39 Specialist welfare benefits advisor jobs

Citizens Advice organisations across Essex are recruiting Energy Advisers to provide high-quality, impartial advice and casework to households experiencing fuel poverty, energy debt and other energy-related difficulties. Opportunities are available in Colchester, Tendring and South Essex, with full-time or 0.5 FTE roles depending on location.

Current opportunities

Tendring: 1.0 FTE full-time

South Essex: 1.0 FTE part-time

Colchester: 0.5 FTE part-time and/or

1.0 FTE full-time

The role

• Provide specialist advice and casework on energy affordability, energy debt, billing and supplier problems, tariffs, payment methods, meters, grants, hardship schemes and energy efficiency.
• Advocate for clients with energy suppliers and other organisations, including follow-up and escalation where appropriate.
• Identify wider benefits, debt, housing or financial inclusion needs and make effective internal or external referrals.
• Deliver advice through Local Citizens Advice offices, community and partner venues, outreach activity and, where required, home visits.
• Maintain accurate case records, record outcomes and work to Citizens Advice quality and funder requirements.

Who we are looking for

We have a strong preference for candidates with recent experience of delivering accredited, quality-assured advice, particularly within Citizens Advice, another not-for-profit advice agency, an FCA-authorised debt advice service, or a housing association welfare or financial inclusion service. We may also consider strong candidates from other backgrounds who can demonstrate highly transferable skills and knowledge and the ability to reach Citizens Advice generalist adviser competence quickly through training, supervised practice and assessment.

We are particularly interested in candidates who already hold the Level 3 Award in Energy Awareness, or an appropriate equivalent. Candidates should also have the aptitude and willingness to develop their specialist knowledge further, including progression towards the Level 4 Decarbonising Homes: Technologies, Impacts and Solutions qualification.

Place-based working and travel

These are place-based roles and are not suitable for remote working. Advisers will work across their defined delivery area from Citizens Advice premises, community and partner venues and, where required, clients’ homes. Some hybrid working may be possible where compatible with service need and local arrangements. Applicants must be able to travel reliably throughout the area. A driving licence and access to a car is required, although applicants able to meet the mobility requirements by other means will also be considered.

How to apply

All vacancies and full application packs will be advertised on our website, available via the Apply button.

Citizens Advice values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.