At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in debt advice, helping clients navigate financial challenges.
- Company: Join Toynbee Hall, a charity dedicated to fighting poverty and inequality in East London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for professional growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills in finance.
- Qualifications: Willingness to learn and basic IT skills; previous advice experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About Toynbee Hall
Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London.
Team Background
The Debt Advice Team at Toynbee Hall provides crucial support to individuals and families struggling with financial burdens. Funded by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), this team delivers expert guidance and practical solutions to help clients manage and reduce their debt.
Scope of Role
The Traineeship will last for 6 months. This role involves gaining practical experience by observing and participating in interviews to understand clients' financial problems, researching options, and helping clients make informed decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Observe and learn how to provide effective debt advice, including interviewing clients, researching options, and empowering clients to make informed decisions.
- Assist in maintaining detailed case records, ensuring all work meets auditing and quality standards, and meets funder requirements.
- Complete a structured training programme within the six-month period, covering technical debt advice, client management, and financial regulations.
- Be an active member of the team, identifying opportunities for your development and contributing to collective goals.
- Travel across London as required, with occasional travel across the UK.
- Undertake additional tasks as delegated by Management.
Person Specification
Experience and Skills
- Willingness to work towards obtaining an accredited qualification in debt advice.
- Basic IT and telephone skills, and ability to use an online-based Client Management System (CMS) to deliver advice across multiple channels and maintain case records.
- Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively.
- Ability to work as part of a team and be open to receiving feedback and learning from others.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with all staff members.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Competence in handling sensitive information with discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
- Ability to handle and support vulnerable clients with empathy and sensitivity, ensuring their needs are appropriately addressed.
Personal Attributes
- High level of professionalism and integrity.
- Ability to work independently and proactively without supervision.
- Capacity to remain calm and effective under pressure, adopting a find a solution, no blame attitude.
- Open-minded, inclusive, and collaborative approach, seeking fresh and alternative perspectives.
- Commitment to empowering others by sharing knowledge and enabling action.
- Strong alignment with Toynbee Hall's mission, strategy, and values.
- Willingness to participate in training and develop further understanding in areas such as safeguarding.
- Willingness to work from our advice locations to shadow experienced advisors in both face-to-face and call centre settings.
Desirable Criteria
- Previous experience of giving advice (not necessarily debt advice).
- Ability to speak more than one language.
Our Benefits
- 25 days of annual leave, plus 3 additional days for our Christmas shutdown (on top of bank holidays).
- After 2 years: +3 extra days of leave.
- After 3 years: +1 additional day.
- After 5 years: A total of 30 days annual leave, plus the 3-day Christmas shutdown.
Pension
Standard Life Pension Scheme Employer contribution: 4%, Employee contribution: 5%
Additional Perks & Support
- Enhanced Sick Pay for peace of mind during illness.
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to support growing families.
- Employee Eyecare Vouchers to support your vision health.
- Employee Assistance Programme for free, confidential advice and support.
- Mental Health First Aid to ensure workplace well-being.
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme to help secure your home.
- Interest-Free Season Ticket Loan for cost-effective commuting.
- Cycle to Work Scheme to promote a healthier, greener way to travel.
- Charity Mentoring Network to support professional development and networking.
- Westfield Health Cash Plan to cover your healthcare needs specified in the Policy.
Trainee Debt Advisor employer: Toynbee Hall
Toynbee Hall is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of East London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training programmes, generous annual leave, and a range of benefits designed to promote well-being and professional development. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing financial challenges while enjoying a collaborative team culture that values your contributions and empowers you to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Debt Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Toynbee Hall and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident. Focus on how you can contribute to the Debt Advice Team and share any relevant experiences, even if they're not directly related to debt advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your approach to handling sensitive situations. The role involves working with vulnerable clients, so think about how you would demonstrate empathy and professionalism in challenging scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the team at Toynbee Hall.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Debt Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Trainee Debt Advisor role. Highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it's not directly in debt advice, and show us how you can contribute to our mission at Toynbee Hall.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
Emphasise Your Team Spirit:We love team players! In your application, mention any experiences where you've worked collaboratively or supported others. This will show us that you’re ready to be an active member of our Debt Advice Team and contribute to our collective goals.
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Toynbee Hall.
How to prepare for a job interview at Toynbee Hall
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of debt advice and the role of Toynbee Hall. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, as well as the challenges faced by clients in financial distress. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to listen actively. This is crucial for a Trainee Debt Advisor. Show that you can empathise with clients by reflecting on what they say and asking relevant follow-up questions. It’s all about building trust and rapport!
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Toynbee Hall values collaboration, so be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight your willingness to learn from others and contribute to collective goals. This will help them see you as a great fit for their team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the training programme or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
