Grants Officer

This role is working for an amazing charity. They provide emotional, practical and financial support for people.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to add value to a growing charity and to make a real and lasting difference to colleagues working in an industry who are experiencing difficult times.

As a Grants Officer, you will join a busy team at our Head Office. Our motivated and dedicated Grants Officers are focused on supporting colleagues when applying for financial help, in an empathic and non-judgmental manner, delivering a high standard of client experience and keeping detailed, clear records.

You will be part of a dedicated and supportive team, working in a fast-paced environment where empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail are essential. No two days are the same - from guiding applicants through the process, to reviewing and recommending grants for maximum impact. Full training will be given on systems and services, followed by a structured personal development plan which will include benefits training and a deep understanding of the support and signposting available to colleagues.

This role focuses on supporting colleagues in their applications for financial assistance, ensuring a compassionate and impartial approach to every case. It demands a commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience while maintaining thorough and well-organised records. These records play a crucial role in informing recommendations for financial grants that align with established criteria.

• Act as the first point of contact for financial grant applicants, offering empathetic, non-judgmental support, particularly to those in distress or in vulnerable situations.
• Provide guidance and assistance to applicants and beneficiaries in accessing Financial Grants and wider services, identifying additional support options that may benefit their circumstances.
• Manage a personal caseload of grant applications from initial application through to final decision and payment.
• Collect and authenticate applicant information to confirm eligibility, provide timely updates on progress, and support well-informed decision-making.
• Assess and recommend grants in line with policy, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and consistency.
• Deliver service that upholds the high standards set in our charter, with a strong focus on the applicant's experience.
• Maintain accurate, compliant, and well-documented communication records for all applicant interactions.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, ensuring adherence to this Charity Service Level Charter.
• Stay informed on benefits knowledge, regularly participating in training and meetings to enhance expertise in grant-making, health, and wellbeing.
• Represent this charity at internal and external meetings, attending in-person training sessions and conferences/team days as required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and supporters across the charity to support delivery of our strategic goals.

We are looking for a highly capable and resilient individual who can effectively communicate with a diverse range of people while working in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong communication skills and resilience - Ability to engage confidently and empathetically with people from various backgrounds via email and telephone.
• Aware and understanding of Mental Health, physical illness/disability, or homelessness - This may stem from personal experience or professional exposure.
• Personal resilience - To support your wellbeing and those around you.
• Excellent administration skills - A strong eye for detail when assessing documentation.
• Experience in CRM systems and record-keeping - Competence in logging information accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure - Demonstrates speed and precision in handling tasks without compromising quality.
• Educational qualifications - Minimum GCSEs in Maths and English, and a Level 3 qualification (A Level or equivalent). A degree-level qualification is desirable, particularly for critical thinking and decision-making capabilities.
• Desirable Experience working with vulnerable individuals or in a client-facing support role.
• Previous case management experience.

• Competitive salary: £32,000 rising to £33,500 following successful completion of training.
• Hybrid working: Minimum two days per week in our office (Thursday and one flexible day).
• 34-hour work week (full-time).
• Flexible working hours offered after completion of training.
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays and an additional 3 days at Christmas.
• Private health and dental care option.
• Wellbeing allowance: £50 per month.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution).
• Life Assurance (up to 5 times salary).
• Access to our Colleague Support Programme.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.