Citizens Advice Redbridge
Job description
Post: / ➢Employment AdviserResponsible to: / ➢Bureau Manager (or as delegated)
Working hours: / ➢18 hours a week
Terms: / ➢A Two year fixed term Contract Two year fixed term Contract is assured by secured funding (possible extension may be available with further funding)
Place of work: / ➢Offices of CAR, Broadway Chambers, 1 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 4DU and outreach sites as required.
Role purpose
The postholder will give specialist employment advice to those clients from within CAR and the Redbridge Advice Network needing it. Some of the client contacts will take place at outreach locations.
Advice giving and 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.
●Provide casework covering the full range of employment.
●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.
●Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies, tribunals and courts as appropriate.
●Negotiate with third parties as appropriate.
●Support clients with the appeals process.
●Refer internally or to other specialist agencies as appropriate.
●Provide advice and assistance to other staff across the whole range of employment issues.
●Ensure that all work conforms to our office manual and the Citizens Advice quality standard / Legal Services Commission's Quality Mark / other funding requirements, as appropriate.
●Ensure that work reflects and supports the Citizens Advice service’s equality and diversity strategy.
●Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
Research and campaigns
●Assist with research and campaigns work by providing information about clients' circumstances through the appropriate channel.
●Alert clients to research and campaigns options.
●Alert other staff to local and national issues.
Professional development
●Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to employment and undertake appropriate training.
●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.
●Assist with Service initiatives for the improvement of services.
Administration
●Use IT for statistical recording of information relating to research and campaigns and funding requirements, record keeping and document production. Ensure IT information assurance training is completed on an annual basis.
●Ensure that all work conforms to our systems and procedures.
●Periodically prepare reports on the work undertaken.
●Attend internal and external meetings as agreed with the manager.
●Maintain close liaison with relevant external agencies.
●Maintain a library of reference material and case law.
Other duties and responsibilities
●Complete the required training to comply with quality assurance processes.
●Provide backup to the Bureau’s Advice Session Supervisors if necessary.
●Promote Citizens Advice Redbridge and the services it provides.
●Assist in developing and supporting volunteers to complement the postholder’s work.
●Undertake other duties or tasks that are generally compatible with the functions of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.
●Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAR service.
●Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.
Person specification
- Qualifications
b) / Relevant professional qualifications and certificates
- Experience
b) / Experience of working with volunteers
- Skills & Ability
b) / Effective writing skills, with particular emphasis on negotiating, representing and preparing reviews, reports and correspondence
c) / Effective negotiating skills
d) / Numerate to the level required by the tasks
e) / Ability to interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control of meetings
f) / Ability to monitor and maintain own standards, and a commitment to continuous professional development, including a willingness to develop knowledge and skills in advice topics
g) / Ability and willingness to work as part of a team
h) / Ability to prioritise own work, meet deadlines and manage workload in a pressured environment
i) / Ability to use IT systems and packages and electronic resources in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions
j) / Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively
- Knowledge & Experience
b) / Experience of the appeals process up to tribunal and experience of representation essential
c) / Understanding of the issues involved in interviewing clients
d) / Understanding of the issues affecting society and their implications for clients and service provision
e) / Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the CAB service and its equal opportunities policies
f) / A good up to date understanding of equality and diversity and its application to the provision of advice
JDPS Employment Adviser.05_02_20161 of 5AB, Feb2016