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- Tasks: Provide comprehensive advice on welfare benefits, debt, and income maximization.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth, a leading charity with 80+ years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and employee assistance program.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting individuals and families during the cost of living crisis.
- Qualifications: Must have Generalist Adviser certificate and at least one year of relevant experience.
- Other info: Flexible full- or part-time roles available; apply by January 6, 2025.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 33600 £ per year.
Hours: Full- and part-time positions
Contract: Permanent
Location: CAML charity offices and outreach venues across Merton
Salary (pro rata for part time):
From £28,000 per annum, dependent on experience, for accredited Advisers
Annual Leave: 25 days (pro rata for part time), Charity Day, plus public holidays
Pension: The charity operates a pension scheme
The charity offers an employee assistance programme
Deadline: 6pm, Monday 6th January 2025
Are you an experienced accredited Adviser?
Do you want to support individuals and families impacted by the cost of living crisis?
Are you looking for a role with a professional, supportive and expanding advice charity with over 80 years of experience working in South West London?
If so please read on:
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is the leading advice charity supporting individuals and families across the London boroughs of Lambeth, Merton but also wider London. We provide a range of information, support and advice services. We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities.
Owing to charity expansion, we are looking for experienced, accredited Advisers to provide comprehensive advice and support to clients. If you have at least one year’s experience of working in an advice support organisation, are passionate about supporting individuals and families in need and interested in joining a dedicated, professional team we would love to hear from you.
The successful candidates will have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work flexibly with clients and for the charity. You will be meticulous in your work, especially when supporting clients and maintaining case records for continuity of follow up advice and casework. You will also be very well informed with regard to legislation, case law and policy changes relating to advice and benefits.
Main duties and responsibilities
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Provide comprehensive advice in all generalist subject areas including welfare benefits, debt and income maximisation, in line with Citizens Advice requirements.
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Commit to ongoing training/development as requested by the charity
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Use your interpersonal skills to explore, listen and understand complex problems as they affect each individual and tailor your approach to advice accordingly
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Provide a clear plan of action and follow-up on actions relating to cases as appropriate
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Identify and escalate serious problems, including safeguarding, appropriately
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Ability to work to own initiative within a team environment. Work closely with service colleagues and wider CAML team
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Support clients in CAML offices and outreach venues
Monitoring Quality and Case Recording
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Ensure all client engagement and support is comprehensively and accurately recorded
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Review your work, and monitor quality standards, as per the Citizens Advice quality framework
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Ensure data protections regulations are adhered and office procedures followed
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Work with your line manager and senior managers to develop and improve services, and your own standards.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
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With wider charity team and other organisations, ensure clients are supported with related advice issues
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Ensure all work is fully compliant with our policies and procedures and Citizens Advice Quality Standard
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Assist and contribute to the charity’s communications, research and campaigns work
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Maintain positive working relations with our stakeholders
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Professionally represent Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth
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Other duties as requested by your line manager, senior manager and Chief Executive
Professional Development
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All our team receive comprehensive induction to the charity and our work. We support Advisers in their professional development to ensure we’re up to date with recent legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits and debt and undertake appropriate training as agreed with your line manager.
Person Specification
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Generalist Adviser certificate (Citizens Advice or equivalent) – Essential
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Experience of using client management databases (we use Casebook) – Essential
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Fantastic communication skills – Essential
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Ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and manage caseload – Essential
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IT competency and experience – Essential
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Ability and willingness to work as a team – Essential
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Understanding of and commitment to the aims, principles and values of Citizens Advice service – Essential
This job description and personal specification does not form part of any contract.
If you’re interested in the role and joining us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please follow the link to our website to find out how to apply.
The deadline for applications is 6pm, Monday 6th January 2025
If you do not hear from us, we are afraid your application was unsuccessful.
We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.
Generalist Adviser (Experienced) Full- or part-time (4 days per week) employer: Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth
Contact Detail:
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Generalist Adviser (Experienced) Full- or part-time (4 days per week)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges faced by individuals and families in the Merton area, especially regarding the cost of living crisis. This knowledge will help you connect with clients on a deeper level during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with client management databases, particularly Casebook, during your discussions. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency with these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully navigated complex client situations in the past. This will illustrate your ability to tailor advice to individual needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current issues in legislation and policy changes related to welfare benefits and debt. Being well-informed will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Generalist Adviser (Experienced) Full- or part-time (4 days per week)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Generalist Adviser position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in providing advice and support, especially in areas like welfare benefits and debt management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience working in an advice support organization. Mention specific cases or situations where you successfully helped clients, showcasing your interpersonal skills and ability to handle complex problems.
Demonstrate Commitment to Professional Development: Show your commitment to ongoing training and development in your application. Mention any relevant certifications, courses, or workshops you have completed that relate to advice services, legislation, or case law.
Follow Application Instructions: Carefully read the application instructions provided by Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth. Ensure that you submit all required documents and adhere to the deadline of 6pm, Monday 6th January 2025. Double-check for any specific formatting or content requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
Make sure to express your genuine interest in supporting individuals and families, especially those affected by the cost of living crisis. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Legislation
Be prepared to discuss relevant legislation, case law, and policy changes related to advice and benefits. This will show that you are well-informed and capable of providing accurate and up-to-date advice to clients.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
Since excellent interpersonal skills are crucial for this role, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients in the past. Discuss how you listen, explore complex problems, and tailor your approach to meet individual needs.
✨Emphasize Your Teamwork Ability
The role requires working closely with colleagues and the wider CAML team. Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment and how you contribute to achieving common goals.
