At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert debt advice and casework to help clients navigate financial challenges.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation committed to equality and diversity in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Engage in outreach work and develop valuable connections with external organisations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them manage their debt effectively.
- Qualifications: Accredited to MaPS Caseworker level or close to achieving it, with relevant debt advice experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Purpose of the job Flexibility is a key characteristic of all our posts, and the post-holder may be asked to carry out other tasks consistent with the grade from time to time.
Equality and Diversity: All staff members are expected to demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity. We recognise and celebrate the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.
Responsibilities:
- Casework – The post-holder will carry a specialist caseload, providing advice and casework covering the full range of debt issues and solutions. This includes but is not limited to, dealing with emergencies, making use of the Breathing Space scheme, making offers of repayment, drafting financial statements, advising on insolvency options and providing budgeting advice. They will ensure that income maximisation is carried out and refer to other in-house advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate. They will be required to act for the client where necessary and communicate with third parties to progress a case. Advice will be delivered through a variety of channels including face to face (drop-in and appointments), telephone or digital channels and must conform to the Citizens Advice Quality of Advice standards and funder requirements. The post-holder will work to individual targets that must be met in order to contribute to team targets.
- Administration - they will be responsible for ensuring that an efficient system of administration for all work is in place and that advice is provided in accordance with quality requirements, with cases recorded accurately and in a timely manner.
- Professional Development - they will be responsible for sharing knowledge and best practice with colleagues to improve the quality of advice and will be expected to keep up to date with relevant legislation, case law, policies and procedures through regular internal and external training. They may be required to provide training to internal staff or external organisations where appropriate.
- Research & Campaigning – they will assist with research and campaigns work by providing information about clients' circumstances through the appropriate channel, regularly reviewing their work to highlight common or significant issues.
- External Links – they will develop positive links with external organisations and may represent CASNS at meetings or events.
- Outreach – they will be required to work at various venues across the area.
Person Specification:
Qualifications
- They will be accredited to MaPS Caseworker level or be close to achieving this.
Essential
- The successful applicant will demonstrate that they understand the aims and principles of CASNS.
- A willingness to adhere to Debt Advice Quality Standards.
Knowledge and Experience
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience of debt advice and casework.
- Experience dealing with challenging cases and vulnerable debt advice clients.
- Experience of or willingness to work in outreach settings with an understanding of information assurance and safety in those settings.
- Have essential IT and telephone skills and the ability to use an online case management system to store and maintain case records.
- A proven commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
- Have a good, up-to-date understanding of the application of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to the provision of advice.
- Demonstrate competence in and experience of supporting other advisers within a team.
- A good understanding of the skills and techniques used in interviewing clients through a range of channels including telephone, digital and face-to-face.
Skills
- Good numeracy skills and the ability to check calculations, prepare budgets and financial statements and read benefit statements.
- The ability to analyse and interpret complex information.
- Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate well with a wide range of people including members of the public and external agencies.
- The ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.
- The ability to organise their workload, monitor and maintain own standards and prioritise work to meet deadlines and targets.
Personal Qualities
- They will be empathetic, professional and approachable.
- They will be comfortable working within a team with varying levels of experience.
- They will positively contribute to the morale of the team.
Debt Caseworker employer: Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent
Contact Detail:
Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Debt Caseworker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the debt advice sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident. Focus on showcasing your experience with debt casework and your understanding of the principles of equality and diversity.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job that fits, don’t just apply through the usual channels. Reach out directly to the hiring manager or team members to express your interest and ask insightful questions about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant news and updates in debt advice and legislation. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to continuous professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Debt Caseworker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Debt Advice: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for helping people with debt issues. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your understanding of the aims and principles of CASNS.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team targets and individual casework.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you meet the essential criteria.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent
✨Know Your Debt Advice Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest debt advice practices and legislation. Familiarise yourself with the Breathing Space scheme and insolvency options, as these are likely to come up in your interview. Being able to discuss specific casework examples will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Communication Skills
As a Debt Caseworker, you'll be dealing with vulnerable clients. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Think of scenarios where you've successfully supported someone through a challenging situation and be ready to share those stories.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with colleagues and external organisations. Be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams, how you’ve shared knowledge, and any training you've provided. Showing that you can contribute positively to team morale is key!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or role-play scenarios during the interview. Practice how you would handle a challenging case or advise a client in a face-to-face setting. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your understanding of the advice process.