Advice Assistant
Fixed term contract until June 2023
Blackburn Central Library
Closing date: 17 May 2021 at 11.30pm.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience in the delivery of supervised advice and casework across housing, debt or welfare benefits to join us as an Advice Assistant and play an important support role.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.
We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the team
In response to growing need, we are developing our service in Lancashire by offering advice, support and guidance to people in housing need on issues such as housing, debt and welfare benefits. We also offer an Information & Resource service to provide guided self-help to clients and specialist legal housing advice.
About the role
Based in Blackburn Central Library, right in the heart of the community, you will be carrying out initial fact finding triage interviews, booking appointments with the appropriate adviser, agreeing clients’ needs, providing them with basic information and advice and referring clients to other Shelter services or external agencies as appropriate. Carrying out case related support and research for Advisers and Senior Advisers and dealing with enquiries not only in person, but also by telephone and email and generating correspondence as necessary are also key elements of this role. As an advice assistant you will provide ongoing casework and you will manage your own caseload.
About you
We’re looking for a self-motivated, results-driven and customer focused individual with demonstrable experience in the delivery or supervised advice and casework across housing, debt or welfare benefits and experience of working with vulnerable people or people with multiple and complex needs. You will need a proven ability to manage your own caseload, adhere to multiple deadlines, research caselaw/legislation and to utilise that in your day to day role. With strong communication skills, a collaborative way of working and the ability to lead change and improve performance, you will also be proficient in using a range of IT tools to carry out your work, such as case management systems, internet, email and Microsoft applications. Keyboard skills and ability to input data efficiently is essential.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (pro rata), enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our legal team and be the change you want to see in society.
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them