At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist clients with benefit advice and maintain high customer satisfaction.
- Company: Advice Works supports vulnerable groups with essential benefit and debt advice.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience while making a real difference in the community.
- Other info: A Disclosure Scotland check is required for successful applicants.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to helping those in financial difficulty.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of UK benefit systems and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Overview
Advice Works provides benefit and debt advice to the local community. This includes many vulnerable groups i.e. disabled people, lone parents, unemployed etc.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Service Delivery Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction by dealing with members of the public in an effective and timely manner. The successful applicant will demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a high level of seamless customer service and always strive to find a solution for the customer no matter what the circumstances. You will undertake eligibility assessments and refer members of the public to Income Advisers where appropriate and you will provide advice and guidance in non-complex Advice Works referrals. It is desirable you have experience and knowledge of the current benefit system and are able to demonstrate an interest in assisting vulnerable clients and those in financial difficulty with an awareness of money advice issues.
Customer Interaction
You will respond to customer telephone enquiries; listening to your customers carefully, understanding exactly what they want and engage in conversations and take an interest in your customers through active listening, resolve requests and enquiries to agreed standards by providing relevant information and advice as required; provide a complete and comprehensive customer service experience by ensuring that information is recorded efficiently and accurately on all required systems at the first point of contact and ensure that the progress of enquiries is logged and tracked effectively through to resolution and closure and to ensure that relevant updates are provided to customers.
Essential Skills
It is essential you have knowledge of the current UK and Scottish benefit systems being applied it in an advisory setting, experience in dealing with customers in a face to face and telephone environment, effective interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interpret complex information and impart to others in a simple manner. It is also essential that you can demonstrate interest in assisting vulnerable clients and those in financial difficulty, you are self-motivated, resourceful , have problem solving, numeracy and written skills.
Desirable
Completion of basic benefits and money advice courses, experience of delivering money and debt advice and knowledge of case recording systems is desirable.
Other
If successful, you will be required to undertake a Disclosure Scotland check, the level of check will be determined by the duties of the post. If you would like further information in relation to the Disclosure Scotland checks, please visit www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.
Assistant Income Adviser in Paisley employer: Renfrewshire Council
Advice Works is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by providing vital benefit and debt advice to vulnerable groups. With a strong commitment to employee development, we foster a supportive work culture that values excellence in customer service and encourages personal growth through training and mentorship. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a collaborative environment where every member plays a crucial role in helping those in financial difficulty, making each day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Income Adviser in Paisley
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Renfrewshire Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Renfrewshire Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Renfrewshire Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Renfrewshire Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Income Adviser in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Renfrewshire Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Renfrewshire Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Renfrewshire Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
