· Help clients understand benefit decisions, represent clients who have been turned down for benefits, deal with reviews, and, where appropriate, prepare for and attend appeals tribunals.

· Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

What you need to bring:

· A good understanding of the Welfare Benefits system to deliver an advice casework service

· Good administration skills and ability to develop own caseload and prioritising work.

· Ability to use IT, Word and Excel in the provision of advice

· Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information

· Numeracy skills required to understand statistics and check calculations

· Use IT for statistical recording, record keeping and document production.

· Able to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders

· Keep up to date with legislation, policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training.

· Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the BLW’s service.

· Abide by health and safety and safeguarding guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.

· A good understanding of- and commitment to the aims and principles of the charity and its equal opportunities policies.

· Willingness to learn and develop skills in advice topics

You will benefit from

· Holiday -  FTE 25 days plus Bank Holidays so for 6 month contract at (0.4 FTE)  it would be 5 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

· A great working environment and culture within a small, but growing, charity dedicated to improving lives in our community

If you are passionate about supporting individuals and communities facing poverty and improving their lives, and have the skills and experience required for this role, please apply.

MAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2 days per week (0.4 FTE)

Hours normally 9-5 pm but flexible to accommodate outreach, research and training needs

Annual salary: £12,000 for 2 days / week (£30K FTE)

DBS check essential