The Single Parent Income Maximisation Adviser will provide advice, casework and representation services to single parents who are looking to move into education, training or employment. The project will take a partnership approach to delivering an advice service that will support single parents to maximise income from employment and social security benefits. The post holder will be required to gain equal access to entitlements, address hidden costs for parents moving into education, training and employment and support parents with change of circumstances etc.

Key Tasks

• To provide Type 1, 11, 111 benefit advice to single parents on all benefits and casework
• Provide representation for clients by preparing and presenting cases at benefit appeal hearings.
• Deliver regular confidential, holistic advice sessions for single parents in a variety of locations.
• Provide advice to parents on financial implications of moving into training, education
• Support families to increase family income from employment and social security benefits
• Develop working links with Clyde Gateway Supporting Families Project, local nurseries, schools and other key agencies.
• Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and reporting
• Recording client cases as required to enable the service to be monitored and evaluated.
• To adhere to all requirements of the organisations systems and processes in accordance the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers and comply with the Financial Conduct Authority Regulations pertaining to Money Advice.
• Provide regular reports to the Project Manager on activities against targets
• Undertake any other work, consistent with the purpose of the post, as directed by the Project.

Personal Specifications

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in advice work and representation at benefit appeals
• Current knowledge of the benefits system
• Experience of managing a complex caseload and maintain up to date recording
• Good knowledge of single parent issues and the effect of Welfare Reform on single parent families.
• Fully competent in using Microsoft Office and custom database packages,
• Ability to work under pressure, on your own initiative, but also to be part of a team
• Commitment to working to the organisation’s policies and procedures
• Ability to work in an organised manner
• Excellent organisational, communication and report writing skills
• An ability to deal with clients and other professionals in a sensitive manner
• Ability to contribute to team meetings
• Commitment to the company equality and diversity policies
• Clean driving Licence and access to a car

Desirable

• Relevant qualifications
• Knowledge of the role of other agencies supporting single parents and experience of multi-agency working

Terms & Conditions

• Confirmation of Appointment: Contract until 30th September 2023 with the possibility of extending (dependent on funding). Confirmation of appointment is subject to satisfactory disclosure and completion of a 3-month probationary period.
• Salary: Point 13-17, £23,218 - £28,379
• Hours of work: Hours of work will be 21 hours per week, worked flexibly to meet the demands of the job
• Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is 25 days and 12 Public holidays.
• Pension: You will be auto enrolled in our pension scheme with a 2% contribution from you and 3% from OPFS. Once the appointment has been confirmed you are eligible to join the Employer's Full Pension scheme with the Pensions Trust. OPFS pays 7% of your salary and you pay a minimum of 3%.
• Training and support and supervision: You will receive induction training and frequent support in the first three months. Thereafter you will receive monthly individual support and supervision and annual appraisals. Regular team meetings will be held and staff have access to internal and external training.
• Equal Opportunities and Family Friendly Employment: OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors In People status.

The closing date is Monday 21 November 2022 at 5pm.

Please download an application from our website opfs.org.uk and email your completed application form to jobs@opfs.org.uk . Please contact info@opfs.org.uk 0131 556 3899 if you require a paper application form.

Interviews will take place in Person at Glasgow office