The Crisis and Resilience Fund project provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to people across North Northamptonshire, helping them to resolve a wide range of issues affecting their financial wellbeing, housing, employment and general quality of life.
The Generalist Adviser will provide holistic advice, practical support and advocacy where appropriate, empowering clients to resolve their issues while ensuring those with more complex needs receive specialist support through effective internal and external referral pathways.
Advisers delivering this project will:
- Assess clients' needs accurately and efficiently in accordance with Citizens Advice standards.
- Deliver high-quality generalist advice across a broad range of enquiry areas.
- Manage an allocated caseload and provide ongoing support where appropriate.
- Refer clients to specialist advisers both internally and to external agencies where additional expertise is required.
- Develop effective working relationships with staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice North Northants and partner organisations across North Northamptonshire.
- Maintain accurate case records and contribute towards monitoring, evaluation and funding requirements.
Person Specification
Essential criteria:
- Qualified to Generalist Adviser level or willing to successfully complete the Citizens Advice Adviser Learning Programme and any other training required for the role
- Experience of providing advice in a fast-paced client-facing environment either in a paid or voluntary capacity
- Experience of managing a varied caseload, maintaining accurate case records and meeting quality standards
- Good working knowledge of the issues affecting clients, including welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, energy, and family issues
- Understanding of a holistic advice approach, recognising linked problems and identifying appropriate next steps for clients
- Good understanding of confidentiality, equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding in service delivery
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment conducting client interviews and completing administrative recording within deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with clients and partner organisations
- Good IT skills, including use of central record systems, Gmail, Google drive, and the ability to learn new online systems as needed
- Ability to assess client needs, agree action plans and make appropriate referrals to internal or external services
- Resilient and able to deal with potentially difficult clients in stressful situations, whilst maintaining a professional approach
- An ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively
- Ability to work in a confidential environment with an understanding of information assurance and safety in those settings.
Desirable Criteria:
- Knowledge of statutory, voluntary, and community organisations and the support available across North Northants
- Understanding of empowerment, confidence-building, resilience and person-centred support
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or willingness and ability to travel independently between outreach locations across North Northamptonshire using public transport where appropriate
Application process
Please email [email protected] and ask for a job pack for the CRF Generalist Adviser post. You will be sent some further information, a job description and person specification, as well as an application form. We expect applicants to complete the application form in full. Unfortunately for this post CVs will not be accepted.
Pay: £26,397.28 per year
Work Location: On the road
