At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in crisis with empathy and practical advice to aid their recovery.
- Company: Join Safe Haven, a pioneering service transforming mental health support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 22 days leave, ongoing professional development, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team dedicated to positive change and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most challenging moments.
- Qualifications: Experience in providing advice and guidance, strong communication skills, and empathy.
Help people find hope when they need it most. Are you passionate about supporting people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives? Do you have experience providing advice, guidance or casework and want to be part of an innovative service transforming mental health support?
We’re looking for a Social Welfare Adviser to join Safe Haven – an exciting pilot service delivered in partnership with North East Counselling Service and funded by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board. Safe Haven provides a safe, supportive space for people experiencing mental health crisis or distress, helping them move from crisis towards recovery through practical advice, compassionate listening and meaningful support.
You’ll be working alongside mental health professionals in a multidisciplinary team, helping people address the practical issues that often contribute to a mental health crisis, from housing and benefits to debt, relationships and wider social challenges.
What you’ll be doing
- Listen with empathy and help people feel heard during times of crisis.
- Provide high-quality advice, information and guidance tailored to each individual’s circumstances.
- Work collaboratively to develop practical safety plans and next steps.
- Connect clients with specialist services and ongoing community support.
- Record advice accurately in line with quality standards.
- Help shape and improve an innovative pilot service through feedback, evaluation and partnership working.
- Contribute to identifying trends that influence future services and campaigns.
What we’re looking for
- Experience delivering advice, information, guidance or casework with positive outcomes for clients.
- An understanding of how social issues can contribute to mental health crisis.
- Experience supporting people facing complex or challenging circumstances.
- Confidence working within quality standards and maintaining accurate case records.
- Strong communication, empathy and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to remain calm, professional and person-centred in emotionally demanding situations.
It would also be great if you have experience supporting people with severe and enduring mental health conditions, hold a Citizens Advice Generalist Certificate or equivalent advice qualification (such as IAG Level 4), or have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
This is an opportunity to be part of a pioneering service that’s making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing mental health crisis.
We’re supporting values
- Putting people first and creating positive change.
- Championing fairness, equality and inclusion.
- Embracing innovation and improving services through learning.
- Supporting your development and helping you grow your skills and career.
What we offer
- Competitive salary of £26,607–£31,315, dependent on experience.
- 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
- Ongoing learning and professional development.
- The opportunity to work within a supportive multidisciplinary team.
- A role where your work has a genuine, lasting impact on people’s lives.
Ready to make a difference? Location: Office-based. Working Pattern: 5 days per week on a rota, including weekends (service operates 3:00pm–11:00pm, 7 days a week). Part time hours considered. Apply today and help people take their first steps from crisis to hope.
We’re Disability Confident. Disability Confident is a government scheme that supports employers to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
Social Welfare Adviser - Safe Haven in Gateshead employer: Citizens Advice BANES
Citizens Advice BANES is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Aldershot community through its focus on energy access and debt solutions. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, staff members are encouraged to enhance their skills while working collaboratively to address complex energy issues. The unique opportunity to supervise outreach initiatives allows for direct engagement with the community, making this role not only rewarding but also vital in fostering positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Welfare Adviser - Safe Haven in Gateshead
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Citizens Advice BANES.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Citizens Advice BANES!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Citizens Advice BANES, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Citizens Advice BANES or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Citizens Advice BANES:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Citizens Advice BANES! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice BANES
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
