Advise Officer

The London Irish Centre's mission is to empower and enrich lives through Irish community and culture. Since 1955, we have served the Irish community in London, providing crucial support, connection and a 'home from home' to those living in the capital. Our services include accredited advice and support, community wellbeing activities, and an extensive programme of Irish arts, culture and education.

The London Irish Centre is seeking an experienced, compassionate and knowledgeable Advice Worker to join our committed team. The successful candidate will bring expertise in welfare rights and housing, and a strong commitment to supporting those facing financial hardship or insecure living conditions. In this role, you will work directly with clients to deliver accredited advice and practical guidance, helping them navigate complex systems and secure the support they need. You will also collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to ensure a holistic and integrated service that puts community needs first.

The Advice Service is dedicated to enhancing income, alleviating poverty, and ensuring secure housing for community members throughout London. Our goal is to empower individuals by facilitating access to appropriate support through a strength-based and person-centered approach. We offer accredited information and advice on welfare benefits and housing, as well as assistance in obtaining grants.

As an integral part of the London Irish Centre's Community services, the Advice Service collaborates with our Support Service, Citizenship and Identity, Health Navigation, Community Programmes (responsible for events and activities), and our specialized Survivor Integrated Service. Together, we strive to deliver community-led and best-practice support.

About You

You have solid experience advising on welfare benefits and housing law, including issues like homelessness, poverty, and disability benefits. You use a strength-based, person-centred approach to empower clients and achieve positive outcomes. You’re confident advocating for clients with agencies such as the DWP and local authorities, both in writing and verbally. You’re highly organised, able to manage competing demands, and proficient in using case management and information systems. You demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and are comfortable working with diverse client groups and professionals. You’re collaborative, flexible, and committed to safeguarding, equality, and continuous professional development.

Key areas of responsibility

• Work in line with the purpose, vision, mission, and values of the LIC.
• Deliver high-quality information and advice on housing and welfare benefits according to client needs.
• Manage your own caseload and undertake casework with minimal supervision.
• Provide services in accordance with all relevant quality standards.
• Create and maintain comprehensive client and service provision records, using information technology and other systems.
• Support service delivery via telephone, drop-in, and pre-booked appointments, including staffing the response line as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with third parties, including the Department for Work and Pensions and local authorities, by letter, telephone, email, and in-person.
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary service provision, build excellent working relationships, and establish referral pathways to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
• Maintain excellent knowledge of benefits, housing law, grants, as well as changes in law, practice, and supporting services.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and services.

This job description outlines the key responsibilities and duties associated with the role. It is not exhaustive or restrictive and may be reviewed and amended in line with service needs and organisational priorities. The postholder may also be required to work from other locations or undertake other duties as reasonably requested by management.

Employee Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave - 26 days plus bank holidays (increase to 27 days after 5 years of service pro rata).
• Enhanced sick pay - 4 weeks (pro-rata) of contractual hours on full pay after completion of probationary period.
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave pay.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Tech Scheme.
• Eyesight tests and contribution to corrective glasses.
• Jury Duty leave pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Complimentary tickets to select events.
• 50% discount on LIC education courses (subject to availability).
• 20% discount at the LIC shop and 10% discount at the LIC bar.
• Mindfulness app membership (only available to staff on contracts of a minimum of 12 months).

The London Irish Centre is an equal opportunities employer. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce. Please note our offices have some barriers to access, which is one of the core missions that our redevelopment will overcome.