At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital advice and support to clients facing challenges with welfare, debt, and housing.
- Company: Join a collaborative team at Citizens Advice Woking and i-access, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Fixed-term role with potential for extension, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Diverse workplace that values equality and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Empower individuals and help them navigate their challenges while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Recent advising experience and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a joint venture between Citizens Advice Woking (CAW) and i-access, the drug and alcohol community service which offers specialist assessment, support, and treatment to people in Surrey who want help with their drug and/or alcohol use. The role is fixed term to the end of March 2027, but it is hoped that it will continue, subject to funding.
We are looking for a highly motivated person to join our specialist team. It is essential that the applicant has recent experience of advising clients, at Citizens Advice or another comparable organisation. You will need to demonstrate that you can cope with a demanding caseload and that you are able to monitor and manage your own caseload to meet deadlines.
The successful candidate will be required to work with i-access service users, either remotely or in person. The role is to provide information, advice, and casework in all areas of generalist advice, but particularly in the areas of welfare benefits, debt, and housing. Patience and empathy are essential.
The i-access adviser will need to travel to the three i-access locations in Guildford, Redhill, and Chertsey as well as to CAW’s office in Woking. It's likely the role will also entail working remotely from home, which will require a confidential work space and reliable Wi-Fi.
We will require the successful candidate to be screened by the DBS. However, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to your being able to take up the job.
The Citizens Advice service values diversity, promotes equality, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people, as they are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please see the job pack.
Locations
i-access Generalist Adviser in Surrey, Woking employer: Citizens Advice Woking
As a joint venture between Citizens Advice Woking and i-access, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes equality. Our team is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, offering employees opportunities for professional growth and development while working in a flexible setting that includes both remote and in-person engagements across multiple locations in Surrey. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that is committed to helping individuals navigate their challenges with empathy and understanding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land i-access Generalist Adviser in Surrey, Woking
✨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 Woking, 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 i-access Generalist Adviser in Surrey, Woking
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 Woking. 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 Woking. 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 Woking
✨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 Woking.
✨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 i-access Generalist Adviser role at Citizens Advice Woking, 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 Woking that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
