At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in complex situations, providing clarity and expert guidance.
- Company: A purpose-driven organisation focused on helping vulnerable clients.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong judgment, and experience with sensitive client interactions.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you want a role where your expertise can steady someone in their most difficult moment, and genuinely change the direction of their life? Looking for work that goes beyond process, where your judgment and care make a real difference? Ready for a role that blends home working with meaningful, supportive time in the office?
This goes beyond a standard customer service role. You will handle complex, sensitive, and high-risk situations where there isn't a clear path to follow, and where you'll need to take ownership of how things move forward. You'll need to interpret complexity, read between the lines, manage emotion, and bring structure to situations that are often unclear. It's not just about solving the problem, it's how you handle it, communicate it, and guide people through it that makes the difference.
About the Role
Known as Debt Advice Specialist internally, you'll be the person colleagues turn to when a client's situation requires a more considered, judgment-led approach. You'll step in at critical points to remove barriers, stabilise circumstances, and guide clients toward safe, sustainable outcomes. You'll support clients across their full journey, from initial conversations and recommendations through to ongoing support, where situations are complex, sensitive, or don't fit standard processes. Alongside direct client work, you'll provide expert guidance to colleagues through a Knowledge Line function, helping others navigate difficult scenarios with confidence. You'll work with some of the most vulnerable clients, applying strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving to ensure the support provided is safe, appropriate, and consistent. You'll be based in our Chester office with a hybrid approach, balancing home working with regular time together for collaboration, development, and connection.
What You'll Be Doing
- Support clients facing complex or sensitive situations, offering clarity, reassurance, and expert guidance.
- Deliver full lifecycle debt advice, from fact-finding and income/expenditure assessments through to ongoing support.
- Step in to resolve challenging or atypical cases, identifying the root cause and unblocking progress.
- Provide trauma-sensitive support to clients experiencing distress or vulnerability.
- Manage high-risk or sensitive situations appropriately, including escalation where needed.
- Offer expert advice to colleagues via a Knowledge Line, supporting difficult or unusual scenarios.
- Work within governance and safeguarding frameworks, using judgment to flex processes where appropriate.
- Create tailored follow-up plans to support stability and progress.
- Maintain accurate records and use digital tools and systems to support decision-making.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying patterns and opportunities to refine processes.
About You
You bring a calm, thoughtful approach to complex situations, combining empathy with strong analytical thinking. You're confident making decisions in nuanced scenarios and take ownership of achieving the right outcome. You don't rely on having a clear script or defined path. You're able to assess situations, make sense of complexity, and decide how to move things forward, using your judgment to decide how to move things forward. You communicate clearly and adapt your style to the person in front of you, whether that's a client in distress or a colleague needing guidance. You're able to manage emotion, ask the right questions, and keep conversations focused and constructive, even in difficult situations.
You’ll thrive in this role if you’re motivated by:
- Purpose: Work that genuinely matters, helping people move forward and achieve lasting outcomes.
- Growth: Grow through meaningful work in an organisation that's evolving.
- Balance: Hybrid, flexible, and sustainable ways of working that support your wellbeing.
- Belonging: A supportive, purpose-led team where you're trusted, valued, and able to be yourself.
Experience supporting complex or vulnerable clients, working in regulated environments, or providing specialist guidance is valuable, but what matters most is your ability to apply sound judgment, work with care, and operate effectively in high-stakes situations.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Belonging is central to who we are. We're committed to building a workforce that reflects the clients we support, and to creating a culture where everyone feels valued and able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences. If you need a reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process so you can perform at your best, just let us know, we're here to support you.
Senior Customer Service Advisor - Debt Support - Chester in Ellesmere Port employer: StepChange
Contact Detail:
StepChange Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Customer Service Advisor - Debt Support - Chester in Ellesmere Port
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see how they interact with clients and employees. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your active listening skills. In a role like Senior Customer Service Advisor, understanding client needs is crucial. During interviews, demonstrate your ability to listen and respond thoughtfully to questions, showing that you can handle complex situations with care.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about how you would handle sensitive situations or high-risk cases. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your judgment and problem-solving skills, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Customer Service Advisor - Debt Support - Chester in Ellesmere Port
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy: When writing your application, let your empathy shine through. We want to see how you connect with clients and handle sensitive situations. Share examples that highlight your ability to support others in tough times.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use simple language to explain your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Senior Customer Service Advisor.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills: This role is all about navigating complex situations. In your application, showcase your problem-solving skills and how you've successfully managed challenging cases in the past. We love seeing how you think on your feet!
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 this meaningful role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at StepChange
✨Understand the Role Deeply
Before your interview, take the time to really understand what being a Senior Customer Service Advisor - Debt Support entails. Familiarise yourself with the complexities of debt advice and the emotional intelligence required. This will help you articulate how your skills align with the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've successfully handled complex or sensitive cases. Be ready to share these examples during the interview, highlighting your judgment, empathy, and problem-solving skills. This will demonstrate your ability to manage high-risk situations effectively.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, show that you can listen actively. This means not just hearing the questions but also understanding the underlying concerns. Respond thoughtfully, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if needed. This reflects your ability to manage emotions and communicate clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
Make sure to convey your genuine desire to help clients navigate their challenges. Share why you’re motivated by purpose-driven work and how you believe in making a real difference in people's lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers and align with the company’s values.