Delivering generalist advice work to achieve positive outcomes for people in the Slough community
Role Purpose
To provide an effective and efficient outreach service to local residents within the aims, policies and principles of the CA service.
This post is to deliver generalist advice work, to achieve positive advice outcomes for people within the local community. As an outreach advisor you will be engaging with clients at Turning Point and other community venues across Slough. You will be providing information and advice, breaking down barriers and being proactive in finding them a way forward, on a wide range of subjects, such as housing benefits, debt, and employment. You will often be supporting people with mental illness, including those who are unable to access our services online. A DBS check is required for this role.
Salary (DOE): Probationary period: £25,875 After Probation: £27,500
Hours: Part Time: Minimum 14 hours per week, although alternative hours and arrangements will be considered for the right candidate
Contract Term: Permanent
Location: Slough Main Service, (outreach locations across Slough). This is a face-to-face role
Reporting to: Advice Services Manager, Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Advice Service
- Assisting clients at drop-in sessions and appointments at our outreach locations across Slough
- Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to allow clients to explain their problem(s) and empower them to set their own priorities.
- Use the Citizens Advice Information System to find, interpret and communicate the relevant information.
- Research and explore options and implications so that clients can make informed decisions.
- Act for the client where necessary by negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.
- Liaise and negotiate with other statutory and voluntary organisations to progress the client’s case and ensure they receive all assistance available.
- Signpost and refer internally and externally as appropriate in order to link clients into additional relevant support.
- Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
- Ensure that all work conforms to the office systems and procedures.
- To maintain a focus on achieving positive outcomes, including financial gains and soft outcomes from welfare benefits, income maximisation, debt management, securing housing, and consequent improvements in health and well being.
Research and Campaigns
- To participate in research and campaigns work, particularly focusing on discrimination and other barriers faced by service users, contributing to reports and case studies where agreed.
- Submitting regular evidence forms and taking action when required or by providing information about clients’ circumstances through the appropriate channel.
Professional Development
- To keep up to date with relevant legislation, case law, policies and procedures, and undertake appropriate training.
- Read relevant publications.
- To participate in learning and development activities to achieve and maintain caseworker competences.
- Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager.
- Assist with Service initiatives for the improvement of service.
Administration
- To effectively record advice work, using case management and other systems effectively, to ensure successful and timely support for clients.
- To manage information to enable required reporting, case studies and outcomes measures.
- To ensure that all work complies with relevant Citizens Advice quality standards, systems and procedures.
Why Join the Citizens Advice East Berkshire Team?
- Make a difference in your local community
- Friendly, hardworking team with great camaraderie
- Employment assistance program
- MyRewards Employee discount scheme
- Flexible hours depending on the role
- Hybrid working opportunities
To Apply: After reviewing the Job Description and Information Pack, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to recruitment@caeb.org.uk.
Interviews will be arranged as they are received for suitable candidates and the openings will close upon successful appointment, so it is advised applications are submitted promptly to avoid disappointment. In the event of a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the application early.
Please be aware that Citizens Advice is not a sponsoring organisation. Therefore the successful applicant must already possess the right to work in the UK.
Citizens Advice East Berkshire is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or age.
Slough Outreach Adviser Job Description (August 2024)
Job Application Form (June 2022)
Diversity Monitoring Form (June 2022)
Application Pack (August 2024)
