Advice Jobs in Sutton, Greater London

Location: The post holder will have a normal place of work in Hampton Hill, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and will be required to travel throughout the borough to support our other offices and outreach venues.

About the role:

We are pleased to offer you an exciting opportunity to join our advice team at Citizens Advice Richmond as a generalist adviser.

In this role you will be working alongside volunteer advisers, and be responsible for providing generalist advice to clients, including advice about financial confidence, welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, immigration, discrimination and other areas of public and social welfare law.

You will work alongside our existing projects and services, which are already seeing a large number of clients affected by cost-of-living issues.

The role will focus on responding to clients by email and giving advice over the telephone. There will also be some face to face interaction with clients when needed. It will be helpful to have experience of supporting new trainees.

We are a friendly and diverse office. We support clients across our community, and aim to reach the most vulnerable and excluded in our community.

Normal working hours 9.00 – 17.00 excluding lunch break. Some evening attendance is required at governance meetings – time off in lieu will be offered.

Closing date for applications:Rolling – if we fill the role we will withdraw the advert

Are you passionate about supporting people to uphold their rights?

Disability Advice Service Lambeth (dasl) is Lambeth’s peer-led Disabled People’s Organisation.  

We want to appoint a Professional Advocate who shares our ethos and values and is committed to supporting Lambeth residents achieve their legal rights.

dasl have provided an advocacy service for Lambeth Council for 12 years and since 2020 we have played a key role in the Lambeth Advocacy Hub, a single point of access for all statutory independent advocacy services for Lambeth residents aged 16 and over. We manage referrals and enquiries and provide independent Care Act advocacy and a range of non-statutory advocacy.

We provide a high quality service - we hold the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark. You will hold, or be working towards, a qualification such as the Certificate/Diploma in Independent Advocacy (Level 3), or be able to show the necessary skills and relevant experience in a formal or informal advocacy role. 

dasl’s success comes from dedicated work of our skilled staff, many of whom are Disabled people. You will be valued for who you are in our supportive and friendly team.

We work flexibly between home and office. Our office in Brixton is accessible.

This is a rolling recruitment - applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed as soon as possible. We encourage you to apply as soon as you are able.

Community Advice Works is an established community charity based in New Cross in South
East London. As the only charity in the London Borough of Lewisham offering a general
drop-in advice service, we are a critical source of support to vulnerable residents. We have
built a strong reputation within the Borough for providing high quality, independent, person-
centred welfare and housing advice. The organisation employs several part-time staff and
has a team of volunteers. In addition to providing advice we currently deliver a domestic
violence project at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital.

Like many charities in the advice sector, CAW is going through a process of change. We are
looking for an experienced and community-driven individual with a strong set of managerial
and interpersonal skills, preferably with a background in advice work, to maintain the strong
structures and reputation for excellence that we have developed.

As service manager, you will work with our friendly staff and trustee team to deliver our vital
service. We pride ourselves on providing a flexible, inclusive and rewarding work
environment, and are parent-friendly. Our community links and reputation are very important
to us, and we are looking for a service manager who shares our commitment to community
and public service - whether your experience is the public, private or charity sector.

Key duties

• Staff and volunteer management
• Line manage staff by providing support and supervision as needed, conducting regular performance reviews, and identifying staff training needs
• Oversee recruitment, training, and management of volunteers to ensure they are properly supported and equipped to help meet CAW’s service goals

Service delivery

• Ensure high quality and timely service delivery in line with the Service Level Agreements with our various service partners
• Identify any issues with service delivery and help develop cost-effective solutions to them as appropriate
• Compile and maintain accurate statistics on service performance to share with funders and CAW trustees
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with our key service partners through regular engagement, including attendance at regular service partnership meetings
• Engage regularly with our funders and other key stakeholders to build and maintain positive working relationships, and provide them with timely reporting on our service performance as needed 
•  Update service level agreements with existing funders, and draft new agreements as needed
•  Interact with clients as needed in a friendly and professional manner

Administration and Finance

• Ensure day-to-day administrative processes are functioning smoothly, and that necessary policies and procedures are up to date
• Line manage work of receptionist/administrative support worker

Fundraising and Marketing

• Help identify new funding and other revenue-raising opportunities
• Support the work of the fundraising sub-committee in preparing funding applications
• Work with trustees and external vendors to ensure CAW website is kept up-to-date
• Work with trustees and external vendors (as appropriate) to develop a social media presence for CAW
• Identifying and supporting efforts to increase CAW’s profile in the local community and to build relationships with key local stakeholders as appropriate Governance
• Prepare monthly reports for the trustees on service performance
• Maintain good lines of communication with trustees on all operational matters
• Attend trustee board meetings as needed

Person specification
Essential criteria

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a managerial role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•  Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, including ability to manage a diverse range of working relationships in an effective, empathetic but professional manner
• Experience of working in a busy environment, managing competing work pressures and prioritising tasks appropriately to ensure key deadlines are met
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience preparing reports and compiling service statistics
• Ability to think strategically, to identify problems and devise effective solutions
• Ability to work on own initiative, within established practices and procedures

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge and experience of advice work
• Experience with fundraising
• Experience with financial management in the charitable sector
• Knowledge and experience of the local community and voluntary sector in Lewisham

Part time or Job share applications welcomed

About the Role

We are looking for a self-motivated individual with proven ability of managing and supervising a team.  You will have recent relevant experience of working in a local Citizens Advice or similar advice organisation, and be able to demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the issues facing local communities.

This role involves the supervision of advice sessions, providing guidance and assistance to those working in our Epsom office as well as to staff working from home or in outreach locations.

The post is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the day to day service and the implementation of consistent processes to maintain quality standards.

In addition you will manage volunteer advice staff and work closely with the Training team to support their training and development.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to make a difference in people’s lives, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society and helping them to find a way forward.

About You

• Highly motivated with proven ability of managing and supervising others including the ability to develop and motivate staff as well as give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively. 
• Recent relevant experience of working in a local Citizens Advice or similar advice setting.
• Ability to plan and manage your own work and the work of others in a pressured environment, including: setting priorities; meeting deadlines; and monitoring performance
• Flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team including advice work if required.
• Ability to identify ongoing training needs and deliver appropriate support to ensure high quality of service.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in the use of IT systems, including office, case management and benefit calculation systems.
• Commitment to work within the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service, demonstrating an understanding of issues affecting society and the implications on our clients and service.

For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button.

Interview date: 7th May 2024

We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.  We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.  We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, as they are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Do you want a job where you can really make a difference?

Do you enjoy working with people?

We currently have an exciting opportunity to join the Carers Information Service as an Advice and Assessment Worker.

The Carers Information Service was established in 1997 and is part of the John Whitgift Foundation. We are a small, friendly team dedicated to providing free advice, information and support to carers in Croydon.

Offering a wide range of services including health and wellbeing activities, carer's assessments, respite care, bereavement support, digital and printed publications, meeting room hire and much more. We are supported by Croydon Council and work closely with colleagues across the borough from the voluntary and community sector, NHS, and local authority.

As an Advice and Assessment Worker your main responsibilities will be to focus on the Carers Assessment Service in line with the John Whitgift Foundation, Croydon Council and Care Act requirements. This will also include giving advice, information and support to adult carers who are looking after a relative, partner, friend or neighbour of someone who needs help due to illness, disability, or old age.

Based in the ground floor drop-in service at the Carers Support Centre, alongside other Advice Workers, you will provide this service via email, telephone, online and face-to-face. The ability to work well in a team is essential!

This role is for 35 hours per week.

As a Croydon Good Employer, we are recognised for ensuring our employees are paid a fair wage, for the support we provide to the local community, and the creation of job opportunities. 

All our staff benefit from an attractive remuneration package, including:

• Discounted school fees for staff working at or for Foundation schools.
• Membership of the BUPA health cash plan scheme, which gives financial support towards the cost of optical, dental, and medical costs as well as a free 24 hour Healthy Minds service for all staff
• GP hero service – free easy video and telephone access to a GP
• Membership of a generous money purchase pension scheme for all support staff and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) for teachers.  Both schemes include 3 x salary life assurance cover
• Free access to an employee discount Club, which offers discounted rates on a range of products and services, including gyms, insurance, holidays and travel, fashion and retail
• Season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and car leasing scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Are you looking for a change in career that can offer you flexible working in an interesting purpose driven role?

We’re the Portman Group, the UK’s self-regulatory body for alcohol marketing and we are looking for someone to provide advice and training to the alcohol industry on our marketing rules.  We have two Codes of Practice: the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks and the Alcohol Sponsorship Code.  Each Code outlines a set of responsible marketing rules that the alcohol industry must abide by.  Our primary purpose as a regulator is to protect those who are vulnerable, particularly those who are under-18.

No previous experience of working in the alcohol industry or marketing regulation is necessary as full training will be provided.

Why you?

We’re interested to hear from candidates who have experience in training, learning and development or stakeholder engagement.

We’re specifically looking for someone who has the ability to speak to groups of people with a personable, informative style whilst teaching delegates the basics of responsible marketing in the alcohol industry.  We’re also looking for someone who can provide clear written advice to companies on how products and promotions may be viewed under our Codes of Practice.  We’re the only organisation of our kind in the UK which is why we are looking for individuals with transferable skills that we can train up on the specifics of the role.

Why us?

We’re a small organisation with a big mission and we recognise the importance of a work/life balance.  We can offer flexibility and understand that this looks different for each candidate.  We’re open to considering those who would like part time or compressed hours.  At a minimum, we need someone to work three days a week spread across the week but there is scope for four days or a schedule that works around school hours for the right candidate.

Our office is based in Borough High Street and we currently work Tuesday/Wednesday in the office, with Monday, Thursday and Friday working from home.  The nature of this role means that you will sometimes have to travel to deliver a training session in person which you can schedule within your work hours.  With the shift to hybrid working, a large amount of our training is delivered virtually online.

You’d be joining an organisation with an important mission where protecting those under-18 plays a significant role in our regulatory work.

Benefits Package

· Salary £38-42k pro rata depending on hours

· Bonus scheme – potential to earn up to additional 8-10% of base salary depending on performance and length of service

· Optional contributory pension scheme (up to 5% of salary)

· Can be part time if requested (minimum of 3 days a week but open to flexi hours)

· Flexible working split typically between London Bridge office and working from home (for the right candidate we are open to discussing working from home with occasional travel for team days)

· 28 days annual leave per annum (pro rata) plus Christmas office closure

· Private Healthcare

· Season ticket loan.

Details of role

· Deliver training and briefing sessions on the Codes and on alcohol social responsibility. This includes delivering sessions virtually and in person within the UK.

· Responsible for responding accurately and promptly to written requests for advice on product marketing from producers and their agencies alongside other members of the Regulatory Affairs Team.

· To raise standards of responsibility in the industry by undertaking proactive trademark searches of newly registered products and providing unsolicited advice where necessary.

· With the support of the team, provide internal and external reporting analysis of advice requests on a monthly basis.

· Monitor product innovations via social media and press publications to identify emerging trends and provide unsolicited advice where necessary.

· Support the team in drafting blogs, newsletters, industry advice pieces and an annual Regulatory Affairs Report.

· Support the team in wider regulatory communications, including distribution of content.

· To support the Regulatory Affairs team more widely by:

o Attending industry events;

o Assisting with the recruitment of new Code Signatories;

o Providing project support as required.

· To be flexibly deployed on any other work as required by the Director of Regulatory Affairs or Chief Executive, taking into account the needs of a small organisation.

Skills, knowledge and experience:

1. Proven experience of presenting, delivering presentations or public speaking to varying levels of stakeholders, this can include teaching;

2. A personable and engaging presenting style;

3. Ability to make sound and consistent judgements;

4. Excellent written and oral communications skills to convey these judgements, with the ability to write clearly, accurately, concisely and appropriately to all correspondents;

5. A persuasive, authoritative manner with the ability to remain calm;

6. Excellent administrative skills and high standards of personal organisation;

7. Competence in use of Microsoft Office;

8. Ability to work on own initiative and be self-motivated as well as enthusiasm for being a team player in a very small organisation with a big mission.

The closing date for applications is 5pm 10 May.

Job Purpose: To develop and manage, to a high standard, Age UK Bromley & Greenwich’s Information and Advice Service. To be responsible for the effective delivery of the I&A Service which will be delivered through a range of channels, including face to face, telephone, email, digital, and other means, across the Bromley and Greenwich boroughs.

Key Responsibilities:

Line management and supervision

• Provide line management and supervision to advisers and support staff.
• Supervising team advice sessions and casework
• Manage the practicalities of the advice session and ensure adequate staffing and resources.
• Undertake monthly supervision with individual team members and annual appraisal.
• Ensure referrals are actioned and clients are supported in a timely manner.
• Develop team competence in key advice areas. (Benefits, Housing,  Social care)
• Provide technical support to advisers and identify areas of further development for individuals and the team.

Support learning and development

• Support the team to embrace continuous learning and development and provide timely feedback on cases reviewed.
• Make recommendations for staff training and development areas of need.

Staff recruitment and development

• Create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well-managed, dignity at work is upheld and everyone can do their best.
• Participate in recruitment and selection activities as delegated.
• Undertake new  staff induction.
• Ensure the team receive appropriate support, supervision and appraisal and have opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Quality assurance and reporting

• Undertake Independent File Reviews ( IFR) and monitor the quality  to meet quality standards and service level agreements
• Maintain and develop  QAS/ AQS standards incl. renewal process.
• Ensure remedial and developmental issues are identified and acted on to develop individuals, improve the quality of advice, and ensure clients do not suffer detriment due to poor or inadequate advice.
• Keep technical knowledge up to date and provide technical support to advisers.
• Maintain a case load as demonstration of ongoing personal development and learning.
• Undertake advice work as required e.g. during staff absences.
• Provide statistical reports on outputs and outcomes as required by funders and management
• Review and implement outcome measures for the work of the I&A team, including an annual survey of clients.

Partnership working and development

• To manage networking/ liaison with other local key stakeholders and organisations and feed into wider local engagement and community development work.
• Develop effective partner relationships with referral agencies across  both boroughs, and to refer/ signpost cases to external agencies as appropriate.
• Represent the organisation at outreach and community events as required, continuing to raise the organisational profile and develop wider awareness of our services.
• Work with colleagues to develop marketing materials, give talks and presentations, identify outreach opportunities .
• Identify opportunities to develop and grow the wider information and advice service

Public Voice is a partner in the Haringey Advice Partnership (HAP) which is delivering the Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service in Haringey from April 2022 to March 2025 with an option to extend for a further four years. Our role is to provide information and signposting for health and social care enquiries and develop the outreach and engagement activity to identify needs in the community and target specific community groups who are less familiar with IAG services.

The HAP Project Manager is responsible for managing Public Voice’s overall contribution to the Haringey Advice Partnership and project, ensuring Public Voice meets and reports on its targets and outcomes. This includes leading the outreach activities for HAP on behalf of Public Voice, arranging and attending drop-in sessions across the borough, and working in close collaboration with a variety of community stakeholders to reach those in need of HAP support.The Project Manager will be an active member of the HAP programme management team.

If you have experience and an interest in community development and enjoy working and engaging with people and are passionate about assisting and helping people navigate and receive the correct information and support that is available within the Borough for their particular needs we would like to hear from you. 

You will need to be approachable, able to relate to people having good communication skills with an understanding attitude and experience of working with diverse communities and partners.

About Public Voice 

Public Voice is a Community Interest Company (CIC) with a mission to improve neighbourhoods, the lives of the people who live in them and the public services they use. 

Through our work, we ensure people in the community are heard – bringing together diverse voices and including those who find themselves marginalised or are rarely reached by service providers. We take a user-centred, co-production approach to understanding individuals’ and communities’ needs, and translate that into meaningful insights for service providers in government, public health, and housing. The results are better outcomes for residents and service users, more effective and efficient services for providers, and stronger and healthier neighbourhoods. 

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.

Job Title: VAWG Advice and Advocacy Case Worker in at least one of the Community languages (Arabic, Kurdish Sorani and Farsi)

Duration: Fixed contract for 12 Months – subject to extension

Hours: Full time (part-time can be considered too)

Location: London, Archway

Report to: VAWG Services Manager

Salary: 27K per annum/ pro-rata for part-time

Holidays: 25 days + Public Holidays/ pro-rata for part-time

Aims of the Position

To provide specialist and culturally competent support in mother tongue and to address the immediate and long-term needs of Kurdish, Middle Eastern and North African (KMENA) women who might be at risk or survivors of Domestic Abuse, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation and the so-called Honour-Based Abuse (Harmful Practices). To meet women’s needs through provisions of information, advice, and advocacy case work, as well as signposting and referrals to appropriate services.

Main Duties

➢ To receive initial referrals, identify and assess the needs of service usersin accordance with KMEWO’s Policies & Procedures for efficient and timely responses to their issues.

➢ To offer information, advice, and intersectional advocacy to KMENA women and girls who are affected by domestic Abuse and Harmful Practices.

➢ To carry out comprehensive risk assessments and draw safety plans for service users supporting them to access safe accommodation/refuge and referring them to specialist agencies if needed.

➢ To maintain accurate and up to date records, files, and case notes in accordance with KMEWO’s policies and procedures. 

➢ To gather statistics and data for monitoring and evaluation purposes, providing reports as required. ➢ To ensure that service users can access interpreting services when required.

➢ To work closely with partner agencies to manage risk appropriately, deliver coordinated and comprehensive support packages and to make appropriate referrals to other services as required.

➢ To be updated of developments and legislation around issues affecting service users.

➢ To develop skills by undertaking relevant training and self-development for a better understanding of issues faced by service users (Domestic Abuse and Harmful Practices)

➢ To comply with Aims and Values of KMEWO and its Equal Opportunities policy.

➢ To ensure the framework of quality standards set down by KMEWO and local authorities are maintained.

➢ To work with the VAWG Services Manager in developing Quality Systems to deliver service standards and improve on service performance.

General

➢ To undertake own administration.

➢ To participate in external meetings, forums, etc. as appropriate

➢ To attend staff meetings, case review meetings, staff trainings and supervision / appraisals as required

➢ To liaise with external agencies in accordance with KMEWO’s confidentiality policy.

➢ To abide by and implement all KMEWO policies, including the Equal Opportunities Policy.

➢ To carry out other duties appropriate to the post as requested by the Line Manager or the Director of KMEWO.

Person Specification

Relevant experience:

➢ Proficiency in English and one (or more) community languages (Arabic, Kurdish and Farsi), both in writing and verbally. ➢ Experience in working within a community-based service.

➢ Experience in providing one to one support to individuals on one or more of the following issues: housing and homelessness, welfare benefits, domestic abuse and harmful practices, immigration, employment, and family issues. (Working with women on Violence Against Women and Girls will be highly desired).

➢ Experience in casework, case files recording and monitoring tools.

➢ Experience of providing support to people with complex needs.

➢ Good awareness about issues and barriers facing KMENA women living in the UK.

➢ Awareness of national policies relating to gender-based violence, housing and support services. Skills and abilities ➢ Being a good and efficient communicator in written and verbal English and or community language

➢ Ability to review and evaluate services including performance against service target.

➢ Ability to set up professional relationships with other organisations.

➢ Ability to work on own initiative prioritising workloads and meeting targets /deadlines.

➢ Ability to work as part of a team.

➢ Ability to use IT systems (Microsoft Office) and databases.

➢ Ability to represent the organisation in meetings, networking and forums.

➢ Planning, project management and organisational skills

➢ Have a positive, solution-focused attitude to complex situations.

➢ Have patience and calm manner in dealing with people.

➢ Willingness to continue further training and personal development

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

Funded By: City Bridge Foundation

Citizens Advice Southwark has been awarded funding by City Bridge Foundation to provide a welfare benefits advice service for Southwark residents and we are now seeking to recruit a full time welfare benefits caseworker.

The caseworker will be based between our two main offices in Peckham and Walworth and will assist with raising awareness and completing benefit claims, advocating on behalf of clients and submitting reviews and appeals. The caseworker will also train a team of volunteers to increase capacity and expertise and will act in a consultancy role for generalist advisers and frontline workers in other agencies in the borough.

To be successful you will need:

·         At least one year’s full time (or part time equivalent) paid or unpaid recent experience of advice work.

·An in-depth knowledge of welfare benefits including those related to disability and sickness.

·To understand, empathise with and be committed to the Service’s aims, principles and equal opportunities policies

Closing date: 9.00 am Wednesday 17th April 2024

Interviews: Monday 22nd April 2024

Citizens Advice Westminster works to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster. We deliver a high quality, agile advice service which reflects community issues and needs. Our service puts people first.

As a Generalist Adviser / Caseworker, you will be part of a dedicated team helping in the delivery of advice and casework on full range of advice enquiry areas in particular welfare benefits and housing. You will also be undertaking casework support for vulnerable clients including acting on their behalf with third parties.

You will need to be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with diverse range of people including vulnerable clients. You will be committed to developing your skills and happy to work flexibly, including from home, since we offer advice services on the phone, via digital technologies and face to face. While we are based near Royal Oak station the role will also include working from community settings including Food Banks across Westminster.

We will offer the right candidate a generous salary with other benefits including hybrid and flexible working, annual season ticket loans, career breaks, and the opportunity to develop yourself professionally and your career within the organisation. You will be part of a warm and friendly work culture where opinions are valued. We can also offer a flexible working environment where you can work some days from home.

If you are ready to be a part of this community organisation offering a vital service to people who need our help, then click apply and complete the application process, demonstrating how you meet the competencies in the Person Specification in your supporting statement. Please note we expect employees to spend 40% to 60% of their working time at the office or in outreach location.

Citizens Advice Westminster value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We strongly encourage applicants from all parts of society and believe that diversity is what makes us the leaders in what we do.

Closing Date: 3rd May 2024, 5pm

Assessments and Interviews may be booked before closing date if we find the right candidates with the skills and experience we are looking for in the person specifications, so apply now!

Hours: Full-time 37.5 hours per week with flexible/hybrid working (after initial probationary period)

Would you like to work for an organisation that makes a difference and improves lives every single day? The people who turn to us need our help to address the obstacles in their lives. You will be leading services helping some of our most vulnerable clients with complex and life changing issues. In our 85 year history, we are the busiest we have ever been and people need our help.

Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham is an award-winning charity that provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and information. We are a modern, innovative and progressive organisation working in a diverse and vibrant community. We employ over 50 people and have around 80 volunteers who help us to deliver generalist and specialist advice, undertake campaigning, and have a thriving portfolio of projects embedded within the local community. We are a flagship Local Citizens Advice within a nationally recognised network, delivering a multi-channel service including, face to face, telephone and digital channels.

About the role

You will oversee all phases of our funded services and programmes, working at senior management level. This role will be a driver of change, leading on all our funded services and the development of CAHF Innovation Hub which aims to test and pilot ideas on a small scale.  We want to continue to evolve our services with the aim of increasing the reach and the impact of our work.  The ideal candidate will have  experience of delivering project(s) in the Advice Sector or demonstrable transferable skills, including:

• Collaborating positively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to maintain cohesive project delivery. 
• Working with the Chief Officer to assess and review opportunities for securing new programmes of activities to strengthen our response to the community advice needs.
• Working with CAHF’s Advice Service Managers to ensure robust line management for project staff.
• Monitoring and reporting on project performance to KPIs to required quality standards. 
• Manage conflicting priorities to ensure that objectives are achieved and deadlines are met.

What we can offer you:

We value our people and can offer a supportive culture within a high performing and award winning organisation. 86% of our workforce recommend us as a place to work. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and workplace to represent the diverse communities we service. We are committed to increasing our diversity and whatever your background, we welcome your application. We offer an attractive remuneration package with excellent terms including:

• Pension scheme
• Healthy work/life balance with flexible/hybrid working
• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year  ( in addition to bank holidays) and rising to 30 days with long service
• Access to mental health support helpline
• Learning, development and personal growth opportunities

Closing Date: Thursday 25th April 2024 by 08.00am 

Test: 1st May 2024 

Interview: 2nd and 3rd May 2024

We reserve the right to close the applications earlier if suitable candidates are found, so encourage early applications