At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals affected by gaming and gambling harms with tailored, non-clinical assistance.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Sandwell Walsall, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent position and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Empower clients to improve their lives while gaining valuable experience in community support.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable groups and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Hours: 37 hours
Salary: £25,504.50
Contract: x 4 Fixed term until 31st December 2027
This is a fixed-term contract with the potential to become permanent, subject to the availability of ongoing funding and business requirements.
Location: Sandwell and Walsall
Closing Date: 24th August 2026 at 11:59pm
Interview Date: 3rd September 2026
Job Purpose: To provide high-quality, person-centred, non-clinical support to individuals affected by gaming and gambling related harms. The postholder will work alongside specialist treatment providers, supporting clients to address the wider social, financial and personal issues associated with gaming and gambling addiction. The role will focus on helping clients improve their wellbeing, increase independence and access appropriate services.
Working within Citizens Advice Sandwell Walsall, the postholder will make full use of the organisation's advice services, including debt, welfare benefits, housing, employment and energy advice, ensuring clients receive holistic support tailored to their individual needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Client Support
- Provide person-centred, non-clinical support to individuals affected by gaming and gambling harms.
- Build positive, professional relationships that encourage engagement and promote positive outcomes.
- Carry out holistic assessments to identify clients' wider support needs.
- Develop, implement and review individual support plans with clients.
- Support clients to identify and achieve realistic personal goals.
- Encourage independence, resilience and self-management.
- Advice, Advocacy and Referrals
- Identify issues relating to debt, benefits, housing, employment, financial hardship, family relationships and wellbeing.
- Refer and support clients to access Citizens Advice specialist services.
- Signpost and refer clients to external agencies including health services, community organisations and specialist support providers.
- Advocate on behalf of clients where appropriate.
- Support clients to attend appointments where required.
- Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with partners, treatment providers and other voluntary and statutory organisations.
- Attend multi-agency meetings where appropriate.
- Develop effective working relationships with local organisations to improve client outcomes.
- Case Management
- Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
- Record outcomes and monitor progress against agreed objectives.
- Manage an allocated caseload effectively.
- Ensure that all work conforms to the organisation’s office manual and the Advice Quality standard and funding requirements.
- Safeguarding
- Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action in accordance with organisational policies.
- Promote the welfare of vulnerable adults and young people.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- Service Development
- Contribute to the promotion of the service within local communities.
- Support engagement activities and awareness events.
- Contribute to service monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.
- Learning, Development and Training
- Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to the role and service needs.
- To keep up to date with the company’s mandatory training requirements keeping own CPD up to date as required.
- Read relevant publications.
- Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager.
- Other duties and responsibilities
- Carry out tasks that may be asked of you by your line manager to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service needs.
- Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.
- Occasional evening and weekend availability will be required.
- Other such duties may be required from time to time due to business needs, which are consistent with the Job Purpose.
Person specification
- Experience
- Experience of working with vulnerable client groups.
- Experience of recording detailed and accurate information.
- Experience of working in a community, voluntary, health or advice setting.
- Experience of IT systems and packages.
- Knowledge
- Ability to commit to and work within the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service.
- Ability to assess client needs and deliver tailored advice effectively.
- Experience in recording and monitoring casework outcomes accurately.
- Skills
- Ability to use sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients.
- Sensitivity and empathy towards clients in vulnerable situations.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to explain information clearly.
- Qualities
- Dedicated and motivated to work with members of the community.
- Have an empowering and encouraging approach.
- Ability to respond positively to feedback and to modify performance if required.
- Learning
- A commitment to continuous professional development, including a willingness to develop knowledge and skills.
- Keep up to date with current research and national developments and how this may affect the service user.
What We Offer Our Colleagues
At Citizens Advice Sandwell Walsall, we know that our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we're committed to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where you can thrive, grow and make a meaningful difference every day. As The People's Champions, we believe in recognising and rewarding the dedication of our colleagues. From generous annual leave and flexible working to wellbeing support and professional development, we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both in and outside of work.
How to apply?
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit:
- An up-to-date CV
- A covering letter (maximum two A4 pages) explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the Person Specification and why you are suitable for the role.
Community Navigator employer: Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall
As a dedicated employer in the community engagement sector, we prioritise the well-being of our employees by offering flexible working hours and a supportive work culture that values lived experience. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and the potential for project sustainability beyond the initial contract, making this an ideal role for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in Sandwell and Walsall.
Contact Details:
Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Navigator
✨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 Sandwell & Walsall, 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 Community Navigator
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 Sandwell & Walsall. 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 Sandwell & Walsall. 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 Sandwell & Walsall
✨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 Sandwell & Walsall.
✨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 Community Navigator role at Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall, 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 Sandwell & Walsall that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
