At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital welfare advice and support to clients at foodbanks.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to reducing poverty in your community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, travel expenses, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare rights advice and strong knowledge of the social security system.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Community Advice Mid & East Antrim is seeking a compassionate and motivated Generalist Advisor to join our team, working directly with clients in Trussell Trust Foodbanks across the borough. This new post is fully funded by the Trussell Trust to Sept 2027 and aims to provide vital welfare advice and income maximisation support to individuals experiencing financial hardship.You will be based in various food bank locations in Ballymena, Carrickfergus & Larne, Monday to Friday, offering benefit checks, advice on Universal Credit and other entitlements, and signposting to additional support. After each session, you’ll return to the nearest office to complete case recording and follow-up casework. This is a client-facing role requiring empathy, resilience, and a strong understanding of the welfare system. You’ll be part of a supportive team committed to reducing poverty and improving lives.
Responsibilities
- Conduct benefit checks and assist with claims such as Universal Credit
- Maintain accurate case records and manage follow-up casework
- Work collaboratively with foodbank staff and volunteers
- Travel between outreach locations and offices (expenses covered)
Skills and Qualifications
- Relevant qualification in welfare rights (e.g. Advice NI Level 4 Certificate, Law Centre NI WRAP or Citizens Advice Advisor Training Programme)
- Experience delivering welfare rights advice, including complex benefit issues.
- Strong knowledge of the social security system.
- Strong organisational skills, including accurate record-keeping and time management.
- Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection principles.
- IT literacy, including use of case management systems, email, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to travel between outreach locations, including foodbanks across Mid & East Antrim. Travel between foodbank sites is required; access to transport is essential.
- Experience working in or alongside foodbanks or community support services.
- Knowledge of housing, debt, or employment rights advice.
- Experience supporting vulnerable clients, including those with mental health issues, disabilities, or language barriers.
- Understanding of the Trussell Trust’s mission and approach to tackling poverty.
- Experience working in a charity or voluntary sector organisation.
- Ability to contribute to service development, including identifying gaps and suggesting improvements.
- This post may be subject to an enhanced AccessNI check.
Further Information
Generalist Advisor Trussell Trust Foodbank Outreach.What We OfferCompetitive SalaryAccess to our NEST Pension SchemeTravel expenses from office to food-bank and backSupportive team environmentOpportunity to make a real difference in your communityContinued Professional Development & Training
Application Information
For an application pack please email julia.cleeland@meacas.com quoting the vacancy reference number OATT 09/25
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Generalist Advisor employer: Mid & East Antrim Community Advice
Contact Detail:
Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Generalist Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with others who share your passion for community support. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, be ready to share your story and what makes you a great fit for roles like the Generalist Advisor. Keep it concise and engaging – you want them to remember you!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from volunteering! Getting involved with local foodbanks or community services can give you hands-on experience and show your commitment to helping others. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet people and build your CV.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about making the application process as smooth as possible. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Generalist Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see your motivation for working with vulnerable clients and how you connect with the mission of the Trussell Trust.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in welfare rights or community support services. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of the social security system.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mid & East Antrim Community Advice
✨Know Your Welfare Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the welfare system, especially Universal Credit and other benefits. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're prepared and understand the role's requirements.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role involves working with vulnerable clients, it's crucial to demonstrate your compassion during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported individuals in difficult situations, highlighting your ability to connect and empathise.
✨Be Organised
The job requires accurate record-keeping and time management, so be ready to discuss how you stay organised. You might want to mention any tools or methods you use to manage your workload effectively, as this will show you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Understand the Trussell Trust Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Trussell Trust’s mission and approach to tackling poverty. Being able to articulate why their work matters to you will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community you'll be serving.