Do you want to help alleviate poverty and improve the lives of families and children?

Within the UK there is over £22bn a year in unclaimed welfare benefits, and in Edinburgh it is estimated that 1 in 4 children are living in poverty. Are you understanding of people’s journeys and the challenges they face in their lives, and how poverty can have an impact on this?

This is an exciting opportunity for an Advice Worker to join our ‘Advice In Schools’ team. The project provides a high-quality advice service to parents in Edinburgh who are impacted by low income and the effects of living in poverty. Working in partnership with all stakeholders including parents, schools and other statutory and third sector agencies, the project takes a whole family and trauma-informed approach to helping parents who may face multiple barriers to moving out of poverty. The Advice Worker will help families by maximising income, providing support to claim benefits as well as offering housing and debt advice. Continuous training is provided and the adviser is expected to contribute to the continued development of this successful service.

The Advisor will be part of our wider CHAI ‘Advice For Families’ Team and will benefit from our comprehensive training programme, peer expertise, team support and ethos of continuous learning and development which is at the heart of our service delivery.

Are you?:

• Passionate and committed to making a meaningful difference for families and children.
• Able to quickly learn complex rules and legislation on Welfare Benefits, Debt and Housing.
• Able to grow trusting relationships in a formal setting.
• Understanding of people’s journeys and the challenges they have had in their lives, and how poverty can have an impact on them.

CHAI offers the following exceptional benefits:

• Extensive training programme
• Flexible working
• Access to Simply Health benefit plan
• 33 days of annual leave + public holidays
• Enrolment to NOW pension scheme
• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities to improve services and make a difference

Job Purpose

To provide high quality advice and representation to individuals and families on income maximisation, welfare benefits, debt, in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

The advice will be provided within the Southside Community Centre. There will be some hybrid working involved along with some weekend work.

By joining our team, you will be helping alleviate poverty and improve individuals, families and children’s lives and ensure our Vision is fulfilled, in that no one in our communities endures hardship.

Role and Responsibilities

Advice

• Provide high quality accurate advice, information and representation in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

• Build positive trusting relationships with individuals and families requiring advice.

• Conduct interviews with clients either in person, telephone or virtual.

• Maintain accurate records and fully utilise the Advice Pro recording system.

• Manage and maintain ongoing advice casework.

• Communicate effectively with third parties on behalf of the client.

• Signpost people to relevant specialist support services where appropriate.

• Maintain accurate computer records in line with CHAI procedures and ensure all client mandates are in line with Data protection legislation.

• Provide consultation support to other professionals on advice.

Service Development

• Support the development of this new service, through maintaining positive relationships with our partner organisations.

• Promote the service and represent CHAI to other agencies.

• Deliver training or briefing sessions to help other professionals understand the welfare system and how they can support individuals.

• Prepare as required reports on the outcomes and impact of the service to the Service Manager and Partners.

Personal Development

• Actively participate in all training sessions provided.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of development in welfare benefits, debt issues and housing issues and participate in any training and activities.

• Keep accurate individual training records.

Organisational

• Adhere to the policies and procedures of CHAI.

• Actively participate in Team and Organisational meetings

• Participate in the development of CHAI services.

• Feedback on the review of organisational policies and procedures.

• Promote and represent CHAI services positively.

• Perform other reasonable related duties as required.

We offer the following

• Flexible working

• Access to Simply Health benefit plan

• 32 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)

• Enrolment to NOW Pension Scheme

• Extensive training programme

• Full and part time opportunities

• Supportive work environment

• Opportunities to improve services and make a difference