At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide advice and casework support on welfare benefits, housing, and employment.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice West Berkshire, a supportive and impactful organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, training opportunities, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Open to those with generalist or relevant experience; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term contract, until 31 March 2027.
Citizens Advice West Berkshire is looking to recruit a Generalist Adviser / Caseworker.
Location: Newbury and surrounding areas of West Berkshire with the possibility of some time working from home.
This role is initially fixed term until 31 March 2027 with the expectation of an extension for a further two years, subject to funding.
We are looking to take on a generalist adviser / caseworker to join our advice team consisting of specialist caseworkers and generalist advisers. You will be providing advice and casework to clients, supporting them with enquiries including welfare benefits, housing, employment, and other areas.
Using IT to maintain case records for continuity of casework. Training will be available to support continuous learning. We are willing to consider advisers with generalist or other relevant experience.
A Job Description and Person Specification are included in the job pack which can be downloaded from https://citizensadvicewestberkshire.org.uk/support-us/work-for-us/.
If we receive a high number of candidates, we reserve the right to close recruitment early, so please apply as soon as possible.
Generalist Adviser / Caseworker in Newbury employer: Citizens Advice BANES
Citizens Advice West Berkshire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and continuous learning. With the flexibility of working from home and a focus on meaningful community impact, this role as a Generalist Adviser / Caseworker provides a unique opportunity to make a difference in people's lives while enjoying a collaborative team environment in the beautiful Newbury area.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Generalist Adviser / Caseworker in Newbury
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Citizens Advice BANES, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Generalist Adviser / Caseworker in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Citizens Advice BANES. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Citizens Advice BANES. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice BANES
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Citizens Advice BANES.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Generalist Adviser / Caseworker role at Citizens Advice BANES, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Citizens Advice BANES that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
