At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for clients, providing tailored support and recording information accurately.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Plymouth, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Permanent role with full training, competitive hours, and potential for hybrid working.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in people's lives while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 26116 - 28000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for two assessors: one for our Utilities Department and one for our Local Services team.
As an assessor, you will be the first point of contact for anyone who contacts Citizens Advice Plymouth. You will use sensitive questioning and listening skills to allow clients to explain their problem. You will also make sure everything is recorded accurately and efficiently on our case management systems, so you will need to type and talk at the same time. On all our projects we aim to progress the client’s referral or enquiry as far as possible on their first contact with us, but we may book them an appointment with an adviser or a caseworker if this is needed. There’s no ‘average’ appointment or call – support is tailored, and each client is treated equitably. Each project has its own targets to meet around the number of clients supported, to make sure we are helping as many people as possible. You will have individual targets and will enjoy working in this way.
Utilities Assessor
The assessor team are the first point of contact for utility customers referred to Citizens Advice Plymouth by their utility provider. On our Utilities projects, assessors manage referrals and contact clients by phone, email, or webchat to introduce them to our service. An assessor is there to establish what the client needs, and complete initial assessments with clients as well as following up on their experience with us. The focus on our Utilities projects is debt and benefits and the role is fully telephone based. The Utilities assessor role is based at Cobourg House for your initial classroom, on‑the‑job training and six‑month probation period. Once probation is passed, the role will move to a hybrid working pattern.
Local Services Assessor
The Local Services team is part of “Advice Plymouth”, a partnership between Citizens Advice Plymouth, Improving Lives Plymouth and Plymouth City Council which works to provide a joined‑up, quality information and advice service across Plymouth. This service includes telephone, drop‑in and casework support. On our Local Services projects, enquiries could be on any topic, although most of our questions are on debt, benefits, housing, family, consumer issues, immigration or employment. On this project, you will speak to clients over the phone, via email, through webchat or face‑to‑face at outreach locations. Your role will include completing debt assessments and benefit checks if that is appropriate for the client, as well as giving information or signposting to other organisations where relevant. This role is part of our Outreach team. The Local Services assessor role is a full‑time office‑based role with some attendance at outreach locations in the Plymouth area.
Hours & Training
The roles are 37 hours a week (9‑5 Monday‑Thursday and 9‑4:30 on Fridays) on a permanent basis. Part‑time hours will be considered, but the first four weeks of training must be attended full‑time. Full training will be provided. There will be no annual leave approved for the first five weeks of employment, as you must attend all the training to progress in the role.
Assessor in Plymouth employer: Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Plymouth is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and a supportive work culture. With comprehensive training provided and a focus on meaningful client interactions, assessors have the opportunity to make a real difference in the community while enjoying a hybrid working model after probation. The organisation fosters a collaborative environment where every team member is valued, ensuring that you can grow both personally and professionally in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessor in Plymouth
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Citizens Advice.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Citizens Advice!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Citizens Advice, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Citizens Advice or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Assessor in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Citizens Advice:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Citizens Advice! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
