Housing advisor jobs

Please note: This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Hospital IDVA (HIDVA) will be part of our dynamic, responsive and highly regarded HIDVA team, providing crisis intervention, advocacy and support to survivors in hospitals, both patients and staff.

Survivors are often in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, such as physical assault, drug/alcohol medical need, attempted suicide or self-harm and the HIDVA will work with hospital staff to provide high quality support focussing on a strengths based, needs led approach. The HIDVA will offer initial advice and crisis safety planning to the survivor, carry out assessments of needs and risks. They will also advise on criminal justice, civil remedies, housing and any other relevant matters.

We provide a visible and proactive presence in the hospitals and work in partnership with hospital staff to identify, contact and support survivors. The HIDVA team attend safeguarding meetings, ward/nurse handover meetings, deliver training and provide advice and support to staff around domestic abuse.

We offer an out of hours service (Friday evenings and weekend days) at William Harvey Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital on an alternating basis. The post holder will be expected to participate in an out of hours rota, working on average one weekend in four.

The Hospital IDVA will be based part-time in the William Harvey Hospital and part-time in Darent Valley hospital. There is also flexibility to work from the Rising Sun main office from time to time to attend team meetings, supervision and training.

We are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, who has supported survivors with varying experiences and needs. You will be supported by our Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Manager and receive training and an induction into both the hospital work and Rising Sun’s wider services. If unqualified, we will support you to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification on passing your probation.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Be present in the hospitals daily to respond to referrals or requests for domestic abuse advice and to meet with survivors. 
• Ensure that survivors are aware of their rights and options and explain the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available to them.
• Produce safety plans with the client, enabling them to assess and manage their own safety.
• Carry out needs assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence) risk assessment, to effectively deliver holistic, survivor centred support.
• Work in partnership with hospital staff, safeguarding departments and other services e.g. the police, housing, social services, mental health (amongst others) to advocate for survivors and complete referrals to ongoing support services where appropriate.
• Attend Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) meetings and refer service users to MARAC when appropriate.
• Assist clients in gaining access to solicitors, benefits agencies, housing departments, education, medical treatment, counselling, support networks, community groups, employment support etc.
• Recognise, respect and address the needs of survivors who face particular barriers when seeking access to services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics
• Safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; working within safeguarding policies, Child Protection Procedures and local procedures for safeguarding adults at risk.
• Maintain accurate client records, outcome and monitoring data. Prepare information or reports for the monitoring and evaluation of the service.
• Complete daily ward rounds to raise awareness and identify any potential DA support needs for staff or patients.
• Participate in an out of hours rota, providing an on-call phone support service to hospital staff on Friday evenings and weekend days as timetabled.

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the HIDVA service in the hospitals and build positive relationships with hospital staff, in particular safeguarding teams and clinicians.
• Attend safeguarding, mental health and frequent attenders meetings to screen patients for potential domestic abuse and provide advice to staff.  Together with any other helpful meetings that may arise.
• Deliver training to staff in various health settings across Kent to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriate responding.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times, represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up to date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Qualifications

• Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
• Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
• Health qualification (desirable)
   

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
• Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
• Experience of delivering training (desirable)
• Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
• Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
• Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
• Experience of working in a hospital / health setting (desirable)
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
• Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
• Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
• Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)

Skills and attributes

• Ability to netork face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
• Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

Safeguarding Statement

Rising Sun is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, a ‘right to work check’ in accordance with UK government Home Office guidelines, and to provide two references.

Benefits

We offer a number of benefits to team members including:

• 25 days annual leave per year
• A bonus day of leave for your birthday
• 3% matched pension contribution
• Access to Rising Sun’s counselling service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health care cash plan for you and your children for a number of health treatments (e.g. dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.) and also discounts in shops and attractions
• Up to four weeks sick pay in any 12 month period (eligible after probation period)

How to apply

For further information about both Rising Sun and this role, please visit our website. Please fill out an application form if you feel this role would be a good fit for your skills and experience, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.

Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a real difference, every day, to people from all walks of life? Do you have a passion for fighting homelessness and advocating for vulnerable people? If so, this is an exciting opportunity for you to take the next step in your career by joining the Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) as our Housing Adviser.

BIAS’s housing advice service supports members of the local Irish community and beyond with a range of complex housing issues, including homelessness, rehousing, tenancy sustainment and disrepair. We are looking to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic person who has a background or demonstrable interest in advice, housing or homelessness to join our friendly advice team. Your role will involve contributing to the day-to-day running of BIAS’s advice service, providing specialist advice on housing via one-to-one client appointments, completing casework and advocating for positive outcomes for your clients.

You will need to have strong people skills and the ability to build good working relationships with colleagues and clients, excellent organisational skills and the ability to digest complex briefs. You will be required to manage an active caseload, ensuring that cases are appropriately actioned and recorded and that deadlines are met.

If you are interested in working in housing advice but don’t yet have all the knowledge or experience required, please consider applying as we are willing to consider appointing the right candidate in a trainee role.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

• Providing appropriate advice, information and practical help to clients, via in-person appointments, outreach visits, telephone, letter or email. Where necessary, advocating on behalf of clients in the appropriate forums.
• Ensuring that all casework records are kept up to date and completed clearly and effectively.
• Contributing to monitoring service delivery and recording client outcomes.
• Maintaining a good knowledge of other available services, and signposting or referring clients as needed.
• Participating in regular team file reviews and supervision sessions, and contributing to maintaining BIAS’s high-quality service in line with Advice Quality Standard (AQS) requirements.  
• Engaging positively and constructively with other service providers, including local authorities and housing providers, to maintain partnerships.
• Staying up to date with developments in housing legislation and identifying opportunities to effect positive change to housing policy, together with the Advice Manager.

These are the basic duties required of the Housing Adviser. However, it is necessary for all staff to be flexible and you may be required from time to time to perform other reasonable duties which are required for the efficient running of the organisation. We will also offer training opportunities to support your career development.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. This role will be based primarily in our advice offices in Willesden (Brent), with some outreach work in Haringey borough. There may be some options for flexible working (one day per week)

WHAT DOES BIAS DO?

BIAS is a local charity which has supported England’s largest Irish community in Brent for over forty-five years. We deliver our support through our welfare advice drop-in service, our Active Ageing Clubs and our Be-a-friend volunteer scheme. We raise over £2 million in extra income for the most vulnerable every year and have over 3000 attendances at our club services. BIAS has exciting plans for further expansion in Haringey in 2025 and has a range of medium- to long-term grant funding, including from Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role.

The deadline for applications is Friday 20th June 2025. We would strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Brief role description:

​The Employment Advisor (Community) Midlands will support the following
​individuals in sourcing employment, training, vocational and/or educational opportunities:

• Early Service Leavers (ESLs) registered on CTP FHP
• Med Discharge requiring additional employment support.
• “At Risk”2 Employment Support Programme (ESP) Service Leavers (SLs).
• “At Risk” Core Resettlement Programme (CRP) Service Leavers (SLs).

The Employment Advisor (Community) will do this by providing employment & job finding support, access to wider support agencies and, when required, individual needs assessments.

​The Employment Advisor (Community) will do this by providing employment & job finding support,access to wider support agencies and, when required, individual needs assessments.

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Please visit the Charity's Website

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description attached.

What’s in it for you? Check out the Benefits sheet attached.

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Monday 7 July 2025 

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. ​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

​We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

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Deputy Safeguarding Advisor
Canterbury, Kent
£21,838 (£36,397) FTE plus excellent benefits
21 hours per week
Fixed-term contract for 18 months 

The Deputy Safeguarding Advisor is a very important role at the Diocese, as you will provide advice to parishes on safeguarding issues, cases and incidents to help ensure that our parishes, the Cathedral and the Diocesan offices discharge their responsibilities for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

Reporting to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and working within the Safeguarding Team, you will support and carry out casework which will also include reviewing safety plans and/or safeguarding agreements, assessing and managing risk of harm and undertaking risk assessments on blemished DBS checks or Confidential Declarations.

As Deputy Safeguarding Advisor, you will provide best practice advice to all stakeholders and partners as well as participating in the Diocese of Canterbury’s Safeguarding Executive Group and Diocesan and Cathedral Safeguarding Advisory Panel, whilst taking responsibility for preparing reports when requested.

Working closely with the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, you will also coordinate the Diocese’s response to victims and survivors of church-based abuse which includes ensuring that victims and survivors are assisted in accessing relevant support services.

With a relevant professional qualification or equivalent (for example, social care or criminal justice) you should have significant experience of undertaking safeguarding risk assessments and professional safeguarding expertise and experience in a relevant statutory, voluntary, or judicial agency. 

Practitioner experience of working with victims and survivors of abuse and with offenders and perpetrators of abuse, is also essential.

You should have an understanding of the broader safeguarding field including its social and political context along with an in-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation in relation to safeguarding children and adults, as well as having experience in using appropriate interview models with victims, survivors, and respondents.

Experience of contributing to case review processes and identifying and disseminating lessons to be learnt, e.g. Serious Case Review, Domestic Homicide Reviews, would be desirable. It would also be beneficial but not essential for you to have an understanding and good working knowledge of the Church of England, its organisation and governance structures.

You will be required to travel across the Diocese for meetings, so the ability to travel to remote locations and work flexibly is a necessity. This role will also be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Diocese of Canterbury Diocesan Safeguarding Team provides professional safeguarding guidance in line with the Church of England’s Safeguarding Code of Practice, House of Bishop’s Guidance, and the Church of England National Safeguarding Standards. A key aspect of the team’s role is to provide compassionate support to survivors of abuse in addition to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are respected.

Canterbury Diocese is the oldest diocese in England, stretching from Maidstone to Thanet, the Isle of Sheppey to the Romney Marsh. We have 350 miles of coastline with historic ports and seaside resorts, alongside rural communities, market towns and commuter-belt urban developments. Affluent areas often sit alongside pockets of major deprivation, offering an exciting and challenging mission context. 

At the heart of all we do is a vision of transformation for ourselves and our communities: no one can encounter God and remain unchanged. In the Diocese of Canterbury, we want to increasingly become a Christian community transformed through encounter with Christ, growing and overflowing to transform and bless the families, homes and communities we serve: Changed Lives, Changing Lives.

Closing date: 18 June 2025.

People & Culture Advisor

About The Connection at St Martin’s

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

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

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

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

About the Role

• You will be central to delivering our People and Culture strategy by providing high-quality, day-to-day HR support across the full employee lifecycle. You’ll ensure our people processes run smoothly, consistently reflect our values, and meet legal and best practice standards.
• You’ll work closely with staff and managers, offering clear, practical advice and contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace culture. With a collaborative approach, you'll help embed good management practices, support policy implementation, and use HR data and insights to inform and improve our work.
• You’ll be part of a small, collaborative People and Culture team, where we work flexibly and supportively to deliver excellent HR services. We value open communication, curiosity, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
• We’re looking for someone who is highly organised, detail-focused and confident managing a varied workload. You’ll bring experience across the full employee lifecycle in a busy HR environment, with strong administrative skills and the ability to juggle priorities. Solid experience in advising on employee relations matters, such as absence, performance, grievance and disciplinary, is essential, with a clear understanding of how to apply policy and promote consistent practice.
• This is a generalist role with opportunities to develop and learn across projects, owning processes and training tailored to your personal and professional development.

Salary: £37,551
Closing Date: Wednesday 18th June
Interview Date: Thursday 26th June

Our Benefits

· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays

· Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget

· Enhanced Sick Pay Policy

· Enhanced family friendly policies

· Day off for moving house

· Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)

· Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Season Ticket Loan

· Employee Assistance Programme

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

We are a London Living Wage employer

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Brief role description:

The Employment Advisor (Community) North-West will support the following individuals in sourcing employment, training, vocational and/or educational opportunities:

• ​Early Service Leavers (ESLs) registered on CTP FHP
• ​Med Discharge requiring additional employment support.
• ​“At Risk”2 Employment Support Programme (ESP) Service Leavers (SLs).
• ​“At Risk” Core Resettlement Programme (CRP) Service Leavers (SLs).​

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The Employment Advisor (Community) will do this by providing employment & job finding support,​

access to wider support agencies and, when required, individual needs assessments.​

​Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? check out our website.

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Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description attached.

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​What’s in it for you? Check out the Benefits sheet attached.

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Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date ​Thursday, 26 June 2025

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​Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. ​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

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We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

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​We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

Role: Trainee Debt Advisor
Duration: 6 months fixed term contract
Salary: £28,000
Hours: 35 per week, 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
Location: London (Hybrid)

We are delighted to be working with a debt advice and education charity to recruit a Trainee Debt Advisor.

About the role:

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact millions of people across the UK, we are recruiting new team members to help meet the growing demand for debt advice and support. You will help prevent homelessness, reduce food and fuel poverty and ensure clients are supported through vulnerable circumstances with empathy and dignity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver a professional, impartial, pragmatic and outcome focused advice service to all clients.
• Give advice on the following areas:
o Income maximisation
o Budgeting
o Priority debts
o Unsecured debts
o Debt solutions
• Identify client vulnerabilities and prioritise household emergencies.
• Provide comprehensive advice, next steps and actions in a way that the client can easily understand.
• Signpost or refer to the appropriate party at the earliest opportunity.
• Maintain punctual, accurate and compliant records using our case management system.
You will be provided with training, which will enable you to meet the needs of the role and progress to accredited advisor standard, Training will be ongoing and by a variety of methods including in-house, courses, webinars and e-learning.

You will have:

• Strong, proven customer service skills
• The proven ability to build rapport and empathise with clients from a variety of circumstances.
• The proven ability to deal calmly and professionally with difficult situations, e.g., Supporting clients at risk of imminent enforcement action, facing emotional distress and or suffering from mental health or physical health challenges
• A positive, resilient and pragmatic attitude
• Consistent attention to detail and ability to adhere to necessary guidance and rules

The above do not need to be gained in a financial advice role, we welcome applications from candidates who have been in client facing roles and have a genuine desire to assist others.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Overview 

Students’ Unions are amazing membership organisations with unique structures and ever-changing leadership. The student advisor role will be to deliver a high quality, professional advice service to students at the University of Gloucestershire Students' Union which is independent of the institution, confidential, non-judgemental and impartial. 

To all our members and stakeholders, we promise to be:

• Inclusive
• Democratic
• Courageous
• Sustainable 

Key Details

Closing Date: Monday 7th July
Interview Dates: Tuesday 22nd July
Start Date: August/September 2025

Applications are to be made by submitting a CV and supporting statement of no more than 2 pages. We advise that you look through the person specification in the job pack available on our website.

Candidates are able to arrange an informal conversation with Lou Fensome, Chief Operating Officer in advance of submitting an application. To arrange an informal conversation please contact find contact details in the job pack via our website. 

Job Details

• Job Title: Student Advisor
• Location: Across all of the main UoGSU sites, with a flexible working policy.
• Department: Student Voice & Advocacy
• Reports to: Advocacy & Campaigns Manager
• Salary: £21,436 pro-rata
• Contract Type: 0.8FTE - Part Time
• Hours: Full time, normally 9am-5pm. Some flexible hours required to meet demands of the Students’ Union.
• Working Days: Monday- Friday - to be negotiated with the successful candidate
• Benefits: 25 days holiday pro rata, contributory pension scheme available, excellent flexible working policy including some home working when appropriate

About the role

The main focus of the advice centre will be academic advice and appeals but it may need to adapt to the changing needs of students and will likely involve working with individuals who have complex situations who require support to navigate what steps to take. 

Advice and Support

• To provide specialist advice and information directly to students via physical and digital mediums as appropriate on academic matters
• To support students when referring them to appropriate internal & external agencies
• To advise and inform students of their rights and responsibilities as students of the University of Gloucestershire
• To support students at meetings, appeals and hearings within the University
• Maintain generalist advice skills, knowledge and understanding of University regulations, policies and procedures that may affect the work of the advice service
• To be able to understand and explore the issues students present with a focus on expert advice to enable students to make informed decisions
• Take referrals from with partner providers i.e University, self-referrals and those from voluntary and statutory agencies

Case Work and Procedures

• Maintain accurate records of all advice cases at the SU via the case management system
• Ensure adherence to the requirements of data
• Promote the service and outreach where necessary
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively with a diverse range of people
• Have the ability to work with autonomy and use own initiative

Reporting and Policies

• Work alongside colleagues to support the development and success of the SU enhancement projects and campaigns
• To collate key information for the Student-led projects and feed into campaigns
• To monitor the matters raised via individual student cases to identify commen trends that could inform policy

A full job pack including more details about the role and the person specification we'll be shortlisting against is available via our website. 

Are you a confident People Advisor or HR Advisor who is available immediately for a 3 month Fixed Term Contract?

Covering a sabbatical for one of the existing team, you'll be joining a well-established, friendly, talented and dedicated People function.

Salary is up to £36,000 for this hybrid role, with generous holiday allowance and pension, plus health and wellbeing provision and lots of staff discounts.

You will be dividing your time between the office in Peterborough and working from home (50/50 split)

So, what will you be doing? A whole bunch of interesting stuff! Such as...

• Acting as trusted advisor to managers, providing your expertise and guidance to help them navigate all types of People issues
• Various HR activities e.g. conducting exit interviews, coordinating the employee engagement survey
• Absence management e.g. liaising with Occupational Health, conducting Risk Assessments, gathering and analysing data
• Reviewing existing templates for policies and procedures, refreshing and updating them where needed
• Managing Employee Relations casework from end-to-end, guiding and advising managers, plus ensuring process is followed

If all this sounds like it might be your cup of tea, then what are you waiting for? Click apply right now!

Background

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is a well-established charity dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers from anywhere in the world who find themselves in the Royal Borough of Kingston and neighbouring boroughs. Since its foundation in 1991, RAK has been the main provider of direct services to refugees and asylum seekers as well as promoting refugee rights.

RAK aims to support refugees through the process from their initial reception in the borough through to final integration into the local community in order to enable them to live a fulfilling life and become accepted and active participants in our local communities.  We achieve this by accomplishing a variety of outcomes for refugee and asylum-seeking families through delivering a holistic service including advice, information, counselling, education, training, and assistance in access mainstream services and employment opportunities to help them rebuild their lives.

We are looking for a registered solicitor or someone qualified up to level 3, although we will also be happy to hear from people who are qualified up to IAA Level 2 Asylum. We are currently not in a position to support people to qualify for IAA Level 2, so please do not apply if you do not already have it. 

Purpose of the Post

Refugee Action Kingston provides free and independent information and advice on a one-to-one basis to refugees and asylum seekers on immigration (Level 3), welfare benefits, education, training, employment, housing, access to health and social care. Where we cannot help we refer clients to solicitors and other specialist help.

The purpose of this job is to provide an effective and efficient face-to-face Immigration Advice to IAA leve l2 or 3, within the aims, policies and principles of Refugee Action Kingston.  And to provide consultancy and advice to colleagues on Immigration and Asylum issues.

 

Duties and responsibilities:

Casework

• Provide face to face Immigration and Asylum advice and casework to IAA Level 2 or 3
• Act for the client where necessary by liaising with the Home Office, external agencies and other Immigration Advice providers in progression of a case.
• Negotiate and advocate on behalf of clients with third parties as appropriate, both verbally and in writing.
• Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate
• Know and understand the limits of Level 3 IAA Advice and be prepared to refer or signpost onwards when work reaches these boundaries.
• Ensure that all casework conforms to RAK Advice Service office standards and policies.
• Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation
• Write and maintain notes on individual client cases, manually and electronically. To ensure files and appropriate records are kept in accordance with good practice and standards.
• Follow all policies and procedures relating to the advice service and work within the limitations expected of the service

Professional Development

• Attend internal and external training courses as appropriate. Staff are expected to keep themselves informed on current issues relating to their work.
• Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures and attend appropriate training as agreed with the manager.
• Read relevant publications
• Prepare for and attend supervision sessions, actively participate in staff meetings
• Contribute to the development of the advice service
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• Administration  
• Be self-administrating and comply with existing procedures for statistical recording, record keeping and document production using IT based case management systems
• Ensure that all work conforms to service administrative policies and procedures.
• Assist the CEO with monitoring and evaluating the project.
• Prepare and present reports on the Project to funders and the  Trustees as requested.
• Maintain confidential and secure personnel records on beneficiaries, as required.

 

  General responsibilities

• Represent Refugee Action Kingston at external meetings as agreed with the CEO.
• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service
• Actively support and promote the principles of equal opportunities
• Uphold the aims and principles of RAK Advice Service and ensure that funder’s requirements are met and observe agreed policies on child safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality etc.
• Maintain close liaison with relevant external agencies, and represent the service as appropriate

Annual leave

26 days holiday (pro rata) + bank holidays + Xmas shut down. 

As a central contact for all people-related matters, you will partner with service areas to embed strong people practices and contribute to the delivery of the People Strategy. You'll provide practical guidance and operational support across:

· Employee Relations

· Policy Development and Implementation

· Recruitment and Selection

· Learning and Development

· HR Data and Analytics

· Strategic and Project-based HR Support

We are looking for a female candidate to fulfil this role (Equality Act 2010)

Come and join us

The GROW Traineeship gives people with lived experience of homelessness and/or other related disadvantages (including but not limited to; contact with the criminal justice system, mental ill-health or substance use) access to paid employment, training and personal development opportunities. The traineeship lasts for up to 12 months, and each GROW receives personalised training and support to help remove some of the barriers that may have prevented gaining meaningful employment.

We are looking for people who are passionate about using their own experiences to help make change for people in London experiencing bad housing and homelessness.

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent. We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the role

As a GROW Trainee, you will play an essential role in delivering Shelter’s purpose to defend the right to a safe home in East London. Our GROW Trainee will learn how to provide advice and advocacy to people experiencing the housing emergency and work alongside a team of advisors, solicitors, support workers and managers who work together to give communities easier access to support and advice. The successful candidate will be given extensive training, support, and supervision to support them to achieve this. They will also have access to a flexible personal budget to help in your own personal and professional development.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to community hub priorities and be involved in systems change work in the area.

The GROW trainee programme includes opportunities to get involved in developing services in London and across Shelter at a national level, using your experiences to influence our local strategic aims.

About you

We are looking for people who have experience of overcoming personal challenges and barriers and who are passionate about using their own life experiences to help make positive change for others. Good communication skills and the ability to make people feel heard will also be essential. Basic computer skills, e.g. word processing, the internet and email would be useful, but support can be provided. Above all, we need people with a real desire to develop personally and learn new skills.

Please note

This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.  

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme. Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free of harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs sent by external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Main Purpose of Position:

To provide urgent information, advice and guidance support for individuals in dealing with complex interlinked issues through intensive 1-1 personalised support service. Ensure clients are equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to make a tangible, material difference to their lives. Ensure excellence in project and service delivery throughout the Information, Advice and Guidance service and deliver work as an integral part of the organisation.  

Responsibilities/ Core Duties:

To provide a support service through 1-1 interview sessions, telephone contact, face-to-face and in-depth support with follow-up and record keeping. This post primarily involves providing focused support to help individuals deal with urgent financial, housing, health and benefits issues and provide ongoing support often acting as a conduit, with liaison, advocacy and referral to specialist agencies in health, housing, finance and debt advice, counselling, benefits, domestic violence, immigration and other legal matters. The post-holder must support Nova’s aims, objectives and ethos for clients, staff, senior managers and trustees.

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 2X Core IDVA's

Salary: £26,000 - £32,000 depending on experience. 

Location: Brent Civic Centre, Acton Police Station and Hammersmith Head Office

Hours: 35 Hours per week

Contract: Permanent

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:

We work within a coordinated partnership response to violence against women and girls as part of the Angelou Partnership. Within the partnership ADVANCE provides independent domestic abuse advocacy and support for women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.

The IDVA will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy, and support service to ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process specialising in working with clients at high risk. They will work within the team to make proactive contact and provide high quality advocacy and support based upon a client led needs and risk assessment to women from aged 13, focusing on working with those aged 18 and over who access the domestic abuse service. They will advise women on criminal justice and civil remedies and related matters, support women to attend court where necessary, and coordinate the provision of multi-agency support. Part of the role will to be to establish positive, proactive, and innovative working relationships with services providing services to clients and partner agencies within the Angelou Partnership. As a Core IDVA will work across the boroughs mentioned above, under the guidance of the team leaders and project manager.

To be successful as the Core IDVA you will need the below experience and skills:

To be successful as a Core IDVA, you’ll need to have an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children and of best practice within the domestic abuse sector. As an experienced domestic abuse advocate who has worked with complex and multiple needs, you will be skilled in risk management and safety planning, remaining calm in a crisis and in handling sensitive information on a daily basis. Experience of direct work with female survivors of domestic abuse, of supporting women involved in mental health services, and of working within safeguarding procedures is essential for this post, as is the need to adopt and promote a strong partnership approach to service provision.

We recognise that women often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the criteria. We encourage you to demonstrate how your skills and experience would make you an asset to the role, and if you don’t have the exact skills/experience, tell us in your cover letter how you think you might grow and develop in the role.
 

*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

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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.