Community Advice and Employability Officer

1. Job Purpose
To provide accessible, high-quality, confidential and impartial advice, information and practical support to Hackney residents experiencing financial hardship, welfare benefit difficulties, housing problems, unemployment and other challenges affecting their financial wellbeing.
The postholder will deliver a person-centred advice service, supporting individuals to maximise their income, access appropriate benefits and services, address financial difficulties and improve their long-term financial resilience.
An important element of the role will involve engaging with young adults aged 18–25, helping them overcome barriers to accessing advice, financial support, education, training and employment.
The postholder will work across Hackney Marsh Partnership's community facilities and with local partner organisations to ensure that advice services are accessible to residents who may otherwise struggle to obtain support.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Advice and Casework
Provide confidential, impartial and independent advice on welfare benefits, financial hardship, housing-related matters and access to public services.
Undertake benefit entitlement checks and support clients with applications, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals.
Assist residents experiencing financial difficulties, including budgeting, income maximisation and referrals for specialist debt advice.
Support clients with housing-related issues, including rent arrears, housing benefit and access to appropriate housing services.
Manage an individual caseload, ensuring accurate records, appropriate follow-up and timely progression of cases.
Identify issues requiring specialist intervention and make appropriate referrals.
Advocate on behalf of clients, where appropriate, with statutory agencies and other service providers.
B. Young Adult Advice and Support
Provide accessible and engaging advice to young adults aged 18–25, recognising the particular challenges they may face when navigating welfare, housing, employment and other support systems.
Support young people with benefit entitlement, financial independence, budgeting, housing concerns and access to education, training and employment.
Develop positive working ...