Financial Inclusion Officer (Edinburgh)

At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! If you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Experience and track record are important, but we’re more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That’s someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK’s leading Social Enterprise we’re dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.

More about your role: You will provide a tailored financial inclusion service to a diverse range of customers, ensuring accuracy and an excellent experience by offering advice on welfare benefits and financial matters. You’ll represent and negotiate on behalf of new customers with statutory and voluntary agencies, including Tribunal representation when needed, while sourcing funding to maximize income and support tenancy sustainment. You’ll signpost and refer customers for additional support, empower them to manage their finances confidently, and keep up to date with relevant legislation and benefit changes. You’ll accurately record outcomes in line with team KPIs, assist with delivering benefit-related training, and build strong partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders to enhance the service. This role will be spread over 5 days; however, we can be flexible on working hours. Most of the cases you will be dealing with are remote; however, there will be occasions where you will be expected to conduct face-to-face visits to customers.

The essential and desirable Criteria for this role is listed below.

• Essential: To be considered for this role you will need to be based in Scotland. Experience with complex benefits claims, customer budgeting and knowledge of wider welfare issues. Understanding of relevant legislation and welfare reform. Previous experience working with customers who have complex needs.
• Desirable: Housing experience. Experience of case management systems (ideally Salesforce). Ideally, you will have a full driving license and access to a car.

More about you: You’ll bring extensive knowledge of welfare benefits, budgeting, social housing, and related welfare issues, alongside a strong understanding of relevant legislation and welfare reform. You’re experienced in supporting customers with complex needs while maintaining professional boundaries and delivering a confidential, impartial, and customer-focused service. Ideally, you’ll have experience with Tribunal representation and preparing submissions. You will be able to manage your own caseload and prioritise last minute tasks using your initiative. You’ll also have a full driving license and access to a car.

The benefits: We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for. We know that there’s always more we can do to make you smile, that’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell leave
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more

What’s next? If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then click apply. You will be redirected to our careers site where you can discover more about the role, read a full job description and apply directly to us. If you are a Places for People customer and you’re looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls. At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect. We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment. By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities.