Programme advisor jobs

Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough is expanding its services to provide vital, community-based support to Doncaster residents facing the challenges of the rising cost of living and energy crisis. We are seeking a dedicated individual to deliver holistic and specialist Money & Energy advice.

As part of our team, you will empower clients to achieve the best possible outcomes by providing high-quality customer service and support, all while upholding the core aims and principles of the Citizens Advice Service. You will thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrating both initiative and strong teamwork, and be committed to going the extra mile to make a real difference. 

Role purpose

• To provide Energy & Money advice to clients 

• To provide advice on how to deal with Energy Debts 

• To provide a high-quality advice and support services 

• A Benefit Calculation as part of Income Maximisation

• Energy Efficiency support & advice 

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

•  Negotiate with third parties as appropriate. 

• Switching energy providers 

• Information and support on the Priority Services Register

• Check eligibility and provide Information about the Warm Home Discount 

• Any other possible Schemes / Grants available that can support the client with their energy issues

• Provide Advice on energy complaints and processes 

• Smart Meter information / advice

• Carbon Monoxide Awareness

• To provide Financial Capability and Income Maximisation advice to clients. 

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

• Ensure quality standards are met. 

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

• Undertake service delivery at Outreach venues as required. 

• 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.

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

Advice 

• To provide Energy & Money advice to clients on energy issues

• To provide advice on how to deal with Energy Debts, looking at wider debt issues and options, making referrals or taking action as appropriate. 

• Provide General Advice and assisted information to clients on energy issues

• Empower clients to act on advice and information provided 

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

• Negotiate with third parties as appropriate. 

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

• Provide advice and assistance to other staff across the whole range of advice issues. 

• 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. 

• Ensure that all work conforms to the organisation's systems and procedures. 

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. 

Professional development 

• Keep up to date with legislation and undertake appropriate training. 

• Read relevant publications. 

• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the Team Leader and/or Line Manager. 

• Assist with Service initiatives for the improvement of services. 

Administration 

• Review and make recommendations for improvements to Citizens Advice services. 

• Maintain local information systems. 

• Use IT for statistical recording, record keeping and document production. 

• Keep up to date with policies and procedures relevant to organisational work and undertake appropriate training. 

• Attend internal and external meetings as agreed with the Team Leader and/or Manager.  

• Maintain close liaison with relevant external agencies. 

Other duties and responsibilities 

• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service. 

• Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the Citizens Advice service. 

• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own safety and that of colleagues. 

Person specification

• Experience of providing Advice. 

• Effective oral communication skills with particular emphasis on negotiating and representing. 

• Effective writing skills with particular emphasis on negotiating, representing and preparing reviews, reports and correspondence. 

• Ordered approach to workload and an ability and willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures. 

• Understand the issues involved in interviewing clients. 

• Numerate to the level required in the tasks. 

• Ability to prioritise own work, meet deadlines and manage caseload. 

• Ability to use IT in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions. 

• Ability to monitor and maintain own standards and work as part of a wider team 

• Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and its equality and diversity policies. 

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of providing General, Energy or debt advice would be desirable. 

• Experience of working to targets

• Experience of working in the voluntary sector would be desirable. 

• Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively 

• Demonstrate understanding of social trends and their implications for clients and service provision 

• Have access to a vehicle and be willing to travel