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Job description

Community Advice Antrim & Newtownabbey is looking for an Adviser to join their team who is skilled and knowledgeable and determined to go the extra mile to deliver the best advice to clients. A committed team member who is responsible for managing their workload whilst working in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients over the phone or face to face using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to identify query and present solutions.
• Use information sources to find, interpret and communicate the relevant information.
• Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.
• Negotiate with third parties such as statutory and non-statutory bodies as appropriate.
• Refer internally or to other specialist agencies as appropriate.
• Ensure that all work conforms to the Office Manual and quality standard requirements
• Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
• Assist with social policy work by providing information about clients’ specific circumstances and ensuring recording of same.
• Attend Outreach clinics.
• Keep up to date with legislation, policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training for the position.
• Read relevant publications.
• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager.
• Prepare for and attend supervision sessions/team meetings/staff meetings as appropriate.
• Use IT for statistical recording, record keeping and document production and ensure that all work conforms to systems and procedures of CAAN.
• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service..
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.
• Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the Community Advice service.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Good standard of education with ability to complete benefit calculations and undertake further training,
• Experience of working with the public.
• Ability to understand complex information and legislation.
• Ability to work with figures.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficient IT skills.
• Understanding of the issues around poverty and the impact on individuals and communities.
• A commitment to the aims and principles of independent advice provision and its equality and diversity ethos.
• Flexibility to work evenings dependent upon business requirements.

Desirable Skills

• Third Level Qualification in a relevant area (preferably law or social sciences).
• Experience of working as a welfare adviser.
• Citizens Advice, Advice NI or Law Centre Adviser Trained. (Applicants without training will be considered as a trainee adviser.)

Further Information

Please see link https://www.communityni.org/job/adviser-hours-negotiable for further information on post. Please email application form along with CV to depd@advicean.com.