At a Glance
- Tasks: Help families achieve financial stability by providing rapid debt support and advice.
- Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and commitment to equal opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while shaping community support services.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt advice and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44500 £ per year.
Full time/Fixed term – Secondment for 12 months
PO1: £43,308pa rising in annual increments to £45,852pa incl. LW
About Us
Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese‑speaking community. It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council as we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth’. With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world‑renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.
About the Team
The Families First Team (FFT) is an innovative, multi‑agency pilot at the front door of children’s services, designed to help families earlier, make better decisions faster, and prevent unnecessary escalation into statutory intervention. Operating as a time‑limited, 10‑working‑day assessment and brief intervention model, FFT brings together social care professionals and embedded specialists to rapidly understand risk, need and family context, and take purposeful action. This is a small, high‑impact, multidisciplinary team working alongside the Initial Response Hub/MASH.
Our approach is:
- Child‑centred and safeguarding‑led
- Evidence‑informed and analytically robust
- Multi‑agency from day one
Following a time‑limited assessment and brief intervention, the team will support clear, confident decisions to:
- Step families down to early help or community support
- Close cases where needs are met
- Escalate appropriately where risks require statutory intervention
FFT is a focused, action‑oriented service designed to reduce drift, improve family experience, and strengthen decision‑making at the earliest point. This is a 12‑month pilot with strong senior sponsorship and real opportunity to shape system change, working at the heart of front‑door transformation.
About the Role
Financial stress is a major driver of family instability. You can help change that. Join Families First Team as our Debt Specialist, providing rapid, targeted financial stabilisation during the 10‑day assessment and brief intervention window.
Responsibilities
- Complete rapid debt triage and stabilisation plans.
- Negotiate with creditors, address rent arrears, and maximise income.
- Bring experience of working with vulnerable families or children and help stabilise financial crises contributing to family stress.
- Work alongside social workers and other specialists to tackle root causes early.
Qualifications
- Experience in debt advice, welfare rights, or financial inclusion.
- Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to work quickly and collaboratively.
Benefits
We operate an anonymised application process, and we are a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. We are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. At Lambeth, we are committed to safer recruitment.
Contact
Please contact Manyara Walker at MWalker1@lambeth.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.
Debt Specialist (Family Support Service) employer: Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of South London, where diversity and community engagement are at the forefront. As part of the Families First Team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on families' lives while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration. With a commitment to inclusivity, competitive salaries, and a focus on innovative service delivery, Lambeth Council is dedicated to fostering a rewarding career for its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debt Specialist (Family Support Service)
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Borough of Lambeth. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Borough of Lambeth.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Borough of Lambeth. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Debt Specialist (Family Support Service)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Borough of Lambeth and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Borough of Lambeth how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lambeth
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Borough of Lambeth.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Borough of Lambeth's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
