General Adviser

Join our team at Citizens Advice Doncaster as a General Adviser! You'll play a vital role in empowering local residents by providing high-quality advice and support across our offices and community outreach locations.

This role demands excellent customer service and a dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, always upholding the core values of Citizens Advice.

You'll thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrating a proactive and flexible approach to meet client needs and exceed project and funder expectations. The role requires travel within the City of Doncaster.

ole purpose

• To provide a high-quality advice and support to clients accessing the service via face to face, telephone, email and web chat

• Deliver Financial Capability and Income Maximisation advice to clients

• Support Clients to understand the benefits systems and application processes 

• To share responsibility for compliance with Projects, targets and requirements.

• Ensure high quality standards are met and that data is captured and recorded accurately. 

• To work effectively with other partners and stakeholders to deliver a seamless service to clients

• Undertake service delivery at Outreach venues across the city  as required. 

• To contribute to the Research and Campaigns work of Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough.

Advice 

• Provide General Advice and assisted information to clients at our offices and outreach locations via face to face, email and web chat 

• Conduct initial assessments to understand clients' needs and identify the key issues.

• Provide accurate, impartial, and confidential advice on a range of topics, including benefits, debt, housing, employment, and consumer issues.

• Explain complex information clearly and concisely, ensuring clients understand their options.

• Assist clients in exploring different solutions and making informed decisions.

• Empower clients to act on advice and information provided 

• Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.

• Liaise with third parties as appropriate. 

• Ensure income maximisation through the take up of appropriate benefits. 

• Ensure that all casework conforms to the organisation's Office Manual and the Advice Quality Standard and/or the Specialist Quality Mark as appropriate.

• Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation. 

• Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines in the performance of all duties

Research and campaigns 

● Assist with research and campaigns work by providing information about clients' circumstances. 

● Provide statistical information on the number of clients and nature of cases and provide regular reports to management. 

● Monitor service provision to ensure that it reaches the widest possible client group. 

● Alert other staff to local and national issues. 

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in providing high-quality advice and support to clients.

• Ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including strong negotiation and representation abilities.

• Advanced IT proficiency, including expertise in maintaining databases and spreadsheets.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively interview clients, assess their needs, and identify key issues.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively manage a demanding caseload.

• Proven ability to utilise IT effectively in the provision of advice, including the preparation of reports and submissions.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with a willingness to work effectively within a team environment.

• A strong understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice, including its equality and diversity policies.

• A strong work ethic and a proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and targets

• Understanding of welfare rights and benefits 

In accordance with Citizens Advice national policy we require the successful candidate to be screened by the DBS. However, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to your being able to take up the job.