Do you want to make a real difference to people's lives?

CHAP is looking for an Information & Advice Officer to join our growing team and help support people facing some of life's most difficult challenges.

Every day, we work alongside individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties, financial hardship, debt problems and welfare rights issues. We provide free, independent advice, advocacy and representation, helping people understand their rights, access support and overcome barriers.

In 2025 alone, CHAP secured over £4.2 million in financial gains for people across Ayrshire. We are proud of the difference we make, but we know there is more to do.

Demand for our services continues to grow, with increasing numbers of people seeking support with housing, debt and welfare rights issues. These new posts will help us reach more people, earlier, and provide the support they need before problems reach crisis point.

About CHAP

CHAP is an independent charity providing specialist housing, welfare rights and debt advice throughout Ayrshire.

As the only organisation in Ayrshire accredited to deliver Scottish National Standards Type III advice across all three areas, we provide practical support to people facing a wide range of challenges. We help people understand their options, navigate complex systems and access the support they need.

We exist to provide hope and to stand alongside our clients as they deal with some of life's most difficult circumstances.

About the Role

This role involves working directly with individuals and families experiencing a range of housing, welfare rights, and financial issues.

You will:

• Provide information, advice and advocacy to clients.
• Support people to understand their rights, options and available support.
• Work with clients to identify solutions and achieve positive outcomes.
• Represent and negotiate on behalf of clients where appropriate.
• Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate case records.
• Work closely with partner organisations to ensure clients receive the support they need.
• Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality advice and advocacy service.

This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. Whether helping someone avoid homelessness, maximise their income, challenge a decision or overcome debt problems, your work will make a genuine difference.

About You

We are looking for people who share our commitment to helping others and who believe everyone deserves access to high-quality advice and support.

You may already have experience in advice work, advocacy, housing, welfare rights, debt advice, employability, social work, community development, support work or similar fields.

Most importantly, you will be someone who:

• Has experience supporting people facing difficult circumstances.
• Can build positive relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Is organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload.
• Has a genuine desire to help others.
• Is willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Can work independently and as part of a supportive team.

Experience of welfare rights, debt advice, housing advice or advocacy work would be advantageous. However, we are committed to supporting the successful candidates through training, supervision and professional development.

In Return We Offer

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives
• A supportive and experienced team environment
• Ongoing training, supervision and professional development.
• The opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills within an accredited advice service.

A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential as travel throughout Ayrshire will be required.

Help shape how CHAP works and volunteers thrive!

We’re recruiting an Operations and Volunteering Lead

Are you organised, people-focused and full of ideas about how to make things work better?

CHAP is looking for an Operations and Volunteering Lead to strengthen our day-to-day operations and help us build an inclusive and rewarding volunteering programme.

This is a new role with plenty of scope to make it your own. You will work across the organisation, leading our administrative function, supporting the team and improving the systems and processes that help our services run smoothly.

You will also take the lead in developing volunteering at CHAP. From creating meaningful roles and welcoming new volunteers to coordinating training, support and recognition, you will help shape a positive experience for everyone who gives their time to support our work.

What you’ll be doing

You will:

• provide day-to-day leadership and support to our administrative team;
• help ensure our telephone, reception, referral and appointment arrangements work effectively;
• identify practical ways to improve systems, processes and workflows;
• lead or support projects that strengthen how we work;
• coordinate volunteer recruitment, induction, training and ongoing support; and
• help create an inclusive environment where volunteers feel valued and able to contribute.

Could this be you?

You may already work in operations, office coordination, team support, recruitment, community work or volunteering. You do not need to have held this exact job title before.

We would love to hear from you if you:

• enjoy bringing structure to busy environments;
• can coordinate people, workloads and projects;
• provide supportive and confident day-to-day leadership;
• communicate clearly and build positive relationships;
• are comfortable using standard IT systems;
• can spot where something could work better and help make it happen; and
• are enthusiastic about creating a positive experience for staff and volunteers.

Previous experience of coordinating volunteers would be helpful, but it is not essential. We are interested in your transferable skills, your approach and the contribution you could make.

About CHAP

CHAP provides free, independent advice and advocacy across Ayrshire. We support people with housing, welfare rights, debt and related issues, helping them understand their rights, resolve problems and improve their circumstances.

By helping our operations run effectively and developing volunteering across CHAP, you will play an important part in strengthening the services we provide to local people. CHAP is a Living Wage, Living Hours and Equal Opportunities employer.