About the job

Falkirk Citizens Advice Bureau are looking for an adviser to deliver a holistic advice and support service aimed at clients completing their initial Universal Credit Claim and supporting them through to their first payment. This involves helping with online forms, the evidence required, and verifying their identity online using telephone, web chat and video call facilities.

We are looking for a client-focused individual preferably with experience of Social Security benefits (Universal Credit). In this role you will use telephony, email, Webchat and video call facilities.

To succeed, you will have relevant experience and knowledge of current welfare benefits (Universal Credit) and have the ability to analyse the client’s needs and be able to provide the client with advice on eligibility for Universal Credit and support the client through the application process. You will also be able to support the client to gather the information or evidence needed to complete the claim.

You will have strong oral and written communication skills. We are also looking for a proven ability to work effectively and be well organised. Proficiency in using a range of IT tools to carry out your work, including case management systems, online forms and Microsoft Office applications is essential.

Committed, results-driven and supportive to the needs of others, you will be able to work well within a team and have a willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures.

About the job

The Income Maximisation/Financial Inclusion Adviser, will play a key role in the delivery of an independent, free, impartial and confidential advice, information and advocacy service, to Association standards, to assist vulnerable families and people, living in Falkirk, to deal with poverty related issues affecting their lives. The aim is to improve access to, and the efficiency of, financial health checks for vulnerable families and people, providing holistic financial inclusion and income maximisation advice in order to improve their financial circumstances.

Main Responsibilities

The Income Maximisation/Financial Inclusion Adviser aims to provide the most effective service to suit the needs of the client.

• Assist in Triaging all Bureau enquiries

• Undertake diagnostic interviews with clients by phone, face to face or video call and diagnosing whether individuals are eligible to apply for benefits or to access other income maximisation support.

• Help with resolution of straightforward enquiries

• Signpost clients who can do more to self-help

• Refer to Session Supervisor for help with emergencies

• Provide information and advice on all aspects of Social Security Benefits.

• Carry out benefit checks

• To provide assistance with the completion of benefits forms

• Make referral to internal Benefits/ Money Advice Teams or another appropriate agency.

An experienced adviser is required for a new project to improve the financial circumstances of the families supported by Midlothian’s Family Wellbeing Service and improve the outcomes for the children.

The project will work with, and receive referrals from, the Family Wellbeing Service team members. The worker will link with other agencies and work closely with Penicuik CAB’s other family income maximisation advisers and specialist debt worker to develop a wraparound service to increase household income and improve quality of life for the family.

The project worker, in partnership with the GIRFEC and Hawthorn Income Maximisation Workers will provide awareness raising sessions with the Family Wellbeing team members and any other agencies, as appropriate.

Based at the Penicuik CAB and working at any centres deemed appropriate, the worker will provide help and assistance with checking benefit entitlement, completing benefit applications and challenging benefit decisions. The work will also include income maximisation, budgeting advice and some assistance with debt issues (including housing debt).

A working knowledge and understanding of welfare benefits and good interpersonal skills are essential. The post holder will be responsible for developing and delivering the service to meet the needs of the families.

Penicuik CAB is committed to equal opportunities both in service provision and employment.

As the charitable subsidiary of West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA), Willowacre Trust’s overarching aim is to tackle social and economic disadvantage and impact on tenancy sustainment within the communities served by WSHA. We want a staff team and Board that shares our values and puts customers at the centre of service delivery.

Our staff are at the heart of our business and we support them to be their best which is demonstrated with 84% of staff saying Willowacre Trust and WSHA is a good place to work.

We are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, or religion or belief. We are particularly interested to hear from applicants with a disability, or from a black, asian or minority ethnic background.

Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria will, where possible be granted an interview under the Disability Confident scheme.

We are committed to achieving high standards of quality in recruitment and to ensuring that our appointments are made solely on the basis of merit and that you are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

We are looking for a new Community HUB Coordinator who shares our values and will use them to guide the way they work on a daily basis. You will be accountable to our Community Services Manager.

The post-holder will play a key role in ensuring the management, development and smooth operation of Barrowfield Community Centre, MUGA and play park. Working closely with colleagues and external partners the Community Hub Coordinator will ensure that the Community Centre is a vibrant, well managed facility, with a wide range of activities, groups and events for the benefit of local people, anchor tenants and those booking community spaces

You should:

• Have experience of managing a Community Centre and ensure the effective day to day operation for the benefit of the community, anchor tenants, external organisations and other users of the building
• Ensure effective maintenance of the building, grounds and play areas- including repairs and supervising contactors and others regarding work in the building
• Have good Literacy and numeracy skills with the ability to collate and analyse information, maintain written records and write reports