Generalist Caseworker
Salary £ 24,537 to £26,560 DOE
Stevenage
Vacancy listed 27/11/2023
Application deadline 11/12/2023
Details
Advice & Casework 
· Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to allow clients to explain their problem(s) and empower them to set their own priorities.
· Use Citizens Advice resources to find, interpret and communicate the relevant information. 
· Provide information, advice and casework on all main enquiry areas.
· Research and explore options and implications so that clients can make informed decisions. 
· Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning, or by supporting with grant applications. 
· Ensure income maximisation through the take up appropriate welfare benefits.
· Where necessary, provide a help desk service at the local court during housing repossession hearings: advising and advocating as necessary on behalf of those facing repossession of their home (experience desired, training available). 
· Support clients with homelessness prevention advice
· Support clients with other housing issues, such as disrepair or landlord issues.
· Where necessary, deliver financial capability advice to clients as part of the debt advice process in its own right, and to assist with homelessness prevention. 
· Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies, tribunals and courts as appropriate.
· Negotiate with third parties such as statutory and non-statutory bodies as appropriate 
· Ensure that all work conforms to the organisation’s office manual and the Advice Quality standard. 
· Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation. 

 Research & Campaigns 
· Assist with research and campaigns work by providing information about client’s circumstances as appropriate. 
· Alert clients to research and campaign options.
· Provide reports and case studies when requested. 

 Administration
· Use IT for statistical recording, record keeping and document production.
· Ensure all work conforms to the organisation’s systems and procedures 

  Public relations
· Maintain close liaison with relevant external agencies.
· Liaise with statutory and non-statutory organisations and represent the service on outside bodies as appropriate. 

 Training & professional development
· Successfully complete the Citizens Advice Adviser Learning Plan.
· Successfully complete Debt Training to Advice Level, followed by Specialist Debt Training to Casework and Court Representation level.
· Attend learning events and carry out learning activities in line with continuing professional development requirements. 
· Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to money advice, housing and welfare benefits, and attend appropriate training 
· To identify and develop your own learning opportunities
· Read relevant publications. 

 Other duties/responsibilities
· Make home/outreach visits as necessary.
· Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service. 
· Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the Citizens Advice service. 
· Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.

Application Process: 

To apply please send your CV and concise supporting statement which includes examples and evidence of when you have demonstrated the attributes listed within the person specification. You will be expected to address each point separately and, in the order listed.

If you do not complete a full supporting statement in the requested format, your application may be rejected 

We are an equal-opportunity employer. If you have any requirements (e.g. for attending an interview) please note these clearly in your letter.

The closing date is:  11th December 2023 at 5pm

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone, so please give a daytime telephone number or somewhere we can leave a message to arrange an interview.

You can also see further information about this role in the full job pack, which is linked below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1se45xSbvTSDpgrOBwf-SlYz8ZtaoLGN1/view?usp=sharing

Benefits

We have access to an Employee Assistance Program called Lifeworks, which not only can support our employees with their wellbeing, but it also gives them access to a wide range of discounts with retailers and much more.
We offer our staff the opportunity to work in a hybrid model, once they have successfully completely their induction into the organisations.
We will offer you a full Personalised Training and Development program to enable you to gain the skills and knowledge to excel in your role.
We also offer a 5% Employer Pension contribution, alongside 27 days Annual Leave, plus bank Holidays for our Full-Time staff. We close our office over the Christmas and New Year period to enable our staff to spend time with their families.

This vacancy has now been closed