About Us: Acorn Community Bank is a Credit Union working across our communities to provide financial services to thousands of members. The Financial Inclusion Officer will work as part of our Communities Team and provide financial inclusion support and guidance to members of the public, who have usually accessed the service from our network of local organisations and charities which provide frontline services. This will include helping people identify and apply for benefits they are entitled to and helping them manage their household budget. This role will require travel throughout Trowbridge, Chippenham and Westbury so a car and driving licence will be required. Training will be provided by Acorn Community Bank.
We are looking for someone who has worked previously in Customer Service, and who has the ability to work on an individual basis with people. Experience of the benefits system and community work will be an advantage. Communication and patience are key to this role, as many of our clients will be in vulnerable situations and may require help with benefit applications. Knowledge of the benefits system will be advantageous.
This is a fixed-term contract to March 2027. Possible extension dependent on funding.
The role description is:
- · Clients will be identified usually through our referral partners (e.g. local council team). Some clients will be existing credit union members who have been identified as requiring support by the credit control team.
- The officer will manage the system, so it fits around their availability. Bookings will be for up to one hour. Where follow-up sessions are required with a client, you will determine this on an ongoing basis.
- Initial focus will be on the maximisation of income, looking at the benefits that the client may qualify for. The officer will then help the client, if necessary, to apply for these benefits.
- Further focuses will be on helping the client prepare and manage a monthly budget, using online tools where appropriate. The officer will also help the client plan for the future, helping them prepare for regular events (e.g. Christmas) as well as emergency situations (e.g. unexpected replacement of white goods).·
- Where appropriate, the officer will introduce the client to the facilities made available by Acorn Community Bank which encourage good budgeting, such as savings incentives. The volunteer will not make recommendations regarding lending products.
The successful candidate will be part of a small local team, including some volunteers. The hours and days for this role are flexible. It is expected that they will travel within Trowbridge, Chippenham and Westbury to various community centres to meet clients at their point of need.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £14.00-£15.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
Experience:
- Financial services: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
