Debt and benefits advisor jobs near Bracknell, Berkshire
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About Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind
This is an exciting opportunity to join and support a fast growing and dedicated team supporting the wellbeing of communities across West London.
We’re here to make sure that everyone suffering with a mental health problem gets the help they need to recover. We listen, support recovery, fight stigma and work with partners to take action. We provide services for adults, children and young people, signposting for everyone and training and consultancy for employers.
Job Purpose
This role is within our crisis alternative emergency department (ED) service, which is an out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who present at A&E, feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. The service will work collaboratively with hospital Psychiatric Liaison Team (LPS) to ensure those in crisis are supported by the appropriate team. The service will operate 365 days a year from 5pm-1am across three ED’s in West London.
Staff within the service will triage, assess and provide face-to-face support to anyone who is experiencing mental health crisis. This will be person-centred and will be in various forms of de-escalation support; practical, emotional support, grounding techniques, safety planning, care/action planning etc. Staff within the service will work alongside LPS and escalate if clinical intervention is required. Staff will also actively participate in MDT discussions for frequent attenders and take a key role in initiating and promoting alternative crisis support in the aim of preventing A&E use. Staff in our Safe Space ED service are required to have experience in a mental health clinical setting (such as inpatient, A&E, or other clinical setting) however, they do not need to hold a clinical qualification for this role.
The objectives of the service include:
- To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis presenting at ED
- To prevent the use of A&E and EDs where alternative crisis support is appropriate
- To effectively de-escalate mental health crisis in various forms of support
- Collaborative working with LPS and A&E stakeholders to promote preventative measures around early intervention; to identify any unmet social needs that are exacerbating wellbeing and prevent escalation
- Proactively work, and affect change with, a rolling cohort of people, using a truly personalised approach
- Act as a conduit to negotiate and de-escalate issues before a crisis occurs; a situation which has historically led to a destabilisation of their condition and resulting in an attendance or admission
- Empower service users to self-manage, to enable discharge from the project and encourage (where appropriate) unplanned to planned clinical activity
- Form robust networks of services around individual service users to ensure they can access the care and support they need, when they need it, including our community crisis alternative service – Safe Space
- Improve communication and partnership working between those involved in peoples’ care 24/7
- Personalise a plan of support, focusing on strengths and goals, whilst also developing personal crisis plans with the service user
- Advocate for the individual in the creation of any statutory service crisis plans that may be developed, ensuring they are person cantered and reflect the person’s needs
- De-escalate any negative or harmful patterns of behaviour as early as possible to reduce the likelihood of admission/readmission
- Manage relapse
- To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis
- To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual
- To work hand in hand with our community Safe Space service; ensuring follow ups are arranged with our community Safe Space, creating a wrap around crisis service
The Role
The role of the crisis practitioner will be to work collaboratively with LPS and service users to de-escalate crises in ED. The role will also involve triaging and assessing all clients accessing the service, alongside LPS. The crisis practitioner’s duty will be to de-escalate low/moderate mental health and social needs and deliver collaborative self-management plans with service users to improve mental wellbeing and reduction in A&E attendance. The crisis practitioner will also be responsible for linking in and signposting follow up support with our community Safe Space team. This role does not include clinical intervention.
Post is subject to a DBS check.
We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
Fixed Term until 31st March 2023
Part Time positions available
Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind are a specialist mental health provider and part of the Mind Federation. We provide support to em... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Would you like to be part of a Charity that helps local people with the issues they face? Where required full training will be given.
We are looking for a Generalist and Money Adviser /Trainee to join our friendly team of paid and volunteer advisers. This role will involve giving advice to our clients covering a broad range of issues covering debt, employment, housing and benefits.
We are committed to delivering high quality advice and support and making a difference to the quality of life for clients in the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Council areas.
Oxfordshire South & Vale is an independent local charity operating within the Citizens Advice Network. We provide the Citizens Advice service from our 4 main locations in South Oxfordshire and Vale of the White Horse (Abingdon, Didcot, Henley, and Thame). Our 120 skilled volunteers are supported by 11 FTE staff. We advise over 9,000 people a year.
Location: Preferably hybrid working from one of our offices and home location. 100% remote working will be considered.
Salary: £23,500 to £25,090 per annum pro rata depending on experience.
Hours: 37 hours per week. We are happy to consider a job share of 18.5 hours per week.
Contract: Fixed Term 1 year
For an application form please contact our HR & Training Manager Sally Stevens
Advice Service Supervisor – Role Description
Role Purpose
Citizens Advice East Berkshire is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Advice Service Supervisor, to start as soon as possible.
The successful candidate will provide high-quality advice and information across East Berkshire, from our two main offices, various outreach locations, and through telephone and digital access channels.
The ideal candidate will have previous Citizens Advice experience, ideally as an Advice Session Supervisor or equivalent, but we would consider individuals from other backgrounds who have demonstrable experience in an advice-giving capacity and leading teams.
You must have a minimum of two years’ experience of advice work including advising or supporting on complex cases in welfare rights, benefits, employment, housing and debt, and have demonstrable experience in managing complex cases, negotiating with third parties on behalf of clients and maintaining accurate and comprehensive case recording.
The postholder will work closely with professional and voluntary sector partners, as well as a committed and experienced team while acting as an ambassador for Citizens Advice East Berkshire.
Citizens Advice East Berkshire operates a range of services and projects, ranging from generalist advice services to those that work with our more vulnerable clients. The successful candidate will be allocated to a team based on their existing experience and knowledge.
Interviews will be arranged as they are received for suitable candidates and the openings will close upon successful appointment, so it is advised applications are submitted promptly to avoid disappointment.
You must be eligible to work in the UK and a DBS check is required for this role.
Salary (DOE): FTE £24,000-£27,000
Hours: Full-time, although part-time (minimum of 3 days per week) may be considered
Contract Term: Permanent
Location: Based in our Maidenhead and Bracknell offices with some remote working possible.
Reporting to: Advice Services Manager, Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Staff and Volunteer Management
- Ensure the effective performance management and development of volunteers through regular supervision sessions, the appraisal process and learning and development.
- Participate in the induction and training of new staff and volunteers as delegated.
- Participate in recruitment and selection activities as delegated.
- Identify recruitment and training needs, and liaise with Trainer to ensure needs are met through targeted recruitment and training
- Create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well-managed, dignity at work is upheld and staff and volunteers can do their best.
Supervising Advice Sessions
- Manage the practicalities of the advice session and ensure adequate staffing and resources.
- Provide an appropriate level of support and supervision to individual workers depending on their level of competence.
- Monitor all the case records of designated staff, volunteers, and trainees to meet quality standards and service level agreements.
- Ensure remedial and developmental and training issues are identified and acted on in a timely manner 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 and / or caseworkers.
Networking and partnerships
- Grow and maintain partnerships with professional and voluntary sector partners, while acting as an ambassador for Citizens Advice East Berkshire.
- Develop links with relevant statutory and non-statutory agencies relevant to the role.
- Attend regular team meetings with external partners, present our services, and act upon feedback to improve our services
- Use influencing skills to promote Citizens Advice and foster good relationships with external stakeholders.
Learning & Professional Development
- Keep up to date with legislation relevant to the role, trends, ideas and thinking
- Attend and actively participate in regular support and supervision sessions and appraisals with the Advice Services Manager.
- Identify your own learning and development needs and take steps to address these.
Administration
- Monitor and evaluate activities appropriate to the role and contribute to the organisational planning process by providing regular reports and feedback on areas of responsibility.
- Develop and maintain effective admin systems and records relevant to the role.
- Ensure that detailed records for the purposes of information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation are maintained and developed
- Produce comprehensive, analytical and developmental oral and written reports on the work of the service as required.
Other
- Keep up to date with Citizens Advice Aims, policies and procedures and ensure these are followed.
- Ensure that work reflects and supports the Citizens Advice service's equality and diversity strategy.
- Keep up to date with research and campaigns (R&C) issues and ensure R&C is promoted and integrated in a way relevant to the role.
- Work cooperatively with colleagues and encourage good teamwork, clear lines of communication and common practices within the team.
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own health and safety and that of colleagues.
- Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.
- In addition to the tasks and duties outlined in this job description, to undertake such duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post
Person Specification
Essential:
- Minimum of two years’ experience of advice work including advising or supporting on complex cases in welfare rights, benefits, employment, housing, and debt.
- Ability to commit to, and work within, the aims, principles, and policies of the Citizens Advice service.
- A good, up to date understanding of equality and diversity and its application to the provision of advice, and the supervision and development of volunteers.
- Proven ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.
- Ability to monitor and maintain own standards.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrable understanding of the issues affecting society and their implications for clients and service provision.
- Demonstrable understanding of the issues involved in interviewing clients.
- Proven ability to manage / supervise others, including ability to recruit, develop and motivate volunteers.
- Proven ability to monitor and maintain service delivery against agreed targets.
- Ability to monitor and analyse statistics and check accuracy of calculations.
- Proven ability to develop individuals or groups by providing support, guidance, tutoring and / or training.
- Proven ability to supervise and monitor advice work and to maintain casework systems and procedures.
- Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information and produce and present clear reports verbally and in writing.
- Ability to prioritise own work and the work of others, meet deadlines and manage workload in a busy environment.
- Ability to use IT systems and packages, and electronic resources in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions.
- Ability to monitor and maintain recording systems and procedures.
- A commitment to continuous professional development.
Desirable:
- Has previous Citizens Advice experience, ideally as an Advice Session Supervisor or equivalent
- May suit someone that has worked in the voluntary sector as a Team Leader or equivalent.
- Qualifications/ CPD that would be beneficial to this role.
Please complete an application pack and a cover letter to apply. CV's on their own will not be accepted.
About Us
We support anyone living or working in Bracknell Forest, Maidenhead and Windsor, and Slough by providing fr... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Advice Service Team Leader – Role Description
Role Purpose
Citizens Advice East Berkshire is seeking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Advice Service Team Leader, to start as soon as possible.
The successful candidate will lead a team of staff and volunteers in providing a high-quality advice and information service across East Berkshire, from our two offices, various outreach locations, and through telephone and digital access channels.
You will support the Advice Services Manager, delivering advice services; managing staff and volunteers by undertaking one-to one’s, training, and development; and ensuring our services are delivered, monitored, evaluated, and developed effectively and efficiently. Demonstrable work experience in these areas will be required.
The ideal candidate will have previous Citizens Advice experience, potentially as an Advice Session Supervisor or equivalent, but we would consider individuals from other backgrounds who have demonstrable experience in an advice-giving capacity and leading teams.
You must have a minimum of two years’ experience of advice work including advising or supporting on complex cases in welfare rights, benefits, employment, housing, and debt, and have experience in the provision of staff & volunteer support, development, and motivation.
The postholder will work closely with public and voluntary sector partners, as well as a committed and experienced team. You will be confident in working with stakeholders at all levels and be able to grow and develop great partnerships while acting as an ambassador for Citizens Advice East Berkshire.
Citizens Advice East Berkshire operates a range of services and projects, ranging from generalist advice services to those that work with our more vulnerable clients. The successful candidates will be allocated to a team based on their experience and knowledge.
Interviews will be arranged as they are received and the openings will close upon successful appointment, so it is advised applications are submitted promptly to avoid disappointment.
You must be eligible to work in the UK and a DBS check is required for this role.
Salary (DOE): FTE £30,000-£32,000
Hours: Full time – 37 hours
Contract Term: Permanent
Location: Based in our Maidenhead and Bracknell offices with some remote working possible.
Reporting to: Advice Services Manager, Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Service Leadership & Management
- Manage and develop advice services and projects to ensure quality, ease of access and consistency throughout the service
- Ensure projects meet funder targets and are delivered within the budgets
- Lead the advice teams and delegated projects, including leading regular team meetings for staff and volunteers
- Prepare and issue reports as required for the Advice Services Manager, attending meetings as required to present findings and recommendations
Staff and Volunteer Management
- Ensure the effective performance management and development of volunteers through regular supervision sessions, the appraisal process and learning and development.
- Participate in the induction and training of new staff and volunteers as delegated.
- Participate in recruitment and selection activities as delegated.
- Identify recruitment and training needs, and liaise with Trainer to ensure needs are met through targeted recruitment and training
- Create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well-managed, dignity at work is upheld and staff and volunteers can do their best.
Supervising Advice Sessions
- Manage the practicalities of the advice session and ensure adequate staffing and resources.
- Provide an appropriate level of support and supervision to individual workers depending on their level of competence.
- Monitor all the case records of designated staff, volunteers, and trainees to meet quality standards and service level agreements.
- Ensure remedial and developmental and training issues are identified and acted on in a timely manner 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 and / or caseworkers.
Networking and partnerships
- Grow and maintain partnerships with professional and voluntary sector partners, while acting as an ambassador for Citizens Advice East Berkshire.
- Develop links with relevant statutory and non-statutory agencies relevant to the role.
- Attend regular team meetings with external partners, present our services, and act upon feedback to improve our services
- Use influencing skills to promote Citizens Advice and foster good relationships with external stakeholders.
Learning & Professional Development
- Keep up to date with legislation relevant to the role, trends, ideas and thinking
- Attend and actively participate in regular support and supervision sessions and appraisals with the Advice Services Manager.
- Identify your own learning and development needs and take steps to address these.
Administration
- Monitor and evaluate activities appropriate to the role and contribute to the organisational planning process by providing regular reports and feedback on areas of responsibility.
- Develop and maintain effective admin systems and records relevant to the role.
- Ensure that detailed records for the purposes of information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation are maintained and developed
- Produce comprehensive, analytical and developmental oral and written reports on the work of the service as required.
Other
- Keep up to date with Citizens Advice Aims, policies and procedures and ensure these are followed.
- Ensure that work reflects and supports the Citizens Advice service's equality and diversity strategy.
- Keep up to date with research and campaigns (R&C) issues and ensure R&C is promoted and integrated in a way relevant to the role.
- Work cooperatively with colleagues and encourage good teamwork, clear lines of communication and common practices within the team.
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own health and safety and that of colleagues.
- Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.
- In addition to the tasks and duties outlined in this job description, to undertake such duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience of implementing and monitoring business related objectives
- Previous provision of one-to one’s, training, and employee development.
- Minimum of two years’ experience of advice work including advising or supporting on complex cases in welfare rights, benefits, employment, housing, and debt.
- Ability to commit to, and work within, the aims, principles, and policies of the Citizens Advice service.
- A good, up to date understanding of equality and diversity and its application to the provision of advice, and the supervision and development of volunteers.
- Proven ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.
- Ability to monitor and maintain own standards.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrable understanding of the issues affecting society and their implications for clients and service provision.
- Demonstrable understanding of the issues involved in interviewing clients.
- Proven ability to manage / supervise others, including ability to recruit, develop and motivate volunteers.
- Proven ability to monitor and maintain service delivery against agreed targets.
- Ability to monitor and analyse statistics and check accuracy of calculations.
- Proven ability to develop individuals or groups by providing support, guidance, tutoring and / or training.
- Proven ability to supervise and monitor advice work and to maintain casework systems and procedures.
- Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information and produce and present clear reports verbally and in writing.
- Ability to prioritise own work and the work of others, meet deadlines and manage workload in a busy environment.
- Ability to use IT systems and packages, and electronic resources in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions.
- Ability to monitor and maintain recording systems and procedures.
- A commitment to continuous professional development.
- Has a right to work in the UK
Desirable:
- Has previous Citizens Advice experience, ideally as an Advice Session Supervisor or equivalent
- May suit someone that has worked in the voluntary sector as a Service Manager, Senior Team Leader, or equivalent.
- Qualifications/ CPD that would be beneficial to this role.
Please complete an application form and submit a covering letter to apply for this role. CV's only will not be accepted.
About Us
We support anyone living or working in Bracknell Forest, Maidenhead and Windsor, and Slough by providing fr... Read more
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The EMMA Partnership is a network of charities providing debt advice to people in the East Midlands, led by the Community Advice and Law Service (CALS). CALS is an independent advice provider based in Leicester.
We are looking for two experienced debt professionals to join our Quality Team. The successful candidates will be enthusiastic about providing high-quality debt advice, and about supporting others to success.
The role will encompass a range of quality activities, including conducting file reviews, delivering training, giving feedback to advisers and supervising trainee debt advisers.
The post holder will work remotely and from home, and will be required to travel throughout the East Midlands to conduct visits to EMMA partner organisations when safe to do so.
To apply, please complete the attached application form found on the CALS website. We will not accept CVs or applications in other formats.
Applications close at 9:00am on Monday 1st August 2022, with Interviews scheduled for the week beginning Monday 8th August 2022.