Advice Jobs in Westminster, Greater London

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

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.

Citizens Advice Hertsmere is a great place to work, with a friendly and supportive team. We are looking to take on a Debt Caseworker to join our small debt advice team. You will be providing advice to clients supporting them through the debt advice process, including dealing with emergencies, income maximisation, budgeting advice and ultimately helping with a debt strategy. 

You will need to:

1. Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies
2. Negotiate with third parties in writing and on the telephone
3. Act for clients where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning
4. Be numerate and able to analyse data and draw conclusions
5. Have good communication and IT skills

Role purpose

To deliver an excellent quality debt advice service to clients, with due regard to the aims, policies and procedures of the organisation and service, working within a client focussed and responsive team.

About Us

Citizens Advice Hertsmere (CAH) is an independent local charity and a member of the national Citizens Advice network. We deliver high-quality advice across Hertsmere and campaign on issues that matter to residents. Our primary office is in Elstree with outreach locations in Bushey and Potters Bar.

Our staff and volunteers supported clients with a wide range of issues including benefits, debt, employment, housing, relationship, and consumer issues. We provide our advice face to face, telephone, and email.

We are a forward-thinking organisation, committed to continually improving, expanding, and developing our services to better serve our local community.

We are a friendly, supportive team, and we are looking for another person to strengthen our debt team. There are opportunities for progression within our service and we encourage and support our staff to achieve their potential. We believe that what we do matters.

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.

Hours: This role is for 28 – 35 hours per week depending on ability to carry out IT management alongside other duties. We are open to part-time, job-share, and/or flexible working requests. 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.

Background

Citizens Advice Richmond (CAR) is a thriving advice organisation that is part of the national Citizens Advice network. We provide information, advice and casework support to around 5,000 people a year. Our services are delivered by a team of around 17 paid staff and 75 volunteers. We have a typical annual turnover of £700,000 and in addition to our core advice service, funded by Richmond Council, we have a range of projects funded by other charities. 

This is a unique and crucial position in our charity – it is not client-facing but is essential to the running of the organisation. We need someone motivated by our aims and dedicated to ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our ‘back-office’ functions. 

It is your approach that is most important – you must be flexible, approachable and able to deliver on commitments. For this role, you must have experience in a similar role.

Role purpose

The post-holder will lead on premises, facilities, IT and personnel and administration systems to support the effective delivery of CAR services to clients and management of the organisation.

Reporting to the CEO and responsible for the management of administration volunteers, the post holder will lead on maintaining our office systems and processes.

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.

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

About us: 

The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping.

Purpose of the role: 

The purpose of the role is to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the legal work is on non-legal aid funded matters, supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support. There will be particular focus on working with people who are facing a crisis, providing legal representation and support that will take them out of destitution.

This is a vacant position being filled as a replacement. The role gives an opportunity to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the role is on supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support. 

We will primarily consider applications with relevant legal experience. Qualifications needed are OISC level 2/3 or Solicitor with IAAS accreditation.

Relationships: This post will report to the Rough Sleeping Casework Manager

Contract duration: Fixed term until 31 March 2025

Hours of work: The role is primarily a full-time position, requiring 37.5 hours per week. However, for the right candidate, we may consider accommodating part-time working hours. Given the nature of RAMFEL’s work, there may be instances where the Supervisor will need to exceed the standard hours. In such cases, compensatory time off can be arranged with the line manager

Specific Responsibilities

Case management 

1. Manage own caseload, working to advance the best interests of the client
2. Adhere to standards set out by OISC/SRA and AQS to deliver high-quality advice
3. Provide representation and advice up to OISC level 2/3.
4. Engage with the Line Manager to create and follow a training plan to ensure compliance with OISC CPD, keeping up to date with changes in law, policy and guidance to ensure clients receive accurate and high-quality advice
5. Liaise directly with the UKVI and related governmental agencies
6. Complete forms, letters and immigration applications
7. Liaise with and refer clients to Legal Aid Solicitors or other advisers, as appropriate
8. Manage clients’ expectations by discussing deadlines, outcomes and timing 
9. Deliver legal advice outreach surgeries/drop in as and when required 
10. Progress cases in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements.
11. Implement organisational priorities into day-to-day casework.

Person Specification 

Education/qualifications

• Ideally candidates must be Solicitors with IAAS Level 2 with at least 1-year immigration experience or OISC level 2/3 qualified
• If OISC level 1, the candidate will be expected to initially work under supervision completing level 2 work and qualifying at level 2 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated.) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.
• IAAS level 2 caseworkers (non-solicitor) will be considered but if appointed must be prepared to work under supervision and qualify at level 1 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.

Experience/knowledge

•  Experience in providing high-quality advice and representation to clients
•  A good understanding of law and policy as it relates to immigration and asylum 
• Experience in professional, independent, and impartial service delivery to the public 
• Experience in maintaining a caseload of cases in line with OISC requirements in relation to the conduct of cases, file management and supervision
• Knowledge of and empathy with the backgrounds and experiences of asylum seekers, rough sleepers and vulnerable migrants
• Experience in using client databases
• Experience working with interpreters supporting clients with complex matters

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. 

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

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.

Closing date: 9.00 am Tuesday 7th May 2024 

Interviews will take place on: Thursday 9th May 2024

For further information and an application pack please click on the Apply button.

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.

Registered charity no: 1070263

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Young Lives vs Cancer (YLvC) help families to find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.

Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham working in partnership with the national charity YLvC delivers a pioneering project via multi channels (telephone/email/web) providing advice to families of young people affected by cancer.

The project is expanding and we are recruiting a Welfare Rights Benefits Adviser and a Housing Adviser.

The project requires dynamic advisers who can sensitively, engage with families in an often difficult time. Reassure them in terms of options and steps they can take to address the welfare rights/housing issues they are experiencing. Knowing they have options to consider gives them reassurance in a time of uncertainty.

Working with the YLvC team who are located across the UK, advice provided by the project Advisers will also support YLvC social workers, to better help the families and young people accessing the charity support.

Housing Adviser - YLvC-Hgs1
Hours: 22. 5 hours per week equivalent to three days per week
Location: Hammersmith and Fulham Potential hybrid delivery on completion of probationary period
Salary Range: £31-£33k (pro-rata full time salary)
Type of Contract: Fixed Term one year from appointment (extension subject to performance)
 

Welfare Benefits Adviser - YLvC-Wel1
Hours: 15 hours per week equivalent to two days per week
Location: Hammersmith and Fulham Potential hybrid delivery on completion of probationary period
Salary Range: £31-£33k (pro-rata full time salary)
Type of Contract: Fixed Term one year from appointment (extension subject to performance)

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 serve. 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:

• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year (in addition to bank holidays) and rising to 30 days with long service
• Learning, development and personal growth opportunities
• Mental health and Well-being support helpline

We will consider applicants who apply for Welfare Benefits Advisor and Housing Advisor roles combined in one full-time post.

We interview on a rolling basis and therefore reserve the right to close the applications earlier if suitable candidates are found, so encourage early applications.

To find out more please visit our website via the apply button
Closing Date: Thursday 16th May 2024

8.5% pension contribution after successful completion of probation period. Inflationary pay award pending
Hours: 35 hours per week. Normal working hours 9.30 to 5.30. Open to part-time, job-share, and flexible working

Location: Blended between home and office (Battersea and Roehampton)

About us

We’re a thriving advice organisation that is part of the national Citizens Advice network. We provide information, advice and casework support to around 10,000 people a year. Our services are delivered by a team of around 40 paid staff and 60 volunteers. We have a typical annual turnover of £2 million and in addition to our core advice service, funded by Wandsworth Council, we have a range of projects funded by trusts, foundations, and our local Integrated Care System.

While we’re proud of the number of residents we support, we know that we can’t meet demand for advice and that marginalised communities don’t always come to established organisations for support. Because of this, we place equal value on improving reach and access through creative collaboration with equity-led organisations, partnership development and capacity building.

Why we need you

Supported by existing project funding and a long-term grant from the Access to Justice Foundation, we’re looking for two people to join our Senior Management Team and help lead the next phase of our innovative and award-winning development work. The Head of Core Service and Head of Community Partnerships will work together to:

• Continue developing our approach to community engagement, helping reduce access barriers for people from the most marginalised communities.
• Embed changes to our core service that make it more accessible and responsive to those communities.

Both roles also have overall responsibility for a range of funded projects and services and, as leaders and managers, responsibility for:

• Ensuring we live up to our values, standards and ambitions.
• Managing contracts and relationships with funders, partners and other stakeholders.
• Developing organisational strategy and identifying new funding and partnership opportunities.

With a focus on operational compliance and core delivery, the Head of Core Service role would suit applicants with a strong track record of managing advice services, ideally within the Citizens Advice network. We’re not necessarily looking for someone with an advice background for the Head of Community Partnerships role, but great project management, people management and relationship building skills are essential. Both roles require an understanding of and commitment to our values and ambitions, including being a more inclusive workplace where everyone gets the support they need to do their best.

Why you should join us

We’re a dynamic organisation with a culture of quality and innovation. We’re ambitious about delivering advice services that make a real difference to local people and being a great place to work and volunteer. You’ll be part of a diverse and friendly team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about helping the people who need us most. Working with us means seeing yourself and your colleagues have a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people and protecting our communities from hardship, poverty and crisis.

We also believe that investing in and listening to our teams makes us a better organisation. We involve staff and volunteers extensively in the design and delivery of our services, as well as in long-term planning. You’ll benefit from working at an organisation with a strong commitment to professional development and continuous training – we’re proud of our teams and in return offer excellent opportunities for personal development and career growth.

Our commitment to EDI

We’re passionate about promoting equity, valuing diversity and working inclusively. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people but particularly people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups and people with disabilities, as these groups are currently under-represented in our team.

How to apply

CV and supporting statement accepted, find out more on our vacancy page by clicking the apply button.

Closing date: 10am on 15 May 2024
Interviews: Week beginning 20 May 2024, Battersea Library, SW11 1JB

Hours: Full- and part-time positions

Contract: Permanent

Location: CAML charity offices and outreach venues

Salary (pro rata for part time): From £28,000 per annum

Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata for part time), Charity Day, plus public holidays

Pension: The charity operates a pension scheme

The charity offers an employee assistance programme  

Deadline: 6pm, Thursday 16th May 2024

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families across the London boroughs of Lambeth, Merton and beyond.  We provide a range of information, support and advice services.  We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities. 

We are looking for an accredited Debt Adviser to provide comprehensive debt advice and support to those in need.  If you have at least one year’s experience as an accredited debt adviser, passionate about supporting individuals and families in need and interested in joining a dedicated, professional team we would love to hear from you.

If you are not an accredited Debt Adviser but you are an accredited Generalist Adviser with at least one year’s experience, are willing to complete the relevant training, passionate about supporting Merton and Lambeth residents, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work flexibly with clients.  You will be meticulous in your work, especially when supporting clients and maintaining case records for continuity of casework.  You will also be very well informed with regards to legislation, case law and policy changes relating to debt and benefits.

Our offices have excellent public transport links and Mitcham also has a carpark.  We offer a friendly and welcoming work environment and can provide flexible work opportunities dependent on service demands. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive, full range of debt advice in line with Financial Conduct Authority and Debt Advice Quality Framework

• Commit to train for debt adviser (if trainee) and ongoing training/development (all roles) as requested by the charity

• Provide generalist advice in benefits, income maximisation and housing as required

• Complete Debt Relief Orders on behalf of clients (if accredited)

• Use your interpersonal skills to explore, listen and understand complex problems as they affect each individual and tailor approach to advice accordingly

• Provide a clear plan of action and follow-up on actions relating to cases as appropriate

• Follow-up on actions relating to cases as appropriate

• Identify and escalate serious problems, including safeguarding, appropriately

• Ability to work to own initiative within a team environment. 

• Work closely with service colleagues and wider CAML team

• Support clients in CAML offices and outreach venues

Monitoring Quality and Case Recording

• Ensure all client engagement and support is comprehensively and accurately recorded

• Review your work, and monitor quality standards, as per the Citizens Advice quality framework

• Ensure data protections regulations are adhere and office procedures followed

• Work with your line manager, senior managers and charity colleagues to develop and improve services, and your own standards.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• With wider charity team and other organisations, ensure clients are supported with related advice issues

• Ensure all work is fully compliant with our policies and procedures and Citizens Advice Quality Standard

• Assist and contribute to the charity’s communications, research and campaigns work

• Maintain positive working relations with our stakeholders

• Professionally represent Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth

• Other duties as requested by your line manager, senior manager and Chief Executive

Professional Development

• All our team receive comprehensive induction to the charity and our work.  We support Advisers in their professional development to ensure we’re up to date with recent legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits and debt and undertake appropriate training as agreed with your line manager (Head of Advice Services).

Person Specification

• Generalist Adviser certificate (Citizens Advice or equivalent) – Essential

• Accredited debt adviser (either through relevant Citizens Advice debt training, Wiser Adviser training). – Essential for accredited role

• Willingness to undertake training and development to comply with Citizens Advice quality standards

• Experience of using client management databases (we use Casebook) - Desirable

• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and manage caseload - Essential

• IT competency and experience - Essential

• Ability and willingness to work as a team - Essential

• Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice service - Essential

This job description and personal specification does not form part of any contract.

If you’re interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link to our website to find out how to apply. (please note we will not consider CVs for this role).

The deadline for applications is 6pm, Thursday 16th May 2024. 

If you do not hear from us, we are afraid your application was unsuccessful.

We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

About The Connection at St Martin’s

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover, helping them build on their strengths, and supporting them to find their own way home. Help us make London a city where no one sleeps rough on our streets.

London’s diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome the opportunity to consider flexible working arrangements.

About the Role

• You will have substantive experience in providing immigration advice and casework, with the relevant Level 2 OISC qualification (or OISC level 1 working towards Level 2). Please note only candidates with the relevant OISC qualification and legal experience will be considered.
• You will be part of a specialist team that provides a migration service within a centre for people experiencing homelessness and interconnecting needs.
• You will have experience of working jointly with other agencies and building strong, effective partnerships internally and externally.

Full job description can be found on our website.
 

Salary: £36,159
Closing Date: Sunday 19th May
Interview Date: Friday 24th May

Our Benefits

· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays

· Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget

· Enhanced Sick Pay Policy

· Enhanced family friendly policies

· Day off for moving house

· Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)

· Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Season Ticket Loan

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Reward Gateway (access to discount vouchers and cashback at the UK’s favourite retailers)

We are a London Living Wage employer

Hours: Full- and part-time positions

Contract: Permanent

Location: CAML charity offices and outreach venues across Merton

Salary (pro rata for part time):

From £26,500 per annum, dependent on experience, for accredited Advisers

£25,642.50 per annum for Trainee Advisers

Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata for part time), Charity Day, plus public holidays

Pension: The charity operates a pension scheme

The charity offers an employee assistance programme

Deadline: 6pm, Thursday 9th May 2024

Are you an experienced accredited Adviser or Caseworker, or have you worked with an advice support organisation with experience of supporting clients with advice assessments and/or general queries?

Do you want to support individuals and families impacted by the cost of living crisis?

Are you looking for a role with a professional, supportive and expanding advice charity with over 80 years of experience working in South West London?

If so please read on:

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families across the London boroughs of Lambeth, Merton but also wider London. We provide a range of information, support and advice services. We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities.

Owing to charity expansion, we are looking for experienced, accredited Advisers and trainee Advisers to provide comprehensive advice and support to clients. If you have at least one year’s experience of working in an advice support organisation, are passionate about supporting individuals and families in need and interested in joining a dedicated, professional team we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work flexibly with clients and for the charity. You will be meticulous in your work, especially when supporting clients and maintaining case records for continuity of follow up advice and casework. You will also be very well informed with regard to legislation, case law and policy changes relating to advice and benefits.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive advice in all generalist subject areas including welfare benefits, debt and income maximisation, in line with Citizens Advice requirements.

• Commit to train for generalist adviser accreditation (if trainee) and ongoing training/development (all roles) as requested by the charity

• Use your interpersonal skills to explore, listen and understand complex problems as they affect each individual and tailor your approach to advice accordingly

• Provide a clear plan of action and follow-up on actions relating to cases as appropriate

• Identify and escalate serious problems, including safeguarding, appropriately

•  Ability to work to own initiative within a team environment. Work closely with service colleagues and wider CAML team

• Support clients in CAML offices and outreach venues

Monitoring Quality and Case Recording

• Ensure all client engagement and support is comprehensively and accurately recorded

• Review your work, and monitor quality standards, as per the Citizens Advice quality framework

• Ensure data protections regulations are adhered and office procedures followed

• Work with your line manager and senior managers to develop and improve services, and your own standards.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• With wider charity team and other organisations, ensure clients are supported with related advice issues

• Ensure all work is fully compliant with our policies and procedures and Citizens Advice Quality Standard

• Assist and contribute to the charity’s communications, research and campaigns work

• Maintain positive working relations with our stakeholders

• Professionally represent Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth

• Other duties as requested by your line manager, senior manager and Chief Executive

Professional Development

• All our team receive comprehensive induction to the charity and our work. We support Advisers in their professional development to ensure we’re up to date with recent legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits and debt and undertake appropriate training as agreed with your line manager.

Person Specification

• Generalist Adviser certificate (Citizens Advice or equivalent) including debt module – Essential for accredited roles

• Experience of providing information/assessments to clients - Essential for trainee roles

• Experience of using client management databases (we use Casebook) – Essential

• Fantastic communication skills - Essential

• Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and manage caseload – Essential

• IT competency and experience – Essential

• Ability and willingness to work as a team – Essential

• Understanding of and commitment to the aims, principles and values of Citizens Advice service – Essential

This job description and personal specification does not form part of any contract.

If you’re interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link to our websitefor full description and find out how to apply (please note we will not consider CVs for this role).

The deadline for applications is 6pm, Thursday 9th May 2024. 

If you do not hear from us, we are afraid your application was unsuccessful.

We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

Job description

 Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge (MindTHNR) have been subcontracted by NHS East London Foundation Trust to deliver employment support as part of Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies provision. Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies offers psychological therapies to those in primary care with common mental health disorders. The employment service is funded via the Department of Work and Pensions and Department of Health as part of a national pilot scheme.

Purpose of role

The post holder will operate as part of a team of employment advisors, working closely with clinicians within Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies as well as supporting the independent evaluation. They will offer one to one support to service users to find, return to or retain employment. The role will involve working directly with Jobcentre Plus, employers, trade Unions and employment agencies to keep people in employment as well as securing employment opportunities. This role may be delivered from multiple locations across the borough.

Adopting our organisational culture

 We have a strong reputation for delivering high quality Employment in Talking Therapy services and achieving positive recovery outcomes. Our employment advice and support practices are underpinned by our Professional Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct and organisational values. We expect everyone to embrace our culture, ethos and our anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and inclusive practices throughout their work.

 Key Responsibilities

 Case Management – One to One Support

 · Maintain a caseload of clients offering one to one support to help clients find, remain or retain employment. 

· Carry out initial telephone assessments and action plans using SMART goals to identify clients goals and barriers to employment.

· Offer a range of employment support interventions to clients that will support them to find, remain or return to work.

· Support clients to create CVs, Cover Letters, write applications, inform clients of job search techniques, and provide mock interview practice.

· Provide 1-2-1 support to clients to enable them to return to work after long term sickness absence or other reasons

· Work closely with employers to support clients to remain in their jobs by negotiating reasonable adjustments at the workplace

· Work closely with local employment law professionals and trade unions to offer clients and their employers with information about their employment rights and responsibilities

· Make client referrals to JPM/Charity People mock interview sessions and refer clients to monthly webinars

· Complete vacancy search for allocated sectors as part of the EA Vacancy Bulletin

· Manage allocated service project and work with the team to ensure referrals are received on time

· Offer one to one sessions at least 1 evening per week where working hours will be 11 – 6:30pm

· Work closely with local employment support agencies such as the job centre, recruitment consultancies, training and work placement providers to offer suitable opportunities

 Stakeholder Engagement and Relationships

· Work in an integrated way with the IAPT clinical team to demonstrate a seamless service to the client. Co-location to different NHS IAPT services and centres across Tower Hamlets to offer Employment Advice.

· Work closely with local agencies to identify appropriate job vacancies.

· Signpost the client, where necessary, to other agencies who will be able to provide advice on benefits or support that the client may be entitled to

· Where appropriate, work with other agencies the client is already being supported by, to deliver a more effective support service.

· Liaise as appropriate with secondary care mental health services and social services departments.

 Administration/General

 · Provide a service that is flexible as far as possible in terms of session hours, enabling, where possible, at least some of these sessions to be available outside normal working hours.

· Ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed on time, including questionnaires, reports and minutes for each client engagement and that these are regularly updated using the IAPTus (patient database system) and protocols.

· Ensure Caseload Management Tool is regularly up to date with client session information and targets.

· Attend Caseload Management Review meetings with Senior Employment Advisor

· Ensure good communication, planning and workload management.

· Maintain appropriate records/case notes and be administratively self-servicing.

· Screen therapy clients for suitability to Employment Advice Service.

 Regulations and governance

 · To remain informed of relevant legislation and changes to the benefit system, GDPR and data compliance.

· Maintain confidentiality and ensure that information is stored according to Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge policies and service guidelines.

 General duties required of all MindTHNR Employees

 · Comply with, promote, and contribute to the development of MindTHNR’s: Aims and  

Values, Equality, Diversity and Inclusive principles and all organisational policies.

· Attend appropriate internal, external meetings, supervision and away days.

· A commitment towards ongoing professional development and participation of training events required by the organisation and role.

· Other than where central administrative support is available, to be administratively self- servicing.

This job will be reviewed periodically in line with the organisation’s Business Plan.  The role as described is not exhaustive and so there may be other areas which are the responsibility of this role

Centre 404 is a leading charity based in North London with an excellent reputation for providing high quality services to children and adults with learning disabilities and their families. This role will be part of our Supporting Families team that works with family carers of children and adults who have a learning disability and offers advice, training, support and events throughout the year.

As one of the smaller teams within the Centre 404 organisation, this is an ideal opportunity for an effective and confident individual to bring expertise to the team within a supportive and collaborative environment.

The post holder will be responsible for providing individual information, advice and support to parents/carers of children, young people and adults with learning disabilities or autism across North London boroughs. The specific arears of advice and support will be around the four main themes: Best Start in Life, Carers Health and Wellbeing, Transitions Throughout Life, Income Maximisation (welfare benefits). You will help to navigate what can be complex and potentially intimidating processes to unlock the support that families need and deserve.

This is a potentially hugely rewarding role for an individual with experience of family care and the welfare and benefits system.  You will be making measurable and positive changes to the lives and opportunities of families of children and adults with a learning disability and the job will offer you challenge, autonomy and opportunities for development within a growing organisation.

Centre 404 is dedicated to staff development and supervision and we will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and we are looking to recruit people who share these values.

We are dedicated to providing a meaningful and rewarding work environment, as well as offering a range of perks and benefits for our staff to enjoy.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

Could you be our new Duty Scheme Legal Advisor? You will play a pivotal role in supporting ASAP’s duty scheme at the First Tier Tribunal (Asylum Support) which offers vital, free legal representation for people seeking asylum who need access to justice after being wrongly refused Home Office housing or financial support. 

The Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) is a small national charity which was set up in 2003 to reduce the destitution of people seeking asylum by protecting their legal rights to food and shelter. ASAP delivers three strands of work:

• We offer free, high-quality legal representation at the Asylum Support Tribunal (AST) to people appealing against Home Office decisions to refuse or discontinue their support

• We provide asylum support advice and training to hundreds of frontline organisations, advice agencies and legal practitioners working with people seeking asylum each year. We operate an advice line and online forum (Asylum Support Advice Network -ASAN) for over 1000 members

• We use our strong evidence base to improve policies and procedures on asylum support through closely linked policy work and strategic litigation

Alongside this, we run a women’s project, to ensure we offer a gender sensitive service to destitute women seeking asylum, to train women’s organisations in asylum support law, and to progress policy work for women seeking asylum, currently focused on access to support for those experiencing domestic abuse

We are looking for someone who is committed to access to justice for people refused housing and financial support from the Home Office. You will assist with the day to day running of the duty scheme, ensuring it offers a quality service to appellants and referrers. You will support our volunteer advocates (volunteer solicitors and barristers) to provide high quality legal representation and advice. You will be legally-minded with a strong interest in asylum support and have the ability, after induction and with ongoing supervision from our Head of Legal, to provide advice and legal representation to appellants at the asylum support Tribunal (AST) and answer calls on our advice line. You will feed in to our wider work on asylum support policy and strategic litigation, working collaboratively with colleagues in the policy team to ensure they are kept up to date with issues arising out of appeals.

This is a new, full-time position. Our offices are in East London, near the AST. Under our hybrid working policy, full-time staff work from our offices for a minimum of 2 days per week.