Full Time Debt Advisor - 37.5 hrs - £23,458.50

Purpose of the role

We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced team players who can provide holistic support to clients who may be experiencing a wide range of financial issues by offering advice and guidance to people in need.  Helping clients to find ways to repay debt affordably and provide advice on dealing with the impact of debt. 6 months initial contract with possible extension 

Responsible to 

Community Welfare Team Manager

Job Role:

• To make contact with a new referral, create a case and arrange an appointment either in house or home visit
• Identify and discuss priority and non-priority debts 
• To provide information and expert advice 
• Liaise with bailiffs/collectors to the highest standard 
• Accurate record keeping of all communication 
• Compiling financial statements
• Talking with creditors to arrange the best repayment plan
• Making appropriate referrals to other organisations and services where relevant 
• Liaising with and arranging papers for possible insolvency (DRO, Bankruptcy, AO)
• Attendance to Court
• Attended interviews with clients 
• Emotional support 
• Ensure own activity complies with all regulatory standards, GDPR and quality policies

• Keep the client fully informed throughout the process
• Experience working in a debt advice role, essential
• Experience in the sensitive delivery 

Person Specification – Advice Worker

1. Give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively
2. Experience of dealing with the general public and also successfully dealing with challenging people
3. Experience of working in an advisory role
4. Experience of low level debt

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1. Use IT systems and packages, and electronic resources in the provision of advice, record keeping and document production 
2. Commitment to continuous professional development, including a willingness to develop knowledge and skills in advice topics

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1. Research, analyse and interpret complex information and produce and present clear reports verbally and in writing 
2. Understanding of the issues affecting society and their implications for clients and service provision 
3. Basic Knowledge of Benefits

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1. Excellent engagement skills and ability to quickly build rapport with the client
2. Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control 
3. Understand statistics and check accuracy of calculations 
4. Monitor and maintain own standards
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality
6. Observational and negotiating skills

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Essential

1. A good up to date understanding of equality and diversity and its application to the provision of advice 
2. Commit to and work within the aims, principles and policies of the Centre4 service 
3. Effective written and oral communication skills with particular emphasis on negotiating 
4. Ability and willingness to work as part of a team 
5. To be flexible with working hours to meet service needs
6. Full clean driving licence and use of a car 

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Main duties and responsibilities:

• Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to enable clients to explain their problem(s) and empower them to set their own priorities and goals
• Use appropriate tools to research client enquiries including the Citizens Advice AdviserNet website and Advice Guide to find, interpret and communicate accurate, up to date and relevant information
• Research and explore options and implications so that clients can make informed decisions
• To check benefit entitlement and identify any unclaimed benefits and assist the client with claiming
• Work with the client to enhance budgeting skills as necessary and identify any other needs which may result in referrals to other agencies
• Build relationships with other services as required to meet other needs of the client
• Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning agencies as appropriate
• Negotiate with third parties such as statutory and non-statutory bodies as appropriate

The duties and responsibilities within this job description are not restrictive and the post holder may be required to undertake any other duties which may be required from time to time. Any such duties should not however substantially change the general character of the post.