“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham, Bermondsey and Walworth and outreach locations across Southwark and South East London. We sort out problems together, for good, by providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice across all areas of social welfare law, and through using the experience of our clients to bring about positive change through research and campaigns.

We are looking to recruit an experienced Money Advice Caseworker to supervise and support the money advice team and assist clients with complex debt problems and advise on income maximisation.

The role includes to:

• Assist in providing and developing a high quality money advice service
• Undertake specialist level money advice casework
• Lead in ensuring financial capability is integrated into the debt advice process
• Provide support and supervision project staff and volunteers

To be successful you will need:

• Experience of providing support and supervision to colleagues to aid their development
• Significant recent experience as a money advice caseworker in a target driven environment
• Hold an accredited qualification in debt advice
• A commitment and understanding of the Service’s aims, principles and equal opportunities policies

Closing date: 9.00am Tuesday 1st February 2022

Interviews: Friday 4th February

For further information and an application pack please visit our website via the Apply button.

We offer a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, an employer matched pension contribution up to 10% salary, and training and development opportunities to continue your professional development.

Citizens Advice Southwark is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all applicants who meet the person specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

Auriga Services Ltd, a dynamic, fast growing Public Benefit Entity is looking for a Senior Welfare Benefits Specialist to join the team in Sutton Coldfield – we are open to remote working candidates.  Working here you will have a job and a career with induction, training and development. Holiday entitlement starts at 28 days and increases with length of service, generous pension contribution and working patterns and hours that can be flexible, subject to meeting business needs.

With a record of accomplishment spanning 22 years, Auriga Services are mature enough to provide outstanding service through the application of extraordinary levels of skills and experience. We manage combined annual funds of over £15 million helping people alleviate their debt and realise income and benefits that make a real difference to the quality of their lives. We achieve all this through the administration of charitable trust funds, realisation of Debt Advice, Welfare Benefits and Reform services and emergency fuel payments. Our clients are the major water and energy utility companies, local authorities, and the NHS.

As a Senior Welfare Benefits Specialist at Auriga, your responsibilities will include:

• Working with, supporting, assisting and representing vulnerable people of all ages and abilities to improve their financial situation and wellbeing;
• Establishing a relationship based on trust to ensure you provide the necessary support and assistance;
• Assessing people’s circumstances and assist them accordingly – this will include helping people to apply for welfare benefits, completing mandatory reconsiderations and representing them at tribunal;
• Mentoring and supporting other advisers to help them reach their full potential;
• Developing and managing interviews with clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to allow clients to explain their problem(s);
• Carrying a caseload of enquiries requiring detailed ongoing casework - maintaining accurate and appropriate records.

You will work with the elderly, ill, disabled and the young. This will be primarily remotely but, once Covid-19 restrictions have been suitably eased, may also include on-site consultations with clients; this could be in their homes, support groups, NHS sites or in schools.

At Auriga, we are looking for a Senior Welfare Benefits Specialist who has the following skills and experiences:

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent by experience);
• Demonstrable experience working in the advice sector;
• Experience of conducting quality and performance reviews and/or coaching activities;
• Excellent and up to date knowledge of the Welfare Benefits system;
• Experience of providing a specialist tribunal service or other representation to customers;
• A good working knowledge of welfare rights and debt advice practice;
• Be required to hold an enhanced disclosure barring certificate;
• Able to demonstrate an end to end approach to process innovation.

This is a full-time role, consisting of a 37.5-hour week. Our office is located close to Sutton Coldfield centre and 2 minutes from Sutton Coldfield station. In return you will receive a salary from £28,000 per annum depending on experience.

To apply for this role Senior Welfare Benefits Specialist, please click apply and upload an updated copy of your CV along with a cover letter, explaining why you would like to work for Auriga and what you can bring to the company. Any applications without a cover letter won’t be put forward for review.

The job title of ‘Senior’ relates simply to the level of experience and has no relevance to age. You are encouraged to apply for any opportunities that you feel to be suitable, irrespective of age or level of experience.

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

Please do not apply if you have submitted an application in the past 12 months

Could you be a Link Worker supporting people from within the NHS? 

Hertfordshire's NHS has commissioned "Link Workers" throughout the county to work closely with GP surgeries supporting patients to find non-clinical solutions to improve their wellbeing. Link Workers will work intensively with a small number of individuals, enabling them to access support within their local community.

You will be responsible for linking patients to services across the Health, Statutory and Voluntary sectors. You will work alongside patients to help them achieve their goals, undertaking assessments and building relationships to agree personalised plans to help the patient make the necessary changes to live the life they choose. You will work closely with GPs, other health and social care professionals, and local voluntary organisations. 

You may have worked in a similar role previously - but equally this role will be suited to someone with good local knowledge, appropriate experience and a passion for personalised care. Are you a people person? Can you earn trust and help people identify goals and access the support they need to achieve those goals? Are you fully committed to person-centred services and to helping inviduals find solutions to their needs? Can you work as part of a GP surgery team, maintaining the highest professional standards, sharing systems, communicating clearly and contributing to case management? If you are proactive, enthusiastic and person-centred, then we would love to hear from you. 

We already employ a team of Link Workers in Hertfordshire and we are looking for new Link Workers to fill roles throughout the county. HCNS's wider activities are also supported by HCC and by local CCGs. The roles are offered as permanent contracts (subject to future funding). The roles are full-time but we will accept part-time applications and will try to find job-share partners. 

The roles will be based at one or more local GP surgeries and we will pay travel expenses within the geographical area covered. Applicants must be licenced drivers with access to a vehicle. An enhanced DBS check will be required. 

The role

We are recruiting Link Workers to work with people who are frail or vulnerable or unwell, or people who are in danger of losing their independence. Link Workers will receive referrals from GP surgeries. They must take time to understand people’s needs, and they work with professionals, volunteers, families, carers and individuals to develop appropraite solutions.

You will work to understand your local community, link people together, and help develop more effective services. When solutions are needed, you will find them.

The job

You will be employed by one of the voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of Link Worker services: Age UK Hertfordshire, British Red Cross, Carers in Herts, Dacortium, Home-Start Watford & Three Rivers, POhWER, Watford & Three Rivers Trust and Watford Community Housing. Other partners may join.

You will be assigned to work with one or more GP surgeries and play a key role within their team. You will also be part of a locality team comprising other social prescribers led by a Senior Navigator.

You will need to operate independently and as part of several different teams, each providing support and supervision. You will use case management databases and communications systems, understand safeguarding and privacy rules, and provide high quality information, input and feedback. 

Please apply online stating how you meet the above requirements for this post. Shortlisted candidates will receive full details before interview. If you are currently based beyond reasonable commuting distance of Hertfordshire, please explain how you will commute or relocate or your application will be disregarded. 

Applications

Please apply soonest: we will interview candidates as appropriate applications are received. Please apply online stating how you meet the requirements for this post. If you are currently based outside Hertfordshire, please explain how you will relocated or commute if appointed. Shortlisted candidates will receive full details before interview. 

We are looking for a Rehoming & Welfare Co-ordinator to lead a care group within the dog rehoming team, ensuring the best possible outcomes for dogs in Battersea’s care whilst providing the highest standard of husbandry and hygiene. Both full-time and part-time working hours will be considered.

About us

Battersea is here for every dog and cat and has been since 1860. We are a leading animal welfare charity and over the last 160 years we’ve grown from one home in London to three rescuing and rehoming centres across the South East. With c500 staff and 1000 volunteers, we have cared for over three million vulnerable animals We also campaign tirelessly to make things better for dogs and cats; sharing our expertise and educating the public and policymakers about responsible pet ownership. Join us and make a difference for every dog and cat.

Our Operations Team

This role sits within the Operations Directorate, which is responsible for delivering the highest standards of animal welfare and care for every dog and cat in their journey through Battersea, from reception, to intake, to assessment and then to rehoming.

What we can offer you

Our dedicated people mean that we can be here for every dog and cat. Whether you are sharing an office with our dogs or directly caring for our cats, our animals show their appreciation every day. There is no better reward than seeing the difference you make to the lives of our dogs and cats first-hand; although we also provide a wide range of employee benefits, including:

• 28 days of annual leave (plus 8 days paid public holidays) per year
• Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental (£100), optical (£100), physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture (£325) every year
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work schemes
• Life insurance

During the recent Coronavirus restrictions, our animal-facing staff have continued to work on site and our office based staff have been working from home. We are currently piloting a hybrid working model for our office-based staff to split their time between site based and home working. We believe this will support office-based staff to maintain the benefits of home working, while allowing for collaboration and interaction with our animal-facing staff and maintaining a connection to our cause.

As this role works directly with our animals on site, you’ll need to spend the whole of your working time on site with occasional opportunities for home working.

So, if you are passionate about dogs, cats and about our work, then we’d like to hear from you.

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all current and prospective staff, volunteers and Trustees. We aim to ensure that this commitment, reinforced by our values, is embedded in our day-to-day working practices and our work together. We would particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented at Battersea.

Closing date: Sunday 06 February 2022

Interview date:  Tuesday 15 February 2022

Practical assessment date: Tuesday 22 February 2022

For full details, please download our recruitment pack. To apply, click the button below.  All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised; we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

The Safe Haven Crisis Café is an out of hours community crisis service, the café provides a safe space for individuals who may feel that they are at risk of a mental health crisis or are in distress. Currently we recruiting two Peer Support Workers to work in the Safe Haven Crisis Café. 

You will join an extraordinary team of frontline peer support workers and volunteers, in a service which is innovative, inclusive and life changing. 

Safe Haven Peer Support Worker 

Salary: Pro rata of £23,500 per annum 

Responsible to: Safe Haven Shift Manager

Closing date for applications: Tuesday the 15th of February 2022 at 5pm 

Interview date: Week of the 21st of February 2022

Based at: Safe Haven Crisis Café 

Hours: 16 hours per week – evening and weekend shifts

We are looking for a Hydrotherapist to join the hydrotherapy team, and work collaboratively to support the rehabilitation of both Battersea and owned animals

About us

Battersea is here for every dog and cat and has been since 1860. We are a leading animal welfare charity and over the last 160 years we’ve grown from one home in London to three rescuing and rehoming centres across the South East. With c500 staff and 1000 volunteers, we have cared for over three million vulnerable animals We also campaign tirelessly to make things better for dogs and cats; sharing our expertise and educating the public and policymakers about responsible pet ownership. Join us and make a difference for every dog and cat.

Our Clinic Team

Battersea has always welcomed every animal in need of our help, whatever their condition, and this means that we deal with challenging and complex cases on a daily basis.

The team provide the highest standards of care in all clinical procedures, surgery, preventative medicine and infection control, observing the best principles of shelter medicine and working in our newly built, state of the art facilities.

Our clinic is RCVS accredited with three surgical theatres, a separate dental suite with radiography, digital radiography and high quality ultrasound. Last year alone, we carried out 77 BOAS surgeries and on an average day will perform up to 20 varied operations.

To assist with recovery, we also have a 6 metre hydrotherapy pool and water walker on site. We have separate dog and cat facilities and have achieved gold standard in iCatCare’s ‘cat friendly clinic’ programme. We are also an approved training centre for student veterinary nurses and have a number of our team studying for further qualifications.

You’ll have plenty of time to provide hands-on care for our animals and to support them on their whole journey through Battersea, from arrival to rehoming. What’s more, you’ll be working alongside colleagues across the charity to make a difference for every animal that comes through our gates, whether that’s our large volunteer and fostering team or helping out at events. We are all here to champion rescue animals when it comes to finding the best possible outcome and there are no financial constraints to the care that we provide. We are also official partners with StreetVet, providing them with kennel space, clinical and fundraising support.

What we can offer you

Our dedicated people mean that we can be here for every dog and cat. Whether you are sharing an office with our dogs or directly caring for our cats, our animals show their appreciation every day. There is no better reward than seeing the difference you make to the lives of our dogs and cats first-hand; although we also provide a wide range of employee benefits, including:

What else can we offer you?

• 36 days annual leave (inclusive of 8 days paid public holidays per year)
• Generous pension contributions – up to 10% employer contribution
• Professional membership fees
• 2 fully-paid days per year CPD training/conference attendance
• Cost-price veterinary care for animals rehomed from Battersea
• Annual interest-free season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme
• Free healthcare cash plan, where you can claim for a range of treatment including dental (£100), optical (£100), physiotherapy, chiropody and acupuncture (£325) every year
• Discounted gym memberships and access to Battersea’s many social clubs and activities.
• Subsidised meals through Battersea’s brand new onsite café facilities

During the recent Coronavirus restrictions, our animal-facing staff have continued to work on site and our office based staff have been working from home. We are currently piloting a hybrid working model for our office-based staff to split their time between site based and home working. We believe this will support office-based staff to maintain the benefits of home working, while allowing for collaboration and interaction with our animal-facing staff and maintaining a connection to our cause.

As this role works directly with our animals on site, you’ll need to spend the whole of your working time on site with occasional opportunities for home working.

So, if you are passionate about dogs, cats and about our work, then we’d like to hear from you.

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all current and prospective staff, volunteers and Trustees. We aim to ensure that this commitment, reinforced by our values, is embedded in our day-to-day working practices and our work together. We would particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented at Battersea.

Closing date: Sunday 30 January 2022

Interview date(s): Tuesday 8 February 2022

Second interview date(s): TBC practical assessment

For full details, please download our recruitment pack. To apply, click the button below.  All applications must be submitted before the closing date advertised; we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received.

SUPPORT WORKER CARE, EDWIN HOUSE, NOTTINGHAM, PERMANENT, 37 HPW, FRWK03 £17,189 - £18,661

Edwin House is a 63 bedded specialist registered care and reablement facility which meet the needs of people with a range of complex support needs and health conditions resultant from historic or current problematic substance misuse.

Framework is looking to appoint suitably skilled and experienced staff for the role of Support Worker at Edwin House to provide high standards of care and support and work proactively with service users to enable them to gain some control over their substance use, improve their quality of life and build recovery capital.

This is exciting opportunity to be involved in the development and delivery of a truly innovative and unique service which will form a new pathway available within in the substance misuse treatment system locally and regionally.

Edwin House is CQC registered Care Home, and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have amended the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 so that, from 11 November 2021, all care home workers will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they have an exemption.

What we offer: Life Assurance, Pension (up to 4% matched by FHA), Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Benefits, Additional Annual Leave Purchase Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Learning programmes tailored to suit different roles and services, Health Cash Plan.

Framework supports all employees to achieve a better work/life balance. Should you wish us to consider flexible working or job share as part of your application please state this on your application in the supporting statement section.

98% of the workforce in a recent staff survey said they were proud to work for Framework.
Framework is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Registered charity No: 1060941.
As a Disability Confident employer we warmly encourage job applications from people with disabilities. Framework is committed to offering opportunities to people from diverse communities. If you have specific requirements or adjustments please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your application.
NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) is looking for an Academic Adviser to join the Advice Service. Our advice work includes providing confidential and specialist advice for students in four key areas: housing, money, academic and welfare. All advisers undertake general student advice, guidance and support as part of the Advice Team.

The Academic Adviser has responsibility for the provision of specialised advice on academic and educational matters. This role will develop working relationships with key stakeholders, support initiatives which develop campaigning activities and work with University support services, schools and departments on educational and academic matters.

We are looking for a friendly and approachable individual with a keen interest in working with students as well as an understanding of the key issues affecting students in higher education.

The Advice Service is accredited by the Advice Service Alliance Advice Quality Standard.

Reading University Students’ Union is a student-led charity which exists to support students and enhance their University experience. We are a dynamic, forward thinking organisation aiming to bring inclusive services and facilities to our members. Our members are 17,000 students from over 150 countries who are registered and study at the University of Reading.

The ideal candidates should have the following knowledge or skills:

• Good knowledge of higher education system and issues affecting students
• Awareness of legislation affecting higher education students
• Awareness of legislation relating to housing
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of confidentiality and conflict of interest
• Organisational and time management skills
• Able to give written and verbal information in a clear and concise manner
• Able to process and understand complex information
• Understanding of diversity issues

The ideal candidates should have had previous experience of:

• Studying or working in higher education sector
• Working or volunteering in an advisory or support role
• Working or volunteering with a culturally diverse client group
• Managing multiple tasks and a diverse workload
• Undertaking administrative duties
• Working effectively on own initiative

HOW TO APPLY

For more information about RUSU and the role, please download the Recruitment Pack.

• A completed RUSU Application Form
• A completed RUSU Diversity Monitoring Form

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further, please contact Loretta Cashley and she will pass you onto the relevant person.

RUSU is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Know anyone that might be interested in one of these roles? Why not share with a friend or your network as a whole?

This is a fantastic opportunity within the Project, your role will be based within our newly refurbished Centre where you will manage a caseload of service users who may have complex needs and challenging behaviour. You will provide Advice, Guidance and information (IAG) to vulnerable adults and holistic support to address their needs within a psychologically informed environment.
Part of your role will also include Coordinating and facilitating our Drop-in Service for rough sleepers, providing them with a range of services including food provision; laundry; showers; clothing and nurses clinics.

You will have the opportunity to be part of a service which will really make a difference to women’s lives and have the privilege to see them grow in confidence and skills.

The successful candidate will:
• Have working experience of supporting clients with Mental Health and/or Complex Needs.
• Have experience of providing Advice, Guidance and information (IAG) to vulnerable adults.
• Possess excellent communication and time management skills.
• Be willing and able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the women.

Salary

£28,386 per annum.

Hours

40 hours/week. Working on shift-based rota which includes early, late, night and weekends.

Pension

Church Army is an auto enrolment employer. If you are eligible for pension contributions, you will be enrolled in to a qualifying scheme and minimum pension contributions will be made by the employer.

Annual Leave

28 days per annum, rising by 1 day per year to a maximum of 33 days, inclusive of 8 bank holidays. As the project works on a 24/7 basis, you will be required to work some bank holidays.

Contract

Open-Ended, Full-Time

DBS

An enhanced DBS check required and compliance with Church Army’s safeguarding policies. Safeguarding training will be required.

Occupational Requirement

*Positions are exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Physical requirement: The Marylebone Project is based over two sites, 100m apart, and the job regularly involves walking throughout and between both sites. The Bradbury House site is a listed building, over six floors, with only five having lift access. The postholder must be able to access all areas of the Project, and may be required to do so quickly in the event of an emergency. There is also a requirement to travel across London for work related purposes. The ability to undertake these physical aspects of the role and to carry smaller items are required as essential.

Closing Date

Friday 4th February 2022 at 08:00 am.

Interviews

Wednesday 16th February 2022.

More info

Please see attached our Job Description and Application Form.