Debt and benefits advisor jobs

Since 1899, Birmingham Settlement has been working to create opportunity and choice – connecting and empowering people through action, activities, and shared learning to build and sustain wellbeing for all.

Debt & Welfare Benefits Adviser

 Salary: £30,000 pa

35 hours per week, 25 days A/L + contributory pension scheme

Birmingham Settlement has an opportunity to join our Money Advice Team as an experienced Debt & Welfare Benefits Adviser.

As an experienced Debt & Welfare Benefits Adviser you will already have a background in providing effective, high-quality debt and welfare benefits advice to a wide range of clients in differing circumstance.

Based at our Newtown office with outreach work in other areas of the city, you will be adaptable with excellent communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to manage your own workload.

You will be joining a long established and professional Money Advice Team providing specialist advice with a holistic approach that covers all areas of debt and welfare benefit along with training to build and continually improve money management and financial capability.

 This is a great opportunity to join a progressive charity making a real difference to people’s lives – see our website 

 For an informal discussion about the role call Theresa Gniadkowski 

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

For an application pack visit our website or email us or write to Human Resources, Birmingham Settlement Sports & Community Centre,  600 Kingstanding Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 9SH.

 Closing date for applications: Thursday 30th April 2026 at 5pm

Interviews: Friday 8th May 2026

  Birmingham Settlement is committed to Equality of Opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Registered charity number 517303

About Toynbee Hall

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.

Department background

The Advice Services directorate at Toynbee Hall is central to our commitment to address and alleviate poverty in London and beyond. Specialising in debt, welfare benefits, legal support, and generalist advice, our directorate has proven instrumental in significantly enhancing the financial wellbeing of those we serve. Last year alone, our efforts helped individuals and families to be over £23 million better off, showcasing the direct impact of our work.

tional model combines direct service provision with a collaborative approach. We directly employ a number of advisors who deliver expert, impartial advice. Simultaneously, we lead a coalition of 15 partner charities—including local Citizens Advice Bureaus and law centres—where additional advisors are employed. This structure allows us to amplify our reach and effectiveness, ensuring that a comprehensive network of support is available to those in need.

By integrating direct support with strategic partnerships, the Advice Services directorate not only tackles immediate financial and legal challenges but also contributes to the broader goal of systemic change, enhancing economic security and community resilience across one of the most challenged demographics in the nation.

How we work

Our values are Inclusive, Courageous and Empowering and we expect everyone who works with us to work in a way that aligns with these values and to do their utmost to deliver our strategic objectives according to their role.

Job purpose

As a Customer Care Representative, you’ll be the first friendly face (or voice) people meet when they reach out for help with challenges like debt, housing, benefits, employment or consumer issues. You’ll play a key role in helping each person feel listened to, supported, and confident about their next steps.

You’ll handle a mix of face-to-face, phone, and digital enquiries, working with empathy, patience, and clear communication. With full training provided, you’ll gain the skills to manage sensitive conversations, complete initial assessments, book appointments, and connect people to the right support services quickly and smoothly.

Scope of role

· Provide friendly, professional, and high-quality customer service as the first point of contact for people seeking advice.

· Manage a range of enquiries via phone, email, web chat, WhatsApp, and in-person at our Triage Hub

· Conduct initial assessments and book appointments with our advice specialists.

· Maintain accurate and confidential client information using our CRM system, always following GDPR and data protection requirements.

· Identify when to signpost or refer people to other organisations to ensure they receive the right support.

· Handle feedback or complaints with empathy, professionalism, and a focus on finding solutions.

· Approach sensitive or challenging conversations calmly, using good communication and de-escalation skills.

· Apply safeguarding principles in everyday work - training and guidance will be provided.

· Collaborate with colleagues and project partners to improve how people access and experience our service.

· Contribute to team meetings, training sessions, and occasional events at our East London hub and other venues as required.

Key working relationships

· Internal: CCR Managers, frontline advisors, Communications and Marketing colleagues, Project Leads, Data and Insights teams, and wider Toynbee Hall staff.

· External: Advisors and Clients

What Success Looks Like in Your First Year

• You’ll complete your CMA Level 3 qualification and gain confidence in supporting people with financial and wellbeing issues.
• You’ll build strong communication and assessment skills, managing a variety of enquiries confidently.
• You’ll contribute ideas that help improve our service and client experience.
• You’ll be part of a team that trusts and supports one another and learns together.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Essential

· Experience in providing customer service in person, over the phone or online

· Clear and confident communicator with good spoken and written English

· Strong active listening and questioning skills

· Able to build trust with people from diverse backgrounds

· Calm and empathetic approach when supporting people in distress or dealing with sensitive or challenging situations

· Good emotional resilience and self-awareness, including recognising when to seek support

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time, prioritise tasks and maintain attention to detail in a busy environment

· Strong attention to detail

· Ability to manage time in a busy service environment.

· Collaborative, solutions focused approach.

· Confident using Apple MacBook, including Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and CRM systems

· Understanding of safeguarding principles and a willingness to apply these confidently after training

Desirable

· Knowledge of community services in a London context.

· Experience working or volunteering in advice, support, housing, debt, benefits, or other community-facing services

This is an exciting opportunity to join Citizens Advice Woking as part of a specialist partnership with i-access, Surrey’s drug and alcohol support service. As a Generalist Adviser, you will work directly with individuals in recovery, helping them navigate some of the most challenging issues they face - including welfare benefits, debt, and housing.

Working across a mix of in-person, remote, and outreach settings, you will provide tailored, practical advice that helps people overcome immediate crises and build longer-term stability. You’ll take time to understand each client’s situation in depth, explore their options, and where needed, actively support them - whether that’s completing applications, negotiating with third parties, or advocating on their behalf.

This role is about more than advice - it’s about empowering people at a critical point in their lives. You’ll work closely with i-access staff to ensure a joined-up approach, while also being part of the wider Citizens Advice Woking team, connecting clients to additional support where needed.

We’re looking for someone who is confident managing a varied and sometimes demanding caseload, with strong listening skills, sound judgement, and the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical guidance. Experience in advice work is essential, and knowledge of welfare benefits, debt, or housing would be a strong advantage.

In return, you’ll be part of a supportive and purpose-driven organisation, with opportunities for ongoing development and the chance to make a meaningful, day-to-day difference in people’s lives.

Our amazing team at Alana House are looking for a Women’s Centre Team Leader to join the team. 

Would you like to make a lasting difference to women facing multiple disadvantages? Our award winning trauma recovery service empowers and enables women to access the support they need.  

Position: Women’s Community Project – Alana House Team Leader

Location: The role is based in our Reading office with hybrid flexible working arrangements to provide for working at home and in the office

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.  Working pattern to be agreed within the hours of: Monday to Tuesday 8.30am-5pm | Wednesday 8.30am-7pm | Thursday 8.30am-5pm | Friday 8.30am-4pm

Salary: Starting salary in the range of £35,502  to £43,389 per annum 

Alana House is PACT’s flagship community project that uses a holistic approach to support and empower women. We offer a confidential, women-only, non-judgemental space and our services are delivered for women by women to ensure a safe, comfortable and trauma informed environment for those accessing support.

About the role:

As the Women’s Centre Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading a team of Key Workers to achieve the positive engagement of service users which leads to positive outcomes.  Your responsibilities will include:

· manage a team of Key Workers: monitoring performance and progress to ensure KPIs and goals are met

· contribute to identifying, training and supporting service user representatives and peer mentors

· act as the first point of contact for women referred to our service and conduct structured assessments to understand needs

· regularly meet with women to provide dedicated emotional and practical support

About you:

As the Key Worker Team Leader, you’ll bring highly demonstrable people management skills to encourage, motivate, support and develop a team and monitor and manage performance, along with an in-depth knowledge of issues facing justice involved women and those at risk of entering the justice system.

If this sounds like you please visit our website and apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful.

For an informal discussion about the role please visit the advert on our website for contact details for Sabina, Alana House Manager.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Closing date: 9am, Monday 11 May 2026

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK, and you must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Senior Family Support Worker, Family Key Work Leader, Senior Key Worker, Women’s Support Worker Leader, Women’s Key Worker Manger, Domestic Abuse Support Worker Manager, Domestic Abuse Key Worker Leader, IDVA, ISVA, Probation Services Manager, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

Location: Across South West Surrey (initial focus) and Runnymede & Spelthorne (hybrid working available)

Lead advice services that make a real difference

We’re looking for an experienced leader to join us as Interim Head of Service Delivery, working across both Citizens Advice South West Surrey (CASWS) and Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne (CARS). This role will start focusing on CASWS, and then over the fixed term period also cover CARS.

This is a unique opportunity to lead and strengthen advice services across two local Citizens Advice organisations, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality support to people facing complex challenges.

Every year our services help thousands of people with issues such as housing, debt, benefits, employment and the cost of living. This role will help ensure that support remains high quality, well-led and focused on the needs of our communities.

About the role

As Interim Head of Service Delivery you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for advice services across both organisations
• Lead and support a team of service managers, supervisors and advisers
• Ensure services meet quality standards, funder requirements and performance targets
• Lead improvements where service performance or advice quality falls below expected standards
• Support managers to develop their teams and deliver excellent client services
• Strengthen collaboration and shared learning between the two organisations

You’ll play a key role in ensuring our services remain effective, resilient and responsive to client needs during an important period of organisational development.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• An experienced leader and people manager
• Confident supporting and developing managers and teams
• Skilled at improving service performance and quality
• Comfortable working in a complex operational environment
• A strong communicator who can build relationships and inspire teams

Experience in advice services, public services or the voluntary sector would be beneficial, but most important is your ability to lead people, support improvement and deliver high-quality services.

Why join us?

Working at Citizens Advice means being part of a service that:

• Helps people solve problems and move forward with their lives
• Stands up for fairness and improves systems through evidence and advocacy
• Is rooted in local communities and strengthened by staff and volunteers

You’ll be joining two collaborative organisations committed to providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to those who need it most.

Please read the Person Specification and more information about CASWS on our vacancy page via the apply button.

Interested?

To apply, please send your CV and a Cover Letter, setting out your suitability for the role, including how you meet the first three essential criteria under the Person Specification to our recruitment email (available on our vacancy page via the apply button.

Deadline for this role is 9am Tuesday 5 May 2026

The Citizens Advice service values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, as they are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

To take up this post you must have the right to work in the UK. Please note that Citizens Advice South West Surrey does not hold a sponsor licence and, therefore, cannot issue certificates of sponsorship under the points-based system.

AI can be a useful tool to support your application; however, we ask that cover letters, interview answers and tasks are based on your own skills and experience.

Coastline Housing is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in the search for a Head of Finance Planning & Control.

 Coastline is a values-driven housing association committed to delivering high-quality homes and services across Cornwall. With a strong focus on financial sustainability, customer-first service, and continuous improvement, the organisation is building a data-driven and forward-thinking finance function to support its long-term corporate plan.

The Role

The Head of Finance Planning & Control is a senior leadership role within the Finance & Performance team, reporting directly to the Director of Finance. You will lead on financial planning, treasury management, and tax strategy, while ensuring robust financial controls and high-quality insight to support strategic decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the Group’s financial planning function, ensuring accurate and timely business and rent plans to inform strategic decisions.
• Oversee treasury management, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and proactive management of debt, cashflow, and security.
• Support the Director of Finance in securing appropriate funding to meet organisational needs.
• Lead tax planning activities, ensuring compliance while optimising financial efficiency.
• Ensure all regulatory returns are completed accurately and on time.
• Provide financial support to development activities in partnership with the
• Development Finance function.
• Oversee purchase ledger operations and ensure robust financial systems and controls are in place.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, policies, and systems.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver meaningful financial insight and support effective decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of a data-driven, high-performing finance team.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance and support the wider Senior Management Group as required.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a strategic, technically strong, and collaborative finance professional with:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CPFA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in long-term financial planning and treasury management.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting principles, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• A track record of improving financial processes, systems, and controls.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
• The ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation.

Desirable:

• Experience within the housing association or public sector environment.
• Exposure to development finance activities.

Benefits

Coastline offers a competitive and attractive benefits package, including:

• Electric car scheme.
• Relocation package available for candidates moving to the area.
• Generous pension contribution of 8%.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• The opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation making a real impact.

Location

Based at Coastline House in Cornwall, with hybrid working 3 in the office.

Head of Direct Dialogue
Location: Flexible / Home-based (with regular travel to London and nationwide)
Salary: £65,000
Contract: Permanent

Shelter is leading the movement to defend the right to a safe home, and to win this fight, they are expanding their award-winning income generation team. Shelter is now looking for a strategic and ambitious Head of Direct Dialogue to lead its high-impact face-to-face fundraising programme.

As Head of Direct Dialogue, you will set the vision and strategy for one of Shelter’s most vital acquisition channels. This is a senior leadership role within the Individual Giving team, responsible for managing a £4m investment budget to deliver sustainable, long-term growth across cause-led and lottery products.

Leading a hybrid model of in-house teams and external agencies, you will oversee the end-to-end delivery of campaigns that inspire thousands of new supporters. You will be a highly visible leader, spending time in the field to support non-desk-based teams while ensuring the highest standards of compliance, risk management, and supporter experience. This is an opportunity to innovate, using data-driven insights to optimise supporter journeys and embed direct dialogue expertise within the wider mobilisation plans.

Shelter is looking for a commercial and entrepreneurial leader with extensive experience in large-scale direct dialogue campaigns. You will bring:

• Strategic Expertise: A proven track record of leading complex fundraising programmes across in-house and agency channels.
• Contract Management: Experience managing high-value partnerships (£1.5m+) with the ability to negotiate and drive high performance.
• Analytical Thinking: A data-led approach to budget modelling, forecasting and scenario planning in evolving environments.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the Code of Fundraising Practice and Gambling Commission regulations.
• Inclusive Leadership: A commitment to diversity and the ability to foster an equitable, high-performing team culture where people can be their authentic selves.

For further information on the role and how to apply, please download the Candidate Pack.
 

Closing date: Monday 4th May, 9am