About Us: Acorn Community Bank is a Credit Union working across our communities to provide financial services to thousands of members. The Financial Inclusion Lead Officer will work as part of our Communities Team and will lead this work in High Wycombe with the aim of making a real difference to the lives of many financially disadvantaged people in the town.
We have previously offered this service in other areas, and are now looking to extend it to High Wycombe. The lead officer will proactively reach out to a network of local organisations and charities to promote this service.
The service will include the provision of financial inclusion support and guidance to members of the public, helping people identify and apply for benefits they are entitled to and helping them manage their household budget. This entails working on an individual level, often with people who struggle with technology, form-filling and other barriers.
This role will require travel throughout High Wycombe, meeting people in their local areas at community points, 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 the provision of Financial Inclusion services, who has the ability to work on an individual basis with people, and who is also able to meet and present to community groups to promote the service.
Communication and patience are key to this role, as many of our clients will be in vulnerable situations. Knowledge of the benefits system will be advantageous. Due to the nature of this work, it is essential that the successful candidate is DBS checked and can provide references.
This is a fixed-term contract for 12 months. Possible extension dependent on funding.
The role description is:
- Establish a network of local front-line community groups and agencies who work with people who may be suitable for financial inclusion help; meet with these groups on a regular basis to promote the service.
- Meet with people who are referred to the service to provide support they require, such as form-filling, online support applications, basic budgeting. Several meetings may be required to help people reach a position of financial stability. Meetings will take place in local community points (such as community cafes, libraries) which the officer will identify as being suitable.
- 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 officer will not make recommendations regarding lending products.
- Identify and support local volunteers to help with the work.
The successful candidate will be part of a wider Communities team at Acorn Community Bank, providing similar services in different areas. The hours and days for this role are flexible. It is expected that they will travel within the High Wycombe area to various community centres to meet clients at their point of need.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £14.00-£16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
Experience:
- Financial services: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Full UK driving licence with access to own vehicle (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: On the road
