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.

Motivated person required to deliver the AIM HI Income Maximization Project across Midlothian.

The post holder will be required to provide holistic money and benefits advice to improve the circumstances and well-being of Midlothian families. 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, advice on budgeting, utility, housing and other issues including some assistance with debt (including housing debt).

Good interpersonal skills are essential and the post holder will work closely with referring professionals and be responsible for developing innovative ways to engage with some hard to reach groups.

14 hours per week with some flexibility. Combining the post with our other income maximisation vacancy will be considered. If you are interested in both posts please apply for both vacancies.

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.

The postholder will be responsible for recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who provide advice services by phone, email, at the CAB and in community locations and those that carry out other tasks to support the work of the CAB

Experience of recruiting, training and supporting volunteers and of working (paid or unpaid) in an advice or information service is important, as is understanding of good practice and the legal aspects of volunteering. Effective verbal and written communication and commitment to the mission, aims and teamwork ethos of Dalkeith CAB are essential.