Benefits Advisor Jobs in Central London, Greater London

Programme Design Advisor

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (18 months), Full Time

Location: The role can be based in the UK, Kenya, Senegal or another location where WaterAid has a Country Programme, subject to right-to-work eligibility in the respective countries
For the UK Location, we offer hybrid working: A minimum of 40% of working time is spent face-to-face, in a WaterAid office. For UK-based staff, WaterAid is located at Canary Wharf, London and this will be your location and contract base.

Salary & Benefits: Salaries and benefits for different countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience. See further details below Role-based in

• UK, Grade 3: £48,314 - 50,729 GBP with benefits
• Senegal: Grade F: 24,011,317 - 35,054,179 XOF per annum with benefits
• Kenya: competitive salary package with benefits

About WaterAid:
Want to use your skills in programme design to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere?

We need passionate, creative and dedicated people. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be yourself at your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.

Join WaterAid as a Programme Development Advisor to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.

About the Team:
This position will be based in the WaterAid UK Programme Operations Team within the International Programmes Department (IPD). IPD operates in over 17 countries with approximately 600 staff in total. The Programme Operations Team enables the effective management of the International Programmes Directorate (IPD) through the provision of robust high quality programme management policies, processes, tools, management information and systems.

About the Role:
The primary focus of the role is to support Country Programmes and Regional Teams in both project and programme design. This is primarily by (1) directly supporting the design and set up of specific projects, programmes and proposals, and (2) strengthening capacity of specific staff in project and programme design.

In this role, you will:

Support project (and programme) design and set-up processes 

• Lead, facilitate, support and advise on quality project design and project set-up processes, focusing particularly on larger, complex or higher risk projects. These may be individual Country Programme or multi-country/region projects designed at the regional or global level.
• Review and provide feedback on project design outputs to help strengthen their quality. This could include situational analyses, theories of change, results frameworks, monitoring and evaluation plans, risk analyses, narrative proposals and budgets.
• Liaise closely with identified technical and policy specialists during project design and set-up processes to ensure projects are designed to deliver sustainable outcomes and align with Global and Country Programme Strategies, Quality Programme Standards and thematic approaches. 
• In specific cases, support Country Programmes in the development/adaptation of their long-term programme plans and linked project portfolios

Strengthen organisational capacity in project design and project set-up 

• Build and strengthen capacity in project design across WaterAid (globally), targeting particular staff categories, through training, mentoring, coaching and the development/refreshing of tools and guidance
• Develop engaging training materials and examples.  

Strengthen project design and set-up guidance 

• Maintain and strengthen the project and programme planning component of WaterAid's Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER) core procedures (often referred in our sector as MEL or MEAL) based on internal learning and sector good practice

About You:

• Significant proven experience in designing complex projects under rigorous deadlines and involving multiple stakeholders
• Excellent understanding of project design theories and approaches and their practical application
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with technical programme advisors, fundraisers and finance staff in order to develop sustainable, high quality, suitably resourced projects with clearly defined monitoring and evaluation processes
• Demonstrated ability to effectively coach and train others in project design and implementation
• Excellent understanding of the project design requirements and approaches of different donors (e.g. GAC, FCDO, USAID)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong interpersonal skills and networking skills with the ability to collaborate, influence and build alliances internally and externally
• Strong problem identification and problem solving skills
• Excellent computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.)
• Ability to travel up to 12 weeks per year
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse cultures and adapt personal style to get the best out of others. 
• Graduate degree or equivalent professional qualification/experience in international development
• Highly organised and proactive with the proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks and a complex work programme within deadlines 
• Excellent attention to detail
• Working style that reflects WaterAid's values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation. 

Closing date: Applications will close at 23:59 GMT on 1st May 2024. Availability for interviews is required in the week commencing 20th May 2024.

How to Apply: To see the full job pack, please click apply. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter in one document in either MS Word or PDF format. Your cover letter should include your location, your right-to-work eligibility, and outline as a minimum:

• Your experience leading, facilitating and supporting the design of complex projects.
• Your experience supporting the set-up/inception of complex projects
• Your experience supporting capacity strengthening in project design, including developing and delivering training, tools and guidance.

Pre-employment screening: To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the applicable laws in the respective country. All our UK-based vacancies require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy.

Our Commitment

Our People Promise:
We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose - where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal opportunities:
We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.

Safeguarding:
We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the Merton Team working 37.5 hours a week. This role involves both face to face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working, you will work from home and be co-located in the Housing department at Merton Civic Centre.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
• Clinical supervision and group reflective practice

About the role:

This role is a hybrid working role based in the Housing department, Merton Civic Centre.

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
• Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+
• Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.

You will need:

• Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
• Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
• Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
• Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
• Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
• Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
• Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

Senior Advocacy Advisor - International Financial Institutions

Contract: Permanent, Full time

Location: The role can be based in the United Kingdom, London or United States, Washington, or other locations that can be considered subject to right-to-work eligibility in the respective country.

Salary & Benefits: Salaries and benefits for different countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience. See further details below:

• United Kingdom, Grade 3: £48,300 to £50,700 with excellent benefits
• United States: Grade D: Salary range, to be discussed with the successful candidate

About WaterAid:
Want to use your skills in influencing World Bank and IFIs to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere?
 
We need passionate, creative and dedicated people. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be yourself at your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.

Join WaterAid as our Senior Advocacy Advisor on International Financial Institutions to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.

About the Team:
The WaterAid International Affairs team The Global International Affairs team plays a leadership role across the WaterAid Federation to drive the design and delivery of WaterAid's major influencing with key donors, international and multilateral institutions to achieve SDG 6. The team's purpose is to convince influential political decisionmakers to prioritise water, sanitation and hygiene in their policy and funding agendas, and to create the conditions that enable everyone, everywhere to access WASH by 2030.  

About the Role:
As our Senior Advocacy Advisor on International Financial Institutions you will increase and strengthen our advocacy and capacity to influence global development finance institutions, particularly the World Bank but also be informed on major developments in other IFIs, e.g. recent Paris Summit and Global Financing Pact. We want to ensure our engagement is systematic, impactful and builds up an increased evidence base for influence on the institution.

In this role, you will will employ a range of strategies to advocate for changes in the policies, standards and practices of the World Bank particularly as it relates to water sanitation and hygiene particularly in the context of the twin climate change and global health crises. This position will include a focus on the World Bank Group's Water Global Practice and the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership, as well as also support WaterAid Country Programme teams and partners to influence the World Bank's operations at the country level. 

You'll also: 

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies designed to influence the policies of the World Bank and other relevant IFIs on water sanitation & hygiene in line with WaterAid's globally agreed policy and campaign priorities, and in coordination with allies.
• Build a network of contacts and relationships, including relevant IFI/ World Bank staff and Executive Directors, gather information, and advocate with the Board and staff of the World Bank on particular country operations and key policy areas
• Build technical knowledge and understanding of the Bank's policies and practices in relation to the WASH sector, including the activities of the International Development Association (IDA) and how these relate to countries in which WaterAid has CPs
• Keep abreast of complex and fast changing political debates and monitor emerging trends internationally, across the Bank's key donor governments to inform WaterAid's political positioning, ensuring the organisation's advocacy is responsive and relevant;Actively participate in and contribute to the political influencing and campaign strategies for the Global Advocacy Priority campaigns on WASH & climate and on WASH & women's health.
• Engaging with the networks and coalitions for relevant IFI advocacy.
• Liaise with WaterAid Country Programmes, the Pan-Africa Programme, Federation Members to strengthen collaboration and further WaterAid's advocacy towards IFIs;

About You:

• Excellent understanding of the World Bank and other IFIs, including their policies, lending practices, mandates, ways of working, and how to influence them.
• Expert understanding of international aid and development finance as it relates to health, climate and inequalities.
• Demonstrated experience in effective advocacy and policy influencing, with strong skills and track record relationship building and networking for advocacy impact. (including institutions, teams, individuals)
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work well and support international teams and country-based colleagues as well as working with international coalitions.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies designed to influence the policies of the World Bank and other relevant IFIs on water sanitation & hygiene in line with WaterAid's globally agreed policy and campaign priorities, and in coordination with allies.
• Build a network of contacts and relationships, including relevant IFI/ World Bank staff and Executive Directors, gather information, and advocate with the Board and staff of the World Bank on particular country operations and key policy areas
• Work with the Pan-African advocacy lead and staff in key regions to leverage IFI relationships.
• Integrate a range of disciplines and innovative tactics to achieve political change and build momentum towards the achievement of SDG 6;
• Represent WaterAid at meetings/conferences, speak publicly and give media interviews.

Closing date: Applications will close at 23:59 on 15th May 2024.  Availability for the interview is required from the week commencing 27th May 2024.

How to Apply: To see the full job pack, please click 'Apply'. 

• Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter into one document in either Word Document or PDF format.
• Please indicate your location and the right to work eligibility in your Cover letter.

Pre-employment screening: To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to the applicable laws in the respective country. All our UK-based vacancies require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy.

Our Commitment

Our People Promise:
We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose - where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal opportunities:
We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.

Safeguarding:
We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.
 

Employment & Skills Coach - Wembley

Join our team in Wembley as an Employment and Skills Coach. This role offers a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking individual to make a positive impact.

The starting salary is £30,000 to £35,000 depending on your experience.

The Role:

In this rewarding role, you will coach residents towards achieving their career aspirations, supporting them in gaining qualifications or securing better employment. You will work flexibly from home, the office, and in the field, requiring a Full UK Drivers License and personal transport due to travel throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide information, advice, and guidance to residents, assisting them in accessing employability services and securing sustainable employment.
• Develop a network of support agencies and providers to enhance residents' opportunities for progression.
• Utilise a blended approach of digital, phone, and face-to-face delivery for advice and guidance.
• Collaborate with residents to create personalized action plans focused on employment sustainability.

What We're Looking For:

• Previous experience in a similar role with a strong understanding of the local labor market.
• Ability to build positive relationships with customers and local employment support networks.
• Passion for helping residents achieve sustainable employment and tenancy goals.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple caseloads independently.

Benefits & Perks:

• £450 yearly flexible benefit pot to use against benefits of your choice 
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days) 
• Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package 
• Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and life cover
• Flexible working 
• Supportive and inclusive working environment with opportunities for career development.

About Us:

It's an exciting time to be a part of the team as Sovereign have joined forces with Network Homes to form SNG (Sovereign Network Group). Together we provide over 84,000 homes and invest in communities across London and the South of England. At SNG, we embrace Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, creating a culture where you can truly be yourself.

If you're ready to join a dynamic team making a real difference, apply today to be considered!

Age UK and its network of local and national partners across the UK deliver a wide range of services to millions of older people every year. We want to ensure that those services are of a high quality and of real value to the people who receive them. A key component of this is the Network Quality & Compliance Team, which oversees Age UK's Quality Assurance Framework of quality standards, assessments, and processes for dealing with non-compliance.

We have an exciting part-time opportunity for a Service Quality Adviser to join our Network Quality & Compliance Team. This role is part of the team that supports Age UK and its network of local and national partners to provide consistent, high-quality services to the public. The team is responsible for ensuring that training and guidance is available on how to run high quality services and supports individual network members with quality challenges and non-compliance.

The provision of Information and Advice (I&A) and our quality standards for these services, are a key element of this role. The successful post holder will have demonstrable experience of managing or supervising an I&A service and ideally, a broader understanding or experience of quality assurance and delivering services to older people.

This is a part-time, home-based opportunity, working 21 hours per week. Salary advertised is FTE. (Actual salary range for 21 hours per week - Actual £20,406 - £22,554)

Please note:
* You will be required to travel throughout the UK.
* You will be required to attend meetings in London, possibly as frequently as one a month. Travel expenses are paid to the London office and other Age UK locations.
* You should have a commitment to equality and diversity, social justice and giving people a voice.

Must haves:

* Experience of the provision of a range of services (including information and advice) to quality standards (including legal and regulatory) in a not-for-profit organisation or other relevant context.
* Experience of managing or supervising the delivery of services (including information and advice).
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with staff in different locations, write reports and training materials.
* A wide range of influencing skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners in order to meet objectives.
* Strong project management skills, with the ability to work flexibly and autonomously, managing individual projects to meet organisational objectives and achieve deadlines.
* Proven ability to work as part of a flexible team including remote staff.
* Good IT skills including an ability to use Microsoft Office (including Excel) effectively in preparing reports, presentations and in managing email communication. Experience of using CRM databases and other data management systems to manage client information is desirable. Experience of using online training and communication resources such as Teams or Zoom.

Great to haves:
* Experience of community development, working with volunteers and/or supporting small local voluntary organisations.
* Experience of delivering services to contracts and / or consortium working.
* Knowledge of public policy and practice issues in the delivery of services to older people.
* Proven ability to evaluate services and projects, interpret data and report on findings.
* Creativity and innovation including the ability to identify solutions and resolve complex issues.

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Tech scheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to join our team as a CRM Technical Lead. You will join us working 35 hours per week, on a 24-month fixed-term contract basis and will be based remotely. In return you will receive a salary of up to £48,444 per annum plus excellent benefits.

Since 1927, Cats Protection has helped thousands of cats each year, across the UK. As a community of volunteers, employees, supporters and partners, we’ve improved the lives of millions of cats and transformed the way millions of people see and care for cats.

Cats Protection is moving into an exciting stage in its digital transformation journey with the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics as its new Customer Relationship Management functionality. This role will be part of a core delivery team leading the charity through discovery and implementation of the system and work closely with the existing IT team.

Responsibilities of our CRM Technical Lead:

As our CRM Technical Lead you will be responsible for providing expertise on CRM software functionality, data management and IT business processes. You will ensure all assigned immediate development work, upgrades, and support requests are dealt with to agreed levels of service and customer satisfaction. Ultimately ensuring the non-functional requirements are delivered and supporting the delivery of functional requirements whilst supporting and assisting with other staff within the IT Applications team and across the IT department.

What we’re looking for in our CRM Technical Lead:

- Recent or current knowledge and experience (within last three years) in dynamics 365 implementation as a technical lead, CRM and fundraising - essential

- Experience in product ownership/leading CRM replacement projects or large process change - essential

- Proven experience in stakeholder management, dealing confidently and persuasively with stakeholders

- Exceptional communication skills and ability to deal with all departments across the organisation

- Good knowledge and understanding of IT concepts and architectures and implementing and delivering IT services

- Organised with good planning skills

- Understanding of cloud hosting services

What we can offer you:

• salary of up to £48,444 per annum plus excellent benefits
• generous annual leave entitlement
• life assurance scheme
• range of health benefits including private healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme
• and more

Through our values and behaviours we help people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together we can make a difference.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications or CVs that are emailed to us directly.

Closing date: 6th May 2024

Virtual interview date: TBC

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

Please email if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

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.

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.

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Background:

First Step Trust (FST) is a charity that provides work experience, training and employment opportunities for people excluded from working life because of mental health problems or other disadvantages (workforce members).

Our approach is about giving workforce members the chance to overcome some of the difficulties facing them by getting them involved as colleagues. We provide ‘on the job’ training, advice and support to enable each person to improve their basic skills and knowledge of the various work undertaken. This will include supporting workforce members to gain recognised qualifications and access to work placements with our customers and other organisations.

We are in the process of developing a more formalised training and employment support programme (SMaRT Pathways) particularly, but not exclusively, in the area of the Automotive trade.  SMaRT Pathways will include the delivery of vocational training through the use of various technologies including video, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and other mediums making the learning process more accessible to those who struggle with traditional learning methods due to issues around literacy, numeracy and low levels of self-confidence/anxiety. 

Job Role:

The main objective of this post is to enable people with mental health difficulties and other disadvantages (workforce members) to engage with and access open employment.  The EDTW will achieve this by taking responsibility for proactively recruiting people to the project, overseeing their development whilst at the project, including delivery of training courses as and when required and supporting them to move on to employment or further training.

Main duties:

Networking with other services in the area to raise awareness about FST, promoting work placements and training courses as well as promoting the business services.

Recruitment and development of potential workforce members - being proactive in following up on enquires regarding work placements, interviewing potential workforce for work placements at the project.

Employment support – assist workforce looking to move on to paid employment by providing support in job search, CVs and interview preparation. To develop a network of appropriate work placements by building contacts with local employment agencies and employers to ensure access to work for all workforce preparing to move on from FST.

Training – assisting when required, in delivering a variety of courses both in house and recognised qualifications to people with common mental health problems both workforce members and visiting trainees utilising the various technologies as they are developed.

Monitoring and reporting - complete, manage and provide regular, accurate, appropriate and timely reports to agreed deadlines in order to monitor progress.

Office duties – working with workforce members as colleagues ensuring that daily tasks are completed in a timely fashion.

To work in accordance within the limits and parameters as set out in FST’s policies and procedures, by the Board, Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and other senior managers.

Perform other tasks as reasonably required according to the needs of the project and FST.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Experience of face to face customer service in an employment advice/support related post.

Experience of delivery of training within a workplace environment. 

Experience of using digital technology e.g. social media and other platforms.

Experience of managing, recording and monitoring progression.

Experience of working independently, planning and prioritising own workload.

Desirable

Knowledge of the benefits system.

Current full driving licence.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Ability to effectively promote FST to referral agencies.

Ability to establish a network of employer contacts to facilitate work placements and employment opportunities.

Ability to motivate, support and enable people to develop.

Ability to work as part of a team in order to achieve overall objectives and goals.

Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.

Excellent communication skills, written and spoken.

Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Excel, email, Internet Explorer and Social Media.

Attitude

Essential

Willingness to learn new technologies.

Commitment to opposing discrimination and actively promoting equality of opportunity.

Understanding and commitment to the values, principles and approach of First Step Trust.

Commitment to Health & Safety at work.

As an Employment Adviser, you will sit within the Employment & Careers team, supporting the direct delivery of our employment service by recruiting beneficiaries through outreach and supporting them to secure or progress in employment.

Reporting to Head of Employment & Careers you will be required to manage and support a varied and challenging caseload into employment by providing high quality information and guidance. You will be expected to conduct in depth and comprehensive initial assessments in order to produce SMART & tailored action plans.

Your role will also require meaningful weekly contact with beneficiaries, conducting regular reviews of agreed actions and setting revised actions where applicable. It is imperative that you are able to demonstrate and encourage a positive mind-set among beneficiaries by adopting a strengths based approach to their journey into employment.

As an Employment Adviser, you will be expected to conduct employer engagement activity for the service, as well as support the delivery of job fairs and sector specific workshops. The role will also require you to ensure the service is at capacity levels by establishing and maintaining a network of referral partners and attending outreach events.

You will have at least 1 year of experience working in a similar post supporting disadvantaged groups back to work and/or training and education. You will have experience of working in an evidenced based practice and working to set targets. You will be equipped with influencing and persuasion skills.

You will also be responsible for conducting caseload reviews weekly/monthly and maintaining up to date beneficiary records on our internal systems.

Employee Benefits
• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and 3 Christmas days) rising by 1 day each year after 2 years’ service (capped at an additional 8 days)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years’ service
• Save money off a new bike with the Cycle to Work scheme
• Up to 7% contribution to the staff pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Support Line
• Clear pay structure with yearly increments (based on performance)
• Annual Staff away day
• Premium eye-care vouchers through Specsavers and season ticket loans

At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, our goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. Our impact across policy, campaigning, information and advice, grant-making and partnerships improves lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence in wider areas of life. We want to find talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification: 

This role is an integral part of the day-to-day delivery of our Advice and Support Service, which has been re-shaped and is due to go live in the summer of 2024. The service is targeted at older people in or facing financial hardship, and provides information, advice and follow up support relating to a range of issues, including Welfare Benefits, Social Care and Housing.  

As a Generalist Adviser you will be responsible for supporting older people, their families and carers through our duty service with their welfare benefits and housing and other issues relating to financial hardship in later life.  

You should have a good level of knowledge of welfare benefits, social care and housing as well as experience of working within a high-volume advice service, ideally a telephone-based service. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 28 hours per week.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age: 

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age by visiting our website.

Salary information:

Hybrid working in London: £32,682 per year, increasing to £33,600 after 6 months and £34,493 after 12 months Pro-rata if part-time

Homebased (with regular travel to London): £29,453 per year, increasing to £30,267 after 6 months and £31,054 after 12 months. Pro-rata if part-time. 

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role.

Closing Date: 6th May

Interview Dates: 

First Round: 15th or 16th May, Second Round: 22nd May

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Senior Multiple Needs Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate  

Salary: £30,000-£32,000

Location: Ealing Women’s Wellness Zone & Hammersmith – Advance Head Office

Hours:   35 Hours per week (a late shift once per week till 7pm)

Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months (from start of employment)

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending.  We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community. 

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. 

About the role:

The Senior Multiple Needs Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will work within a dynamic, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service based at the CGL Ealing Women’s Wellness Zone.  The IDVA will provide support in the local community and at the Ealing Women’s Wellness Zone.  The successful candidate will be co-located up to 5 days a week at the Women’s Wellness Zone.

The IDVA will be closely working alongside CGL colleagues/team to deliver support to women with a range of complex support needs including substance misuse, mental health, domestic abuse, sex working, trafficking, and offending behaviour. The IDVA will work in collaboration with their team members to holistically support women in the borough of Ealing to achieve sustained recovery, improved health and wellbeing, helping women to manage/mitigate risks, and empowering them to reach their fullest potential in society as well as ensuring the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process.

The Senior Multiple Needs IDVA will assess the needs and risks of survivors, carry out short and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support. As well as identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs. They will also proactively advocate and advice women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, encouraging them to engage with other agencies, and help co-ordinate the provision of multi-agency support where necessary.

About You:

To be successful as the Senior Multiple Needs IDVA you will need to have:

Excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, of best practice in supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and of the MARAC. As well as understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience of working within a related field.

Bringing your experience of risk and needs assessment, safety and support planning, and crisis planning and successfully managing high numbers of referrals and experience of working in a co-located setting with another agency and providing consultations/briefings to professionals to support in upskilling them around Domestic Abuse. The candidate will have experience of partnership working and of maintaining excellent working relationships with a range of stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to work as part of an innovative service, designed to offer multi-disciplinary wrap-around support to women with multiple needs, with the aim of facilitating long-term recovery. 

We enthusiastically welcome applications from Substance Misuse Workers/Practitioners, Recovery Workers, Recovery Practitioners, Recovery Coordinators, Drug Workers, Alcohol Workers and Needle Exchange Workers who meet the specified requirements.

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered. 

· Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday 22 May 2024

· Interviews are taking place on Thursday 30 May 2024

· *Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits: 

• A 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!) 
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• Thorough induction and training
• Career development pathways 

**************************************************************

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe.  We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks.  We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

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

At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, our goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. Our impact across policy, campaigning, information and advice, grant-making and partnerships improves lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence in wider areas of life. We want to find talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This role is an integral part of the day-to-day delivery of our Advice and Support Service, which has been re-shaped and is due to go live in the summer of 2024. The service is targeted at older people in or facing financial hardship, and provides information, advice and follow up support relating to a range of issues, including Welfare Benefits, Social Care and Housing. 

As an Adviser (Health Social Care and Housing) you will be responsible for providing specialist support to older people, their families and carers through our advice service with their housing and social care enquiries as well as providing generalist level support on a range of issues through our duty service. 

 You should have in depth, specialist level knowledge of Health and Social Care or Housing (ideally both) as they relate to older people, experience of working within a high volume advice setting and advice supervision framework such as the AQS framework

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 28 hours per week.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

 We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age by visiting our website.

Salary information:

Hybrid working in London: £32,682 per year, increasing to £33,600 after 6 months and £34,493 after 12 months Pro-rata if part-time

Homebased (with regular travel to London): £29,453 per year, increasing to £30,267 after 6 months and £31,054 after 12 months. Pro-rata if part-time. 

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role.

Closing Date: 6th May

Interview Dates: 

First Round: 15th or 16th or, Second Round: 21st May