Welfare Benefits Advisor Jobs in Hounslow, Greater London
Age UK and its network of local and national partners across the UK deliver a wide range of services to millions of older people every year. We want to ensure that those services are of a high quality and of real value to the people who receive them. A key component of this is the Network Quality & Compliance Team, which oversees Age UK's Quality Assurance Framework of quality standards, assessments, and processes for dealing with non-compliance.
We have an exciting part-time opportunity for a Service Quality Adviser to join our Network Quality & Compliance Team. This role is part of the team that supports Age UK and its network of local and national partners to provide consistent, high-quality services to the public. The team is responsible for ensuring that training and guidance is available on how to run high quality services and supports individual network members with quality challenges and non-compliance.
The provision of Information and Advice (I&A) and our quality standards for these services, are a key element of this role. The successful post holder will have demonstrable experience of managing or supervising an I&A service and ideally, a broader understanding or experience of quality assurance and delivering services to older people.
This is a part-time, home-based opportunity, working 21 hours per week. Salary advertised is FTE. (Actual salary range for 21 hours per week - Actual £20,406 - £22,554)
Please note:
* You will be required to travel throughout the UK.
* You will be required to attend meetings in London, possibly as frequently as one a month. Travel expenses are paid to the London office and other Age UK locations.
* You should have a commitment to equality and diversity, social justice and giving people a voice.
Must haves:
* Experience of the provision of a range of services (including information and advice) to quality standards (including legal and regulatory) in a not-for-profit organisation or other relevant context.
* Experience of managing or supervising the delivery of services (including information and advice).
* Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with staff in different locations, write reports and training materials.
* A wide range of influencing skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners in order to meet objectives.
* Strong project management skills, with the ability to work flexibly and autonomously, managing individual projects to meet organisational objectives and achieve deadlines.
* Proven ability to work as part of a flexible team including remote staff.
* Good IT skills including an ability to use Microsoft Office (including Excel) effectively in preparing reports, presentations and in managing email communication. Experience of using CRM databases and other data management systems to manage client information is desirable. Experience of using online training and communication resources such as Teams or Zoom.
Great to haves:
* Experience of community development, working with volunteers and/or supporting small local voluntary organisations.
* Experience of delivering services to contracts and / or consortium working.
* Knowledge of public policy and practice issues in the delivery of services to older people.
* Proven ability to evaluate services and projects, interpret data and report on findings.
* Creativity and innovation including the ability to identify solutions and resolve complex issues.
What we offer in return
- Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays
- Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
- Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
- Tech scheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
- Blue Light Card Scheme
- You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.
Additional Information
All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.
Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.
Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
LOCATION: Across Citizens Advice Hammersmith & Fulham sites with the potential for some hybrid working following completion of successful probationary period.
Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham is recruiting for Advice Services Managers, who will be responsible for the supervision, quality and monitoring performance of the advice and information team. This busy and varied role will rely on your ability to mutli-task and bring out the best in paid and volunteer staff, to ensure the highest quality of advice across our many and varied projects. Working as part of a team with other Advice Services Managers, you will also be responsible for all aspects of risk relating to advice delivery, complaints handling, safeguarding and GDPR.
It is essential that you have the required management skills and a good understanding of the main advice enquiry areas including welfare benefits, housing, debt, and employment as well as a combination of the following attributes:
- Excellent and effective communicator
- Experience in managing and developing staff and volunteers
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and assess priority order
- Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information
- Experience of working with colleagues to maintain a positive working and learning environment, ensuring equality and diversity principles are upheld
If you are an experienced Generalist Advisers, and don’t have all the skills required, please consider applying as we are willing to consider appointing the right candidate as a training and development role.
What we can offer you:
We value our people and can offer a supportive culture within a high performing and award winning organisation. 86% of our workforce recommend us as a place to work. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and workplace to represent the diverse communities we service. We are committed to increasing our diversity and whatever your background, we welcome your application. We offer an attractive remuneration package with excellent terms including:
- Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year (in addition to bankholidays) and rising to 30 days with long service
- Learning, development and personal growth opportunities
- Mental health and Well-being support helpline
We will interview on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close the applications earlier if suitable candidates are found so encourage early applications.
Closing Date: Thursday 16th May 2024
“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”
Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham 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.
This post is advertised as an exciting opportunity for an experienced Advice Session Supervisor to consolidate their skills and experience or as a development opportunity for an advisor to train to become an Advice Session Supervisor within six months of starting in post. If applying as a trainee the starting salary will be on NJC Scale 6 - £33,194 for the first six months whilst undertaking the training.
The post holder will be required to work across all of our offices and outreaches in Southwark according to operational needs.
The role includes:
- Providing advice to the public and undertaking casework on social welfare law issues
- Supervising advice and gateway assessment sessions
- Supporting and supervising staff and volunteers
To be successful you will need:
- Recent experience of giving advice to the public. This should include having undertaken advice casework.
- Experience of undertaking the role of Advice Session Supervisor or to demonstrate the ability to undertake this role with training provided within 6 months of starting
- To understand, empathise with and be committed to the Service’s aims, principles and equal opportunities policies
Closing date: 9.00 am Monday 20th May 2024
Interviews: Friday 24th May 2024
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
SPANA - The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad is the global charity for working animals in low-income countries. Since 1923, we have supported the welfare of working animals, including donkeys, horses, camels and elephants, in communities that depend on working animals for water, transport, agriculture and their very survival. Today, we support working animals across 26 countries, through a series of global projects and partnerships.
This role will be a part of the Global Programmes team, working alongside colleagues responsible for Education & Social Behaviour Change Communication, and Programme Quality and Delivery. The succesful candidate will liaise with colleagues in the Global Resources, Global Fundraising, Marketing, and Communication departments, and in support of our colleagues across the majority world. The role will report to the Director of Global Programmes, and directly oversee three Technical Animal Health & Welfare Advisors.
You will be responsible for delivering SPANA’s technical animal health and welfare work, relatedly, against the 2023-2027 SPANA strategy and its key performance indicators. Your work will be supported by a nascent external animal health and welfare advisory panel, as well as that of your direct reports. You will be responsible for representing the organisation in relevant fora, amongst other responsibilities as required.
While we classify this role as hybrid, it's worth noting that the vast majority of your work can be done from the comfort of your own home. Occasional in-person visits to our London office (located in Borough High Street), and all-staff gatherings will be necessary. Our full time hours are 34.5 hours per week and we offer core working hours between 10am and 4pm.
Key responsibilities
Strategy
- You will have responsibility for developing and delivering the organisation's technical animal health and welfare strategy, plans and policies, with a primary focus on best practice and quality;
- You will lead the development of a global technical audit tool to ensure best practice is consistent across all partners & programmes supported by SPANA.
Leadership
- Promote the development of your immediate team, and the technical capacity and development of animal health workers across the SPANA network. Provide mentoring and targeted training and support succession planning and growth.
- Develop a high-performing team culture within the Animal Health & Welfare Team that demonstrates organisational values.
- Maintain an effective working relationship with all colleagues and SPANA partners.
One Health
- Lead on the development of SPANA’s One Health quality framework and support the Global Programmes Team in ensuring effective delivery.
- Provide technical input in veterinary health and education based on robust data and researched evidence.
- Develop a strategy focused on improving animal health systems specific to working animals.
- Lead on the development and delivery of all aspects of the technical provision of SPANA’s animal health and welfare.
- Monitoring epidemiological trends of working animal health and welfare data to 1) advise on and support appropriate health responses and strategies; 2) inform animal health surveillance goals
- Ensure technical support and advice is effectively managed and consistent with SPANA’s standards.
- Work with the Global Programmes Team in developing robust technical indicators to ensure evidence drives decision making
- Design and oversee research and analysis activities to support the development of technical standards, innovation and programme development;
- Ensure the provision of subject matter expertise, translational evidence and advice in support of policy development in the fields of animal welfare, and in parallel working closely with the Head of Education & SBCC on education materials. This will include the provision of or contribution to briefings, submissions and official and organisational reports
Advocacy, Policy and Representation
- Collaborating with coalitions, external working groups and stakeholders, advising on and coordinating SPANA’s contribution to these groups, chairing where relevant and reporting back to relevant teams in SPANA.
- Collaborate across teams to ensure technical input is included in all external advocacy work as and where needed;
- At a global level, build effective relationships with key stakeholders in the animal welfare sectors, such as WOAH, AUiBAR, and FAO etc;
- Represent our work to supporters, influencers, key stakeholders and partners.
About You
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Veterinarian MRCVS a minimum of 12 years of veterinary experience.
- Clinical experience in mixed or large animal practice.
Desirable
- Further qualifications in the areas of animal welfare, herd health, surveillance, preventive medicine, epidemiology or One Health is highly desirable
- Further qualifications or proven experience in project management and/or leadership.
Experience
- Experience of working or living in low-income countries
- Experience working in the animal welfare, humanitarian and/or development NGO sector.
- Experience of developing, monitoring and/or auditing technical standards in veterinary medicine is highly desirable.
- Experience of working with governmental, animal health or agricultural organisations is desirable
- Experience of communicating and working with international stakeholder groups collaboratively.
- Experience with participatory or community-led interventions for animal or public health.
- Strong interest in One Health concepts and community-level interventions.
- Good understanding of the role and socioeconomic importance of working animals in low-income communities.
Skills and Attributes
- Ability to think holistically and apply technical knowledge within a One Health framework
- Strong knowledge and motivation for animal welfare.
- Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong cultural sensitivity.
- High level of fluency in English (written and spoken). Basic level of French, Arabic or Spanish is highly desirable.
- Ability and willingness to travel to overseas projects independently as well as to SPANA’s head office in the UK as required.
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Further leave will accrue after two years of service up to a maximum of 30 days
- Company pension scheme (SPANA will contribute 10% of salary, if you contribute 5% of salary)
- Hybrid working with London Head Office (Borough High Street) attendance approx. 1 day a month (travel expenses not included)
- Health Cash Plan with Medicash which includes access to virtual GP appointments and a members discount portal
- Group Life Insurance scheme, which provides coverage at 3x your annual salary
- Group Income Protection scheme, designed to provide income if illness or injury prevents you from working for a period of time
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme including face-to-face counselling
- Paid Volunteer Day
Due to a high volume of applications, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the status of their application. If you are selected for an interview, we will reach out to you directly.
To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hours: 37.5 Full Time (part time may be considered)
Location: Various locations in the London Borough of Hounslow
Closing date: On an on-going basis until filled – we reserve the right to withdraw this job opportunity early if this vacancy is filled
Interview date: To be arranged directly with shortlisted candidates.
Citizens Advice Hounslow is a well-established charity operating in the London Borough of Hounslow, supporting over 10,000 clients a year. We want to expand our capacity for face to face and telephone advice; hence we are looking for an experienced generalist Adviser with the ability to provide advice in person as well as on the phone through our dedicated helplines.
In particular, the role requires you to:
- conduct a thorough holistic exploration of the problem(s) to gain an accurate picture of the client’s situation
- do a benefit calculation as standard for clients
- give full advice and support to clients to resolve their issues
- where necessary, make a referral or signpost clients
- write up case notes to Citizens Advice national standards
For more information about the role and the criteria to apply for the post, please download the Job Description and Person Specification.
We might consider strong trainee advisers who have completed the adviser training and have been exposed to sufficient practical generalist work (about to achieve the adviser certificate or an equivalent qualification).
Please note: We can only respond to successful applicants. If you do not hear from us within three weeks from receipt of your application, please assume that it has been unsuccessful.
We offer a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, pension contribution, and training and opportunities to continue your professional development.
We consider 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.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic team as a Money Advice Caseworker on our Debt Free London project. The successful applicant will be providing money advice as part of our London wide project.
You will be contributing to the health & well-being of the community and helping people from reaching crisis point. In return, as part of our team, you will benefit from learning and development opportunities.
If you are a team player, willing to learn, committed to quality and want a job which makes a difference in people’s lives then this could be the job for you.
Closing Date: 5pm on Tuesday 7th May 2024
Interview Date: Friday 10th May 2024
Citizens Advice Bromley values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Job Purpose: To develop and manage, to a high standard, Age UK Bromley & Greenwich’s Information and Advice Service. To be responsible for the effective delivery of the I&A Service which will be delivered through a range of channels, including face to face, telephone, email, digital, and other means, across the Bromley and Greenwich boroughs.
Key Responsibilities:
Line management and supervision
- Provide line management and supervision to advisers and support staff.
- Supervising team advice sessions and casework
- Manage the practicalities of the advice session and ensure adequate staffing and resources.
- Undertake monthly supervision with individual team members and annual appraisal.
- Ensure referrals are actioned and clients are supported in a timely manner.
- Develop team competence in key advice areas. (Benefits, Housing, Social care)
- Provide technical support to advisers and identify areas of further development for individuals and the team.
Support learning and development
- Support the team to embrace continuous learning and development and provide timely feedback on cases reviewed.
- Make recommendations for staff training and development areas of need.
Staff recruitment and development
- Create a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are well-managed, dignity at work is upheld and everyone can do their best.
- Participate in recruitment and selection activities as delegated.
- Undertake new staff induction.
- Ensure the team receive appropriate support, supervision and appraisal and have opportunities for continuous learning and development.
Quality assurance and reporting
- Undertake Independent File Reviews ( IFR) and monitor the quality to meet quality standards and service level agreements
- Maintain and develop QAS/ AQS standards incl. renewal process.
- Ensure remedial and developmental issues are identified and acted on to develop individuals, improve the quality of advice, and ensure clients do not suffer detriment due to poor or inadequate advice.
- Keep technical knowledge up to date and provide technical support to advisers.
- Maintain a case load as demonstration of ongoing personal development and learning.
- Undertake advice work as required e.g. during staff absences.
- Provide statistical reports on outputs and outcomes as required by funders and management
- Review and implement outcome measures for the work of the I&A team, including an annual survey of clients.
Partnership working and development
- To manage networking/ liaison with other local key stakeholders and organisations and feed into wider local engagement and community development work.
- Develop effective partner relationships with referral agencies across both boroughs, and to refer/ signpost cases to external agencies as appropriate.
- Represent the organisation at outreach and community events as required, continuing to raise the organisational profile and develop wider awareness of our services.
- Work with colleagues to develop marketing materials, give talks and presentations, identify outreach opportunities .
- Identify opportunities to develop and grow the wider information and advice service
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: The post holder will have a normal place of work in Hampton Hill, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and will be required to travel throughout the borough to support our other offices and outreach venues.
About the role:
We are pleased to offer you an exciting opportunity to join our advice team at Citizens Advice Richmond as a generalist adviser.
In this role you will be working alongside volunteer advisers, and be responsible for providing generalist advice to clients, including advice about financial confidence, welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, immigration, discrimination and other areas of public and social welfare law.
You will work alongside our existing projects and services, which are already seeing a large number of clients affected by cost-of-living issues.
The role will focus on responding to clients by email and giving advice over the telephone. There will also be some face to face interaction with clients when needed. It will be helpful to have experience of supporting new trainees.
We are a friendly and diverse office. We support clients across our community, and aim to reach the most vulnerable and excluded in our community.
Normal working hours 9.00 – 17.00 excluding lunch break. Some evening attendance is required at governance meetings – time off in lieu will be offered.
Closing date for applications:Rolling – if we fill the role we will withdraw the advert
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Citizens Advice Westminster works to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster. We deliver a high quality, agile advice service which reflects community issues and needs. Our service puts people first.
As a Generalist Adviser / Caseworker, you will be part of a dedicated team helping in the delivery of advice and casework on full range of advice enquiry areas in particular welfare benefits and housing. You will also be undertaking casework support for vulnerable clients including acting on their behalf with third parties.
You will need to be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with diverse range of people including vulnerable clients. You will be committed to developing your skills and happy to work flexibly, including from home, since we offer advice services on the phone, via digital technologies and face to face. While we are based near Royal Oak station the role will also include working from community settings including Food Banks across Westminster.
We will offer the right candidate a generous salary with other benefits including hybrid and flexible working, annual season ticket loans, career breaks, and the opportunity to develop yourself professionally and your career within the organisation. You will be part of a warm and friendly work culture where opinions are valued. We can also offer a flexible working environment where you can work some days from home.
If you are ready to be a part of this community organisation offering a vital service to people who need our help, then click apply and complete the application process, demonstrating how you meet the competencies in the Person Specification in your supporting statement. Please note we expect employees to spend 40% to 60% of their working time at the office or in outreach location.
Citizens Advice Westminster value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We strongly encourage applicants from all parts of society and believe that diversity is what makes us the leaders in what we do.
Closing Date: 3rd May 2024, 5pm
Assessments and Interviews may be booked before closing date if we find the right candidates with the skills and experience we are looking for in the person specifications, so apply now!
Do you understand the needs of people with Dementia and their carers?
Could you provide a range of practical and emotional support to improve their knowledge about dementia and their wellbeing?
Age UK Sutton has been commissioned to run a Dementia Support service within the London Borough of Sutton. As a Dementia Adviser you will provide comprehensive, person-centred support and access to information, working closely with other Dementia Advisers and teams across the organisation.
You will work to empower both people living with Dementia and their carers, supporting them to maximise their quality of life. From diagnosis and throughout their journey you will provide access to information and support, help clients to make informed decisions and provide a consistent point of contact. You'll also help to reduce isolation and increase social inclusion by providing opportunities for peer support and raise awareness and understanding of Dementia.
This role is community based working both at our offices and across the Sutton Borough, with some working from home. Age UK Sutton strives to provide a supportive working environment for all staff and volunteers in order that they can develop personally and professionally and acquire new skills. We are a flexible employer and pride ourselves on being a family and carer friendly workplace.
For further details including a full role profile and person specification, please download our job pack.
We recognise that everyone is unique and may have particular needs during the recruitment process. Therefore if there is anything you would like to discuss in relation to that process, please contact us.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and especially from under-represented groups.
We strive to make our recruitment process fully accessible to all applicants, including those with a disability, long term condition or anyone who may otherwise require additional support or reasonable adjustments.
An applicant’s disclosure of their disability will not disqualify nor adversely affect the candidate’s chances of being short listed or offered the post.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Do you want to leverage your skills to combat homelessness for children and young people? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you.
We are looking to recruit an Immigration Service Manager to grow and develop our holistic advice offer for families and young people. This is an exciting role in our Immigration team that will lead a team of solicitors and immigration advisors to offer high quality representation. You will continue to build partnerships across the advice sector and you will play a significant part in maintaining and developing our network to ensure we reach clients who need us the most. You will be a manager of the service first and foremost whilst maintaining a smaller caseload of clients.
The centre is delighted to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence alongside maintaining our accreditations with the Office for Immigration Services Commissioner and the Specialist Quality Mark and the post holder will ensure that we maintain these standards. We hold a legal aid contract and you will be responsible for managing this effectively.
Please refer the to Job Description for further information.
In your cv and cover letter, please outline how you meet the requirements of the role and why you would like to work for us. You must account for any gaps in your employment history.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Centre requires job applicants, staff and volunteers to complete a criminal records self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you understand the needs of people with Dementia and their carers?
Could you provide a range of practical and emotional support to improve their knowledge about dementia and their wellbeing?
Age UK Sutton has been commissioned to run a Dementia Support service within the London Borough of Sutton. As a Dementia Adviser you will provide comprehensive, person-centred support and access to information, working closely with other Dementia Advisers and teams across the organisation.
You will work to empower both people living with Dementia and their carers, supporting them to maximise their quality of life. From diagnosis and throughout their journey you will provide access to information and support, help clients to make informed decisions and provide a consistent point of contact. You'll also help to reduce isolation and increase social inclusion by providing opportunities for peer support and raise awareness and understanding of Dementia.
This role is community based working both at our offices and across the Sutton Borough, with some working from home. Age UK Sutton strives to provide a supportive working environment for all staff and volunteers in order that they can develop personally and professionally and acquire new skills. We are a flexible employer and pride ourselves on being a family and carer friendly workplace.
For further details including a full role profile and person specification, please download our job pack.
We recognise that everyone is unique and may have particular needs during the recruitment process. Therefore if there is anything you would like to discuss in relation to that process, please contact us.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and especially from under-represented groups.
We strive to make our recruitment process fully accessible to all applicants, including those with a disability, long term condition or anyone who may otherwise require additional support or reasonable adjustments.
An applicant’s disclosure of their disability will not disqualify nor adversely affect the candidate’s chances of being short listed or offered the post.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: Full- and part-time positions
Contract: Permanent
Location: CAML charity offices and outreach venues across Merton
Salary (pro rata for part time):
From £30,000 per annum for Advice Supervisor
From £29,000 per annum for Trainee Supervisor
Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata for part time), Charity Day, plus public holidays
Pension: The charity operates a pension scheme
The charity offers an employee assistance programme
Deadline: 6pm, Thursday 9th May 2024
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families primarily across the London boroughs of Lambeth and Merton but also wider London. We provide a range of information, support and advice services. We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities.
We are looking for an experienced Adviser/Caseworker or Supervisor to join our team in this new role. If you are passionate about supporting individuals and families in need, relish supporting valued team members to reach their potential, have minimum of two years Citizens Advice Adviser experience, are a natural team leader, enjoy delivering training and are interested in joining a dedicated professional team we would love to hear from you.
Our offices have excellent public transport links and Mitcham also has a carpark. We offer a friendly and welcoming work environment and can provide flexible work opportunities dependent on service demands.
This role is a service manager including line management responsibilities and reports to Head of Advice Services.
Main duties and responsibilities
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As a member of service managers team, ensure client support team members are supported with the appropriate level of guidance and supervision
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Complete casework and generalist advice for clients (when required)
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Monitor the case records / telephone calls of designated staff and volunteers to meet quality standards and service level agreements
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Ensure remedial and developmental issues are identified and acted on to develop individuals, improve the quality of advice, and ensure clients do not suffer detriment due to poor or inadequate advice
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Keep technical knowledge up to date and provide technical support to advisers and / or caseworkers
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As a service/team manager you are a member of CAML’s Service Manager Delivery Team
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Assist trainees through self-learning modules and review progress on a regular basis.
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Research, design and deliver training programmes and sessions
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Take part in recruitment, induction and coordination of our fantastic volunteers
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Attend appropriate internal and external meetings as agreed
Research and Campaigns
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Promote the importance of research and campaigns work
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Include a review for research and campaigns within case-checking
Other duties and responsibilities
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Uphold the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and its equal opportunities policies.
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Professionally represent and promote Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth in your work
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Other duties as requested by your line manager (Head of Advice Services), SMT or Chief Executive
Professional Development
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The successful applicant will receive comprehensive induction to the charity and our work. We support team members in their professional development to ensure we’re up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits and debt and undertake appropriate training as agreed with your line manager.
Person Specification
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Citizens Advice qualified and experienced across all advice areas essential.
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Ability to support volunteers and staff and maintain motivation.
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Demonstrable ability to monitor and maintain service delivery against agreed targets.
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Well-organised and able to prioritise own work and the work of others, meet deadlines and manage workload in a busy environment.
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Ability to use IT systems and packages, and electronic resources in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions.
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Commitment to and work within the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service.
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Strong understanding of equality and diversity and its application to the provision of advice, and the supervision and development of staff.
This job description and personal specification does not form part of any contract.
If you’re interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link to our website to view the full job description and find out how to apply (please note we will not consider CVs for this role).
The deadline for applications is 6pm, Thursday, 9th May 2024.
If you do not hear from us, we are afraid your application was unsuccessful.
We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
WHO WE ARE
We are a leading mental health charity on a mission to support Londoners with mental health challenges find and remain in good employment as part of their mental health recovery journey. We have been changing lives for almost 30 years and we have just secured a large contract, submitted in partnership with Shaw Trust and Smart London, to provide Employment Advisors to support NHS Talking Therapy teams across West London. This is therefore an incredibly exciting time to join a thriving organisation at the beginning of an innovative mental health support service.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are now inviting suitable candidates to apply for the role of Service Lead. This position will manage a team of around 20 Employment Advisors (EAs) and Senior Employment Advisors (SEAs). The role will be guided and supported by a Head of Services, as well as Twining’s established and experienced Senior Leadership Team and Trustees.
THE OFFER
In return we offer a friendly and supportive working environment, flexible working, career development opportunities, a comprehensive training and induction programme, a generous holiday entitlement and competitive financial rewards. We also practice what we preach in terms of creating a positive working environment to support our own employee’s wellbeing.
Working format – based at NHS Talking Therapy sites, as well as some possibility of working from home
THE ROLE – SERVICE LEAD
You will be responsible for the ongoing day to day leadership and management of the Employment Advisors (EAs) and Senior Employment Advisors (SEAs) in Talking Therapies service across Ealing, Harrow and Hounslow.
You will liaise with managers, clinicians and GPs across the NHS primary care pathways to ensure that services are coordinated and pathways into, and out of, the service are managed effectively and efficiently.
You will ensure the service operates in line with national guidance related to Employment Advisors in Talking Therapies and gives consideration to wider disability employment and retention support models, whilst striving to achieve and maintain national best practice in this field.
You will ensure the team develops in a manner that facilitates clients being referred to the service quickly, so they do not remain unsupported whilst on sick leave, and then support them to return to work swiftly (where appropriate), or to follow the destination that is best suited to their circumstances, enabling individuals to achieve positive service experience outcomes.
You will work in partnership with key stakeholders and contract managers.
This role will require someone experienced in leading the delivery of a mental health support programme, whilst managing and meeting commissioner performance expectations.
SERVICE LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1. To develop and manage the Employment Advisors in Talking Therapies Service, providing high quality, timely assessment and support interventions, including signposting for specialist external advice such as ACAS, welfare benefits advice, union or specialist employment law advice.
2. To have specialist knowledge and understanding of employment support and retention to be able to promote an early intervention model, which predominately focusing on supporting people into their preferred job choice, supporting them to remain in work, or enabling them to gain early access to advice and support to reduce the risk of not starting or losing their employment.
3. To manage the performance activity, data quality and service delivery of the team and ensure they provide an integrated and effective service.
4. To ensure the staff have an understanding of the process and philosophy of the positive benefits that work can have on an individual’s health, as well as understanding the benefit of early intervention and support for those at risk of losing their employment due to poor mental health, disabilities, health conditions or issues at work.
5. To oversee the development of new initiatives within the Employment Advisors in Talking Therapies Service in line with national best practice and planning capacity for the team to meet the anticipated increases in demand for the service as a result of changes in the economy or incidence of poor mental health.
6. Ensure the service works within national and locally agreed frameworks and develop key performance indicators if none exist.
7. To ensure that the team has appropriate arrangements in place to guarantee that efficient, effective, equitable and economical services are provided to all clients.
8. To respond to complaints and suggestions from clients and carers in accordance with policies and procedures, and to participate as appropriate in the investigation of complaints, grievances, significant events and disciplinary manners in accordance with polices and present the outcome of the investigations to the relevant personnel.
9. To lead the team in the development of knowledge, ideas and work practice.
10. To monitor the workload and performance of team members using electronic systems to monitor performance.
11. Provide reports to senior managers and stakeholders regarding activity and exception reports for information.
12. To provide regular line management supervision to members of the team.
13. Ensure all team staff receive annual Appraisals and have personal development plans in place.
14. To participate in own Appraisal to ensure development and planning.
15. To agree and monitor explicit performance targets with staff relevant to service delivery.
16. To monitor staff sickness and absence and offer appropriate counselling or appropriate actions.
17. To recruit new staff to vacancies that may arise within the service.
18. To promote and foster good relations with other teams and agencies and stakeholders, ensuring that any issues are addressed at the earliest stage.
19. To ensure that full and appropriate use is made of information systems and that all relevant activity and intervention is recorded appropriately to enable access to information regarding individual clients and also aggregated data.
20. To attend regular management and planning meetings, workshops and conferences relating to health issues and employment, as appropriate.
21. To remain well informed about the national agenda for Employment and Retention, health and social care, and the economic picture.
22. To keep abreast with current best practice in the field and continue to foster a network of specialist support for those who are employed but need support.
23. To make presentations, where appropriate, to staff, clinical colleagues or management groups regarding current national or local issues.
24. To implement and support any performance management systems agreed by senior managers. To regularly monitor and audit systems and records to ensure compliance with procedures and standards.
25. To take note of and, where appropriate, act upon any external audits or reviews that are of relevance to the team.
26. To take responsibility for the efficient use of resources within the team.
27. Provide the team with specialist advice for more complex cases as required.
28. To undertake any other duties of a similar nature consistent with the responsibilities of this post and as required by your manager.
The role holder must also:
1. Pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an Enhanced level.
2. Possess excellent IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software, as well as experience updating and maintaining databases.
3. Maintain accurate and up to date records of activity and outcomes in line with service performance requirements, ensuring the IT database is up to date and paperwork compliant.
4. Receive regular supervision and training to meet individual, team and organization’s needs.
5. Contribute to the development of a service that is locally responsive and supports minority/disadvantaged communities.
6. Comply with and actively promote all Twining policies and procedures including Equality and Diversity, Safeguarding, Data Protection and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the main duties and responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role in conjunction with their line manager.
The role will receive comprehensive training at induction, and ongoing career development and support as part of a structured performance programme thereafter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
People living with Parkinson's value the services and opportunities Parkinson’s UK provides, delivered by committed and skilled colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations. Following an investment of 1.5 million we have the opportunity to build on the quality and reach of our community services.
About the role
You’ll empower your clients to take actions for themselves or will advocate on their behalf for better service, support and outcomes, so they can live their life with Parkinson's in the way they choose.
You’ll deliver tailored information and support through a range of channels including telephone, video and email and, where appropriate, home visits and in community settings.
You’ll be responsible for building excellent relationships with healthcare professionals and other relevant agencies, as well as our network of volunteers and groups.
What you'll do:
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Provide professional person centred, in depth support to clients by a range of means, ensuring the most efficient and effective use of resources.
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Provide support on a variety of health and social care issues, including appropriate emotional, employment and welfare benefits support and advocating with and on behalf of clients.
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Work flexibly across the service responding to enquiries through a range of channels.
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Work closely with clinicians, specialist nurses and other professional colleagues to raise the profile of the service, increase depth of support and achieve improved outcomes for people with Parkinson’s.
What you'll bring:
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Experience of managing and delivering individual case work, including advocating for clients and supporting people to navigate the health and social care system
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Experience and understanding of safeguarding and your role in keeping clients safe and implementing organisational policies and procedure
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Ability to be calm and use emotional intelligence in challenging casework
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Demonstrable digital competence, with experience of effective use of a range of tools including online case management systems
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The ability to build effective working relationships with others including working within multi disciplinary teams internally and externally
You must live in the area you’re applying for in order to carry out this role.
Please apply by sending us your CV, together with supporting statements. The supporting statement should fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the role description.
We are operating rolling recruitment for this vacancy and reviewing applications as they are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy when we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
The successful candidate will be required to:
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live in the area specified, and be able to travel freely and flexibly throughout the area and occasionally further afield without reliance on public transport
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Preferably hold a full driving licence
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provide occasional cover on Saturdays and/or Bank holidays
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provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb
This role will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You’ll be required to apply for one; refusal to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn.
Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.