Perth Citizens Advice Bureau Debt Advice Support Worker Salary

perth citizens advice bureau debt advice support worker salary: £19,634 per annum pro rata + 6% pension contributions h

Perth Citizens Advice Bureau

Debt Advice Support Worker

Salary: £19,634 per annum pro rata
+ 6% Pension contributions
Hours of work: 35 hours per week
Responsible to: Debt Advice Manager
Duration: Fixed term to 31st March 2019
Job Description
Role purpose: To provide an initial diagnostic advice service to
clients with debt problems
To collect and record relevant information from the client
To provide basic money advice and explain options to the client
To identify next steps including internal referral to other advisers
as appropriate
Main Duties
*
Explore debt problems with clients, identifying the nature and
extent of the problem, checking for liability and enforceability
and responding appropriately to any emergencies
*
Understand the triggers for debt problems and explore these with
the client, signposting or referring to local support
organisations if appropriate
*
Advise clients on ways to maximize income by checking benefit
entitlement including “better off” calculations, checking tax
codes or entitlement to grants or other options for increasing
income
*
Explain the difference between priority and non-priority debts to
clients, outlining the creditors’ options for enforcement in each
case and the potential consequences to the client
*
Accurately identify income, assets, expenditure and liabilities,
and assist clients to prepare a financial statement, explaining
controversial and variable figures with reference to BBA trigger
figures
*
Understand and explain the main options available for managing
debts and encourage the client to consider their relevance
*
Use ICT and relevant case management systems to accurately record
all enquiries in line with the bureau’s current procedures
*
Apply CAB aims, principles and policies when dealing with money
advice enquiries
*
Recognise own level of competence and when to seek help from a
more experienced adviser; attend training and undertake research
to maintain and develop skills and knowledge required for the post
*
Ensure that all work meets the quality standards required by the
bureau in accordance with Citizens Advice Scotland Membership
Standards and the Scottish National Standards for Information and
Advice Providers
*
Attend staff and team meetings regularly as agreed with the Debt
Advice Manager
*
Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for
own safety and that of colleagues.
*
Undertake any other duties that may be within the scope of the
post as specified by bureau management
Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
A comprehensive knowledge of the principles and procedures of debt
advice
Recent paid or voluntary experience of delivering debt advice
A good understanding of the types of enforcement available for
priority and non-priority debts
A thorough understanding of the remedies available for managing
priority and non-priority debts.
Ability to prepare Financial Statements ensuring that clients
understand the principles of realistic budgeting
A good understanding of the reasons why people may experience debt
problems and the ability to explore these issues with clients and to
make appropriate referrals
Awareness of support groups and organisations which operate in Perth
and Kinross
A thorough understanding of the welfare benefits and tax credits
system
Ability to undertake benefit checks and better-off calculations
A good understanding of current good practice and standards in advice
giving
Knowledge of Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice
Providers
Excellent communication skills including in person, by telephone and
in writing
Ability to use IT to record cases and statistical information and for
word processing
Ability to use Excel spreadsheets.
Experience of using CASTLE
Proven ability to manage time, prioritise work and meet deadlines
Excellent team working skills
Ability to recognise own training needs and to take responsibility for
attending training and undertaking research
A good understanding of CAB Aims and Principles and the ability to
apply these to the delivery of debt advice
Availability to work the required hours which may include occasional
early evening or Saturday mornings. The hours worked can be flexible
and will be agreed with the post holder.