Debt And Benefits Advisor Jobs

35 hours  - possible job-share

Location: Based in Sefton, Merseyside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing date for applications: 3rd May 2024 5pm

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

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

About the role:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHO WE ARE

We are a leading mental health charity on a mission to support Londoners with mental health challenges find and remain in good employment as part of their mental health recovery journey.  We have been changing lives for almost 30 years and we have just secured a large contract, submitted in partnership with Shaw Trust and Smart London, to provide Employment Advisors to support NHS Talking Therapy teams across West London.  This is therefore an incredibly exciting time to join a thriving organisation at the beginning of an innovative mental health support service.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are now inviting suitable candidates to apply for the role of Employment Advisor.  We need to swiftly build a team of around 20, so there are multiple opportunities available to applicants.  This new team will be guided and supported by Senior Employment Advisors and a Service Lead, as well as Twining’s established and experienced Senior Leadership Team and Trustees.

THE OFFER

In return we offer a friendly and supportive working environment, flexible working, career development opportunities, a comprehensive training and induction programme, a generous holiday entitlement and competitive financial rewards.  We also practice what we preach in terms of creating a positive working environment to support our own employee’s wellbeing.

Working format – based at NHS Talking Therapy sites, as well as some possibility of working from home

THE ROLE – EMPLOYMENT ADVISORS

The new Employment Advisors (EAs) will work within the West London NHS Talking Therapies provision.  They will work one-to-one with a caseload of clients referred by NHS Talking Therapies therapists to find employment, remain in existing work if they are struggling, improve their working environment, return to work following sickness or positively leave or retire from work.

You will primarily fulfil these duties by providing information, as well as advice and guidance to clients who choose to receive employment support.  The work should empower clients to make better decisions about their working lives, as well as communicate better with colleagues and managers in existing roles.  You will also signpost clients to other relevant support agencies, as appropriate.

This role would suit someone with a background in employment support, psychology, counselling, human resources or recruitment.

EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Engage a mixed caseload of clients at any given time serving 100-125 per year, with common mental health problems, to establish trusting, collaborative relationships to support them to find new employment or support them in, or to leave, existing employment.  Support will be provided face-to-face in Talking Therapies settings, via secure online meeting platforms or over the telephone.

2. Along with their NHS clinician, assess clients’ support needs with a view to creating, implementing, and adjusting a personalised action plan to help improve clients’ mental health and achieve their stated employment goals.

3. Develop and deliver a range of practical services to support clients to find work, including career guidance, job searching skills, CV preparation, application form completion, interview skills, advice on local labour market opportunities and advice on education and training to further their career.

4. Provide guidance to support clients to stay in existing work, including advice on mental health disclosure, negotiating reasonable adjustments to existing workplaces, creating wellness action plans, and improving productivity, support to return to work after sickness absence or to leave an existing role with dignity, and signpost clients to organisations that can represent them (EAs should only look to represent clients in exceptional circumstances).

5. Facilitate access to other advice in areas such as financial benefits, debt management, food banks and community food outlets and social housing providers, as necessary.

6. Work directly with partners like Jobcentre Plus, other employment providers, employers, trade unions and employment agencies to support clients to stay in employment and secure employment opportunities.

7. Build a constant flow of referrals from the clinical team to ensure a dynamic and mixed caseload.

8. Meet referral and performance targets in line with the specific KPI / SLA requirements of the service.

9. Regularly attend team and other meetings as reasonably expected.

10. Maintain accurate and up to date records of activity and outcomes in line with service requirements, ensuring the IT database is up to date and paperwork compliant.

11. Update and maintain NHS database (IAPTUS).

12. Receive regular supervision and training to meet individual, team and organization’s needs.

13. Contribute to the development of a service that is locally responsive and supports minority/disadvantaged communities.

14. Comply with and actively promote all Twining policies and procedures including Equality and Diversity, safeguarding and data protection.

15. Perform other tasks as required by your manager.

The role holder must also:

1. Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an Enhanced level.

2. Possess excellent IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software, as well as experience updating and maintaining databases.

3. Maintain accurate and up to date records of activity and outcomes in line with service performance requirements, ensuring the IT database is up to date and paperwork compliant.

4. Receive regular supervision and training to meet individual, team and organization’s needs.

5. Contribute to the development of a service that is locally responsive and supports minority/disadvantaged communities.

6. Comply with and actively promote all Twining policies and procedures including Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding, Data Protection and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the main duties and responsibilities only.  The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role in conjunction with their line manager.

The role will receive comprehensive training at induction, and ongoing career development and support as part of a structured performance programme thereafter.

As a Debt Caseworker, you will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive debt advice to our clients. You will work diligently to ensure that our clients receive the support they need to navigate through their financial difficulties, whilst adhering to quality standards and achieving set targets.

You will help cleints and their families manage their financies and debts more efficantly enabling them to alevate some of the stress and move forward with their lives, hopefully improving both mental and physical wellbeing. You will look to not onlt resolve any crisis the cleint is going through but to also give them tools, confidence and ability to prevent further issues in the future, reducing the need for them to use service such as the local foodbank in the future.

Position: Debt Caseworker
Location: Peterborough (Hybrid at least 3 days in the office in Peterborough)
Salary: £28,438
Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Term: Fixed term contract to 31st May 2026

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert casework covering a wide range of debt advice.
• Advocate for clients by negotiating with creditors and third parties on their behalf.
• Maximise clients' income by facilitating access to appropriate benefits.
• Prepare and present cases to relevant statutory bodies and courts.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and organisations to enhance service accessibility.
• Maintain accurate case records and adhere to regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Experience in complex debt casework, including priority and non-priority debt advice.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and achieve targets with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with financial regulations and quality standards.
• Commitment to the principles of equal opportunities and client empowerment.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local community. 
• Supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Scheme

Please see the Job Decription and Personal Specification for more indepth detail of the role and what we are looking for in a candidate.

Please click 'How to Apply' to find the applciaition form

Toynbee Hall is looking to appoint a Junior Welfare Benefit Adviser who will work as part of a team of specialist advisers with the aim to support the post holder to develop their knowledge and skills in the area of welfare benefits.

The post holder will provide information, advice, and guidance to clients in our Macmillan-funded Welfare Benefits Project, providing a welfare rights advice service to people affected by cancer to maximise their income.
With the support and guidance of the team, and training both internal and external where appropriate, the post holder will undertake casework, assisting clients to access their entitlements to welfare benefits and other sources of financial help.

For more complex cases the Junior adviser will shadow our Specialist’s to increase their
knowledge and understanding.

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

We have recently launched a new strategic plan which reinforces that our purpose is to build a fairer future with an end to poverty, injustice and inequality.

We work towards this by:

• Addressing poverty and injustice through advice and support and influencing systemic change.
• Shifting power to people and communities affected by injustice and inequality.
• Collaborating to end poverty and build fairer systems and institutions. What we want to see in the world starts with our community and our organisation.

This means:

• Working together to build a thriving local community where people have the resources they need, feel their voices are heard and are optimistic about the future.
• Being a good employer, where people are treated fairly, feel engaged and empowered, and work together to achieve our shared vision.
• Acknowledging the role Toynbee Hall has historically played in civic society while recognising that our role now is to shift power, to be an effective partner, and to amplify voices that are less likely to be heard

What we learn from our work in east London we use to inform and influence wider policy – working to influence change in structures, systems and policies.

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

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

In particular, the role requires you to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Job 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

Role Profile

This is an opportunity for you to join an established charity that has an excellent reputation locally as a trusted partner and as a great place to work. You’ll be a part of a small, but committed team with big ambitions that works cohesively and effectively together to get things done. You will provide generalist level advice and casework focused on welfare benefits, housing and energy as well as offering non-monetary debt advice about priority debts and budgeting.

You’ll help people to understand their rights and responsibilities by exploring their problems in depth. You'll proactively encourage clients to take responsibility for completing actions to resolve problems themselves. Taking responsibility for cases and advocating on behalf of clients where appropriate.

You’ll work closely with our key partners across North Lincolnshire within the statutory and voluntary and community sectors and ensure clients receive a good quality and holistic service that supports individuals to remove the financial and psychological barriers to achieving positive outcomes and build resilience for the future.

This role is offered both on a trainee and a qualified basis. For the trainee position we’re not necessarily looking for someone who has previous experience working within the advice sector, as long as you’re empathetic and able to provide person-centred support in a non-judgemental way we can provide full training.

You’ll really be able to make the role your own. You’ll be a part of a small, but committed team with big ambitions that works cohesively and effectively together to get things done. You'll be an important and valued member of the team and, with the support of Citizens Advice North Lincolnshire, will be responsible for ensuring people focused outcomes are met in a pressurised environment.

What we offer our staff

We provide an employee assistance scheme managed by LifeWorks. Benefits include:

• 24/7 - 365 telephone helpline
• LifeWorks online support website
• LifeWorks app
• 6 sessions of face to face counselling per issue – unlimited issues per annum
• Employee legal helpline
• Consulting services – financial, debt advice, housing, relocation, parenting, eldercare, work performance, health and wellness advice and much more
• Childcare and eldercare matching service
• Savings on everyday purchases and life events
• Access for family members and dependants – excluding counselling and legal advice

Annual leave: Annual leave is 25 days from 1st January to 31st December, plus 8 bank holidays. We offer additional long service leave of 5 days after 4 years of employment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing date: 5pm 28th April 2024

Supported Housing Officer

Job type - Full time, permanent

Salary - £30,326 per annum

Hours - 35 hours per week (+ 5 hours paid lunch)

Location – HYBRID - East Midlands- Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire