At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate advice and support to clients facing various challenges.
- Company: Join Advice Space, a dynamic organisation dedicated to helping the community.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and potential for long-term employment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a willingness to learn about the UK benefits system.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
Advice Space would like to provide a minimum 6-month opportunity to employ and train 2 generalist advice workers that may lead to longer-term employment with Advice Space or the advice sector. The jobs are peripatetic (floating) in nature in that you will be employed and trained and given development opportunities through appropriate and relevant paid for learning and development activities to be based across our offices and/or projects where the need exists at the time.
Beginning in our City Centre office you will learn how to triage people contacting Advice Space either in-person or by phone with regards to mainly Social Security benefit enquiries but also possibly housing issues, consumer issues, health and so on plus learn how to signpost and refer to other appropriate external support organisations. You will progress through accredited adviser training and learn to help fill in forms and deal with clients who need advice due to their personal circumstances at the time of contact. Most clients have just had a change of circumstances in their lives such as a bereavement, separation, illness or disability, job loss and so forth so you will be a main point of contact to help provide, or get, them the help they need.
Responsibilities
- To provide a good customer service in a compassionate way both orally and in-person to clients and those contacting Advice Space.
- To provide generalist advice to members of the public contacting our service.
- To operate and answer telephones and provide a triage service.
- To assist clients in the completion of their claim forms.
- To operate our computerised case-recording system (training provided).
- To access and utilise customer information systems the Organisation subscribes to in order to research and provide quality assured answers to enquiries.
- To refer clients to other organisations where specialist help is required such as to Law Centre (immigration advice), Housing Rights (complex housing issues) etc.
- To utilise MS Office 365 suite of productivity tools (e.g. Word/Outlook/) and our cloud based tools (e.g. Teams/Onedrive).
Skills and Qualifications
- Ability to read and write to a good standard (Reason: To read decision letters and fill in forms).
- Basic numeracy skills (Reason: To carry out benefit calculations or input and check via benefit maximiser calculators online).
- Good interpersonal skills including verbal communication, empathy, sensitivity and being respectful and non-judgemental (Reason: To deal with a vast spectrum of customers with different needs and in different often difficult circumstances).
- Good time management with ability to prioritise effectively (Reason: To manage appointments/diary and key tasks).
- Good understanding of the UK benefits system (or the ability to learn it quickly), including: Universal Credit /PIP / DLA / Attendance Allowance / ESA & Housing Benefit (Reason: Directly related to the main thrust of the work required).
- Good problem-solving skills and ability to identify and calculate benefit entitlements and next steps (Reason: To enable you to identify and offer the best advice towards reaching solution/s).
- Willing to work to organisational policies, procedures and compliance requirements (Reason: Good governance and to keep within relevant Laws such as Safeguarding).
- Reasonable level of IT skills such as use of IT systems (Reason: To enable function of role to be carried out effectively).
- Ability to receive constructive feedback as part of this role and for quality assurance purposes (Reason: To ensure quality and identify learning and development opportunities).
- Ability to be able to research and interpret regulations and guidance (Reason: To provide a quality service).
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection (Reason: Organisational value and also legal requirements).
Further Information
Location: 58 Howard Street, Belfast with possibility to move after 6 months (offices in North, East and West).
JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information:
- Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.
- Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.
- Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.
The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.
Application Information
JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office.
Vacancy ID
Job Sector: Customer Service and Call Centre
Area: Belfast
Salary: 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour
No. vacancies: 2
Contract Type: Temporary
Weekly hours: 25
Published date: 21/01/2026
Closing date: 03/03/2026
Worktime: To be confirmed with employer.
Generalist Adviser (Peripatetic) in Belfast employer: JobStart Scheme
Contact Detail:
JobStart Scheme Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Generalist Adviser (Peripatetic) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Advice Space. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with what they do. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how you can demonstrate your empathy and problem-solving skills, as these are key for the Generalist Adviser role. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think of specific examples from your past where you've helped someone in a tough situation. This could be anything from volunteering to personal experiences. It shows you have the right mindset for dealing with clients' needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Generalist Adviser (Peripatetic) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Generalist Adviser. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Show Your Empathy: Since you'll be dealing with clients in sensitive situations, it's crucial to convey your ability to empathise and communicate effectively. Share examples that showcase your interpersonal skills and compassion.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and experiences relevant to the job.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Advice Space.
How to prepare for a job interview at JobStart Scheme
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the UK benefits system, especially Universal Credit and PIP. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and ready to help clients with their enquiries.
✨Show Empathy
Since you'll be dealing with clients in difficult situations, practice how to communicate compassionately. Think of examples from your past where you've helped someone in need, as this will demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview.
✨Practice Triage Scenarios
Get familiar with triaging clients' needs. You might be asked to role-play a scenario where you have to assess a client's situation quickly. Practising this can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for the real thing.
✨Be Ready for Feedback
The ability to accept constructive criticism is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've handled feedback in the past and how it has helped you grow. This shows that you're open to learning and improving, which is crucial for success.