Money Adviser (Welfare Rights Officer) in Bedford

Salary: £36,000 (Including £2,000 car allowance)

Location: Bedford / Hybrid

About the Role

Are you passionate about helping people manage their finances and improve their wellbeing? bpha is seeking a dedicated Money Adviser to join our team. In this vital role, you will provide benefit and debt advice to our residents, helping them avoid financial difficulties and maximise their incomes. You will proactively support those at risk, especially new tenants, and work to sustain tenancies and prevent rent arrears.

As a Money Adviser, you will be:

• Delivering benefit and debt advice, information, and guidance to bpha residents.
• Targeting residents at high risk of financial difficulties, especially within their first year of tenancy.
• Raising awareness of financial capability through one-to-one sessions.
• Supporting customers with non-priority debt and negotiating affordable repayment plans.
• Working collaboratively to reduce fuel poverty and provide access to grants.
• Promoting the Money Advice Service internally and externally, including at community hubs.
• Delivering customer-centric service and managing complex cases.
• Providing training to staff on benefit changes and money advice.
• Contributing to specialist projects and supporting other areas of the organisation as needed.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice.

What we’re looking for as a Money Adviser:

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written communication and numeracy skills.
• Customer-focused with excellent time management.
• Confident communicator able to manage a varied workload.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of benefit and debt legislation.
• Knowledge of Financial Conduct Authority standards.
• Experience providing welfare advice in a commercial environment.
• Experience with case management and securing external funding.
• Experience using MS Office and specialist money advice software.
• Partnership working with key stakeholders and local agencies.

Qualifications:

• NVQ Level 4 Advice and Guidance or similar.
• Certificate in Money Advice Practice.
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS Check.

Desirable:

• MS Visio skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Experience preparing and delivering training.
• Member of Institute of Money Advisors.
• Authorised Debt Relief Intermediary or DRO intermediary.

Why Join Us?

At bpha, our values are at the heart of everything we do:

• We take responsibility: We do what we say and are accountable for our actions.
• We show empathy: We respect and listen to every colleague and customer.
• We are better together: We value diversity and achieve more as one team.
• We are ambitious: We strive for excellence and make a positive difference.

Are you ready to make a difference? If you are committed to making a real impact and share our values, we would love to hear from you!

Please note that applications will be reviewed as received and as such bpha reserves the right to close applications prior to the advertised closing date upon identification of a suitable candidate. Early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment. All offers will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including DBS check and references.