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Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION This role is a direct expansion of LIA's capacity to deliver the Community Crisis Resilience action, responding to the urgent increase in demand caused by the cost-of-living crisis. The role is essential for providing front-line welfare support and managing the administrative demands of anti-poverty initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial point of contact for residents accessing welfare and support services, providing basic advice, triage, and empathetic listening.
• Provide critical hands-on administrative support for emergency financial schemes, including registration and distribution of vouchers (e.g., Bryson £200 energy support scheme).
• Assist LIA management with administrative tasks for the North Belfast Poverty Working Group, focusing on logistics and bulk voucher distribution.
• Systematically manage resident queries and accurately refer complex cases (debt, benefits, housing) to specialist partners like the Belfast Advice Group.
• Support the planning and execution of poverty-focused community interventions, such as Universal Credit drop-in support sessions.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Interpersonal Communication & Empathy: Ability to engage with residents facing acute stress and communicate sensitive information clearly.
• Crisis Triage & Needs Assessment: Capability to evaluate immediate crisis needs (e.g. fuel poverty) and categorize issues effectively.
• Systematic Record-Keeping: Strong attention to detail for precise documentation of time-sensitive, audited funding schemes.
• Confidentiality Awareness: Understanding of ethical protocols for handling sensitive financial and personal information.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience in a public-facing role or an interest in the advice and welfare sector.

Further Information

The Employer is: LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information. Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment. The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.