At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential advice on benefits, debt, and welfare in community settings.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Lewisham, a supportive local charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a four-day work week, remote work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in providing generalist advice and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 € per year.
Salary £28,000 to £32,000 pro rata (depending on experience)
Location: Four day week, with remote working one day a week and three days based at outreach locations across Lewisham.
Contract: Fixed term contract for 6 months
Hours: 35 hours per week
About Citizens Advice Lewisham
Citizens Advice Lewisham is an independent local charity and a member of the national Citizens Advice network. We provide free, independent, impartial and confidential advice on a wide range of issues, including welfare benefits, debt, housing, immigration and family matters. Our outreach work helps us reach residents who may not be able to access support through our main channels.
What we offer
- Salary £28,000 to £32,000 pro rata (depending on experience)
- Four day week, with 35 hours worked across four days
- Remote working one day a week
- Three days delivering advice at outreach locations
- A supportive culture with development and training built in
- A clear pathway to develop towards a specialist debt adviser role
About the role
As an experienced Outreach Adviser, you will provide high quality generalist advice in community settings, supporting clients with practical, one-off advice, assisted information and signposting. You will work across a broad range of issues with a particular focus on benefits, debt and related enquiries, ensuring clients understand their options and feel confident to take the next steps. You will be part of a friendly and high performing advice team, working to agreed targets and quality standards, and contributing to continuous improvement in how we deliver outreach services.
Key responsibilities
- Provide generalist advice to clients in outreach settings, including benefits, debt and related social welfare law issues.
- Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to identify issues, clarify priorities and agree next steps.
- Use AdviserNet and other reliable information sources to research, interpret and explain options, rights and implications.
- Support clients to make informed decisions through clear explanations, practical action planning and appropriate signposting.
- Act for clients where appropriate, including drafting letters, making telephone calls and negotiating with third parties.
- Maintain accurate, timely case records to support continuity of work, monitoring, reporting and service learning.
- Ensure all work complies with organisational procedures, data protection requirements and relevant quality standards.
- Promote equality, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of service delivery, tailoring support to individual needs.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to share learning, improve service delivery and support team objectives.
Working pattern
This role is 35 hours per week, worked across a four day week. You will normally work two days from home (for case follow‑up, research and administration) and two days delivering advice at outreach locations. Exact days and outreach sites will be agreed with the line manager, based on service need.
Person specification
- Substantial experience providing generalist advice across a range of topics and managing an advice caseload.
- Confidence providing debt and benefits advice and understanding how these issues interact with wider client circumstances.
- Ability to interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills, maintaining structure and control of meetings.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to negotiate effectively and explain complex information clearly.
- Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information and present it clearly in writing and verbally.
- Ability to maintain accurate case records and work in line with organisational systems, procedures and quality standards.
- Good understanding of equality and diversity and how these apply to advice delivery.
- Competence using information technology for case management, document production and online research.
- Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, share learning and contribute positively to service development.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and willingness to build knowledge across advice topics.
- Experience of delivering advice in community or outreach settings.
- Experience of working with clients facing multiple disadvantage, including digital exclusion, language barriers or accessibility needs.
- Understanding of referral pathways and local support services within Lewisham.
Training and development
We invest in our people. You will receive induction, ongoing training and regular support and supervision. For the right person, there is a clear opportunity to build specialist knowledge and progress towards a debt adviser role.
We’re Disability Confident
Disability Confident is a government scheme that supports employers to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.
Outreach Generalist Adviser in London employer: Citizens Advice BANES
Citizens Advice Lewisham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a four-day working week and the flexibility of remote working, staff can maintain a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community. Employees benefit from ongoing training, a clear pathway to advance towards specialist roles, and the opportunity to work collaboratively within a high-performing team dedicated to delivering vital advice services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Generalist Adviser in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the outreach and advice sectors. Attend local events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or colleagues, make sure you can clearly explain your experience and what you bring to the table. Keep it concise and engaging – think of it as your personal elevator pitch!
✨Tip Number 3
Show up prepared for interviews! Research Citizens Advice Lewisham and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially around benefits and debt advice. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Citizens Advice Lewisham. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Generalist Adviser in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in providing generalist advice, especially around benefits and debt. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to explain complex information simply.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We love a team player! Mention any experiences where you've collaborated with colleagues or contributed to service improvements. It shows you’re ready to jump into our friendly advice team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice BANES
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key topics you'll be advising on, like benefits and debt. Familiarise yourself with the latest policies and how they affect clients. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to listen carefully and ask clarifying questions. This is crucial for an Outreach Adviser, as understanding client needs is key. Show them you can engage with clients sensitively and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Highlight your experience working collaboratively in a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to service improvements or supported colleagues. This role is all about teamwork, so make sure they see you as a team player.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you'd handle specific client situations. Think through some scenarios related to outreach work and prepare your responses. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your approach to client care.
