At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on housing and welfare benefits to older people in Scotland.
- Company: Join Independent Age, a charity dedicated to improving lives of older people facing financial hardship.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Specialist knowledge of Housing or Welfare Benefits in Scotland is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31054 - 34493 £ per year.
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.
Responsibilities and Person Specification:
This new role is an integral part of the day-to-day delivery of our Advice and Support Service. The service is targeted at older people in or facing financial hardship, and provides information, advice and follow up support relating to a range of issues, including Welfare Benefits, Social Care and Housing. As an Adviser, you will be responsible for providing specialist support to older people, their families and carers through our advice service with their enquiries relating to housing and welfare benefits in Scotland as well as providing generalist level support on a range of issues through our duty service.
You should have in depth, specialist level knowledge of Housing or Welfare Benefits in Scotland (ideally both) as they relate to older people, and experience working within a high-volume advice setting and advice supervision framework. We plan to expand our advice offer in Scotland to cover Social Care, so knowledge in this area would also be beneficial.
This role could be worked full-time, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight, or part-time on a minimum of 21 hours per week. We are open to the role being either homebased (with occasional travel to London) or hybrid working in London (minimum 4 days per month in the office).
Salary Information:
The salaries below are full-time (35 hours per week) and will be pro-rated if part-time.
- London based: £34,493 per year
- Homebased: £31,054 per year
What it’s like to work at Independent Age:
We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.
Application Process:
To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification. To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.
Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS or Level 1 Disclosure check will be carried out for the successful candidate.
Closing Date: Monday 15 June, 11:59pm
First Interview Dates: Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June, online via Microsoft Teams
Second Interview Dates: Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 July, online via Microsoft Teams
Adviser (Scottish Housing, Social Care and Welfare Benefits) employer: Independent Age
Independent Age is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of older people facing financial hardship. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, and extensive learning opportunities, all within a supportive and collaborative work culture. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a role that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adviser (Scottish Housing, Social Care and Welfare Benefits)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Familiarise yourself with Independent Age's mission and values. This will help you connect your experience to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for common interview questions related to housing and welfare benefits. Think of real-life examples from your experience that showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Independent Age.
We think you need these skills to ace Adviser (Scottish Housing, Social Care and Welfare Benefits)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experience align with the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference in the lives of older people facing financial hardship!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your CV and supporting statement, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what really matters.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about helping older people and making a positive impact in their lives.
Follow Our Application Guidelines:Remember to follow the application guidelines closely. Submit your CV and supporting statement through our website, and don’t forget to anonymise your documents as per our instructions. We’re here to help if you have any questions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Age
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Scottish Housing, Social Care, and Welfare Benefits. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges older people face in these areas, as well as any recent changes in legislation. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are also prepared to provide the best support possible.
✨Show Your Empathy
In this role, you'll be working with older people who may be experiencing financial hardship. During the interview, demonstrate your understanding and compassion for their situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in similar circumstances.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to supporting older people and how they measure success in their advice services. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Independent Age values diversity and individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, as they can contribute to the team’s overall strength. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!
