At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB we are a friendly team of over 70 employees and volunteers working across 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We are looking for a Welfare Rights Coordinator to join our team.

You will coordinate and oversee the work of the Welfare Rights Team based in Inverness and Aviemore and ensure that the team is able to provide specialist advice on welfare rights and benefits matters. You will work collaboratively with colleagues within other advice areas (e.g. Housing, Money Advice) in delivering a holistic advice-giving service for our community.

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB, we are a friendly team of over 70 employees and volunteers delivering a busy advice service to the public. We strive to deliver good quality advice that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstances.

Role purpose

• Working in collaboration with the other Deputy Manager to oversee the operation and management of delivering quality advice to agreed standards and advice services across a range of departments including Welfare Rights, Housing, Money Advice and Energy.
• To deputise for the Chief Officer and other Deputy Manager in their absence.

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB, we are a friendly team of over 70 employees and volunteers delivering a busy advice service to the public. We strive to deliver good quality advice that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstances.

We are looking for an Employment & Equality Adviser to help deliver our Highlands Equality Action Project. This project provides a specialist employment and equality rights service for the Highland community that supports and empowers individuals who suffer unlawful discrimination and related employment rights breaches. We are looking for an individual who has experience of providing advice, ideally in issues relating to employment or discrimination, but we are also interested to hear from people who can evidence similar transferrable skills.

You will have an interest in:

• Employment legislation and how this applies to individuals in the workplace.
• You will value the concept of equality and diversity and have an understanding of discrimination issues.
• You will have good communication skills, both verbal and written, and have experience of dealing with a diverse range of people.
• You will be empathetic to the needs of clients and at the same time empower them to resolve their situation.
• You will have an organised and structured approach to work and able to manage your workload effectively.
• You will be a team player, willing to share your knowledge with volunteers and staff and support other teams in the bureau to ensure an effective delivery of our service.

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB, we are a friendly team of over 70 employees and volunteers delivering a busy advice service to members of the public. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner.

We are looking for a receptionist to support the smooth running of our office and ensuring that clients who contact the bureau (by telephone, in person or email) receive excellent customer service which meets their individual needs. We are interested to hear from good team players who have experience of working in a similar environment and are confident in dealing with clients who may be vulnerable or have multiple needs. You will have a strong customer focus and treat everyone in a non-judgemental and respectful manner. You will have administrative experience and be comfortable using Microsoft office.

About the job

The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act was passed in February 2011. The Act created the Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS) to promote awareness of patient rights and responsibilities, and provide advice and support to those wishing to give feedback or comments, or raise concerns or complaints about NHS care received.

Inverness Badenoch & Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau provide the PASS service in our local area as well as providing support to the National PASS Helpline as part of the role.

Patient Advisers will provide clients with advice and information who wish to give feedback or comments, or raise concerns or complaints to the NHS and support bureaux volunteers and staff with queries on the PASS service. They will work on a rota to provide advice on the PASS National Helpline as well as managing casework, producing statistical reports and where necessary carrying out promotional activities or attending meeting with stakeholders as part of their role.

At Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB, we are a friendly team of over 70 employees and volunteers delivering a busy advice service to the public. We strive to deliver good quality advice that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstances.

The new role of Volunteer Recruitment Officer provides an opportunity for an individual to support and strengthen our work as an organisation who actively involves volunteers. The post-holder will work closely with operational teams to ensure that the organisation manages the volunteer resource effectively and that volunteers have a good volunteering experience. The post-holder will undertake activity and attend appropriate events to recruit volunteers, implement and maintain processes for supporting our volunteers, deliver induction training and support operational staff in managing our team of volunteers.

The post holder will be required to lead the Energy Advice team. They will work with the Business Development Manager and other managers to ensure that the team is able to provide specialist and holistic advice on Energy issues. This is a “hands on” role with a requirement to carry a caseload and to communicate/organise resources effectively across the organisation when required.

The role will be busy and target driven, therefore the post holder will need to be organised and work efficiently, while providing support to team members to provide an excellent service to clients and maintaining quality standards. There will also be responsibility for case recording/reporting in line with funder guidelines.

On occasion the post will be required to represent the bureau in stakeholder engagement in relation to energy advice and associated issues. There may also be opportunities for home visits or attendance at local outreaches, if required to meet the objectives of the projects.

Job description

Key responsibilities

• To take the lead for all energy advice projects delivered by the bureau, meeting targets/objectives and often working to time sensitive deadlines.
• To work with the Business Development Manager and other relevant managers to implement training, processes, case management and quality of advice oversight in order to ensure best practice and a supportive and collaborative service to volunteers and other staff.
• To work with the Deputy Manager to ensure compliance with Citizens Advice Scotland Quality of Advice Standards as well as any funder specific guidance.
• To carry an active energy advice caseload and to supervise staff working on energy and provide support for volunteer queries on energy where required.
• To produce reports as required and work with the management team where required.

The above job description is not exhaustive and is clarified and intended to include broad duties inherent of the post.

Person specification

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Experience of energy advice case work as well one or more of the associated topics i.e. welfare rights and/or income maximisation.
• Experience of leading projects with tight deadlines
• Excellent level of IT literacy (MS Office and other relevant software) and good people skills (in person and by telephone)
• Experience of writing reports and making presentations to audiences.
• Experience of successfully working on own initiative and managing own workload.
• Evidenced ability to train and mentor other staff
• Experience of building constructive partnerships with stakeholders.
• Ability to identify and action own training needs and to work effectively to enhance continual professional development including keeping up to date with any relevant legislation; procedures; guidance; directives and advice topics.
• Knowledge of the energy sector and current concerns in household costs, costs of living issues and fuel poverty.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the aims and principles of the CAB service.
• Completion of CAB Adviser Training Programme.
• Technical understanding of energy supply, billing, meters and regulation.

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working over 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decision and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstance.

As an Advice Worker, you will have an interesting and rewarding role giving advice on a range of topics but in particular Universal Credit and benefits. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to.

At IBS CAB you will have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge in a range of topics (e.g. housing, debt, employment) as well as developing your skills and experience. You will be supported through an extensive initial training programme and encouraged to continually develop during your time with us.

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB, we are a friendly team of over 70 employees and volunteers delivering a busy advice service to members of the public. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstances.

Receptionist

You will be responsible for the smooth running of our reception area and ensuring that clients who contact the bureau receive excellent customer service which meets their individual needs. You will organise a small team of volunteer and paid receptionists and will ensure a consistent good quality service is achieved. You will help to implement policies and processes to ensure that the bureau is able to efficiently deliver an efficient advice service.

We are interested to hear from good team players who have experience of working in a similar environment and are confident in dealing with clients who may be vulnerable or have multiple needs. You will have a strong customer/client focus and treat everyone in a non-judgemental and respectful manner. You will be a good administrator who likes to be organised and plan ahead. You will be supported through an initial training programme and encouraged to continually develop throughout your time with us.

SUMMARY OF MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The Highland Macmillan CAB Partnership, established in 2004, provides a welfare benefits advice service across the Highland region (excluding Lochaber) to people affected by cancer and their families. Based at Raigmore Hospital, our award winning team works alongside the Macmillan Person Centred Care Project and other professionals, such as Clinical Nurse Specialists and GPs, to provide holistic, high quality advice and assistance to our clients at any point in their cancer journey.

We are seeking to recruit an additional welfare benefits caseworker to join our friendly team.

The successful candidate will provide holistic advice to our clients on a range of welfare benefits issues, offer advice and information to maximise their income and ensure they are receiving the correct entitlements. This will include conducting full benefit checks, carrying out better-off calculations, assisting with revisions, supersessions and appeals of benefit decisions and also assisting client to navigate their benefit claims. The role will require the candidate to provide advice on all areas of entitlements for clients such as energy, grant applications or assistance with health costs for example. The post will require someone who has in-depth experience or understanding of the benefits system, ideally in provision of advice, information and representation.

This role will suit a resilient and empathetic person who is able to work under pressure but enjoys the challenges of advice delivery and is able to work in a non-judgmental and impartial, confidential manner.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Service Provision

• Provide a full welfare benefits casework service to people affected by cancer, including UK and Scottish disability benefits, and other sources of financial support, such as charitable grants, energy advice and help with health and travel costs.
• Assist clients to prepare for benefit appeals and provide representation at Tribunals as required.
• Liaise and negotiate with other statutory and voluntary organisations to progress the client’s case and ensure they receive all assistance available.
• Ensure that all work conforms to the bureau's Quality Standards at the appropriate level.
• Assume responsibility for the day-to-day management, maintenance and prioritising of own case load.
• Maintain, to a high standard, detailed (computerised) case records for the purpose of continuity of case work, statistical monitoring, information retrieval and report preparation in line with the requirements of Citizens Advice Scotland and Macmillan Cancer Support.
• Refer clients on to colleagues or other agencies as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the service, including housing, debt and employment.
• Provide advice, information and cancer-specific benefits awareness training to colleagues and other health and social care professionals working with the client group as required.
• Support Citizens Advice Scotland and Macmillan Cancer Support’s social policy work by providing case studies and feedback on issues of concern for people affected by cancer.

2) Service Design and Development

• Gather statistics and feedback in order to monitor and evaluate the service, provide information to the Health Projects Manager for reports to advisory groups, funders and partners.
• Assist with initiatives for the improvement of services to people affected by cancer
• Develop working relationships with health professionals supporting the client group
• Network with other professionals in the advice work field
• Represent the project at meetings with other agencies as appropriate

3) Professional Development

• Maintain an up to date knowledge of the benefits system and policies and procedures relevant to the post.
• Identify your own personal strengths and weaknesses, including identifying personal training needs, and attending in-house and external training courses and meetings as appropriate
• Undertake training and personal development in order to develop skills and increase knowledge and understanding of cancer and its treatments, and its impact on people affected by cancer and their ability to access financial help.
• Prepare for and participate in internal team meetings, supervision and appraisals.

4) Adherence to Citizens Advice Scotland Policies and Procedures

• Have responsibility to uphold the Aims and Principles of the Citizens Advice Scotland Service and its Equal Opportunities policies.
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.
• Any other duties commensurate with the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

• Considerable recent experience (paid or unpaid) in advice work or related field
• Recent representation experience (paid or unpaid), or willingness to undertake training
• Good current knowledge of the UK and Scottish benefits systems, particularly that relating to people affected by cancer, sickness and disability benefits
• An understanding of the issues affecting people affected by cancer
• Experience of managing a complex caseload
• Ability to work under pressure, on your own initiative, but also to be part of a team
• Ability to work in a systematic manner and plan own workload
• Excellent organisational, communication and report writing skills
• Good IT skills – especially word-processing, and database entry
• Good working knowledge of the statutory and voluntary agencies in the area
• Understanding of community care issues
• An ability to deal with clients and other professionals in a sensitive manner
• Evidence of ability to carry out training in benefit issues to CAB staff and outside agencies or equivalent experience
• Commitment to the principle of a client driven, volunteer led service
• Commitment to the aims and principles of the CAB service
• Commitment to CAB & Macmillan Cancer Support equalities policies

Responsible to: Health Projects Manager

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB, we are a friendly team of over 70 employees and volunteers delivering a busy advice service to the public. We strive to deliver a good quality advice that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstances.

We are looking for an Employment & Equality Adviser to help deliver our Highlands Equality Action Project. This project provides a specialist equality rights service for the Highland community that supports and empowers individuals who suffer unlawful discrimination and related employment rights breaches. We are looking for an individual who has experience of providing advice, ideally in issues relating to employment or discrimination, but we are also interested to hear from people who can evidence similar transferrable skills.

You will have an interest in:

• Employment legislation and how this applies to individuals in the workplace.
• You will value the concept of equality and diversity and have an understanding of discrimination issues.
• You will have good communication skills, both verbal and written, and have experience of dealing with a diverse range of people.
• You will be empathetic to the needs of clients and at the same time empower them to resolve their situation.
• You will have an organised and structured approach to work and able to manage your workload effectively.
• You will be a team player, willing to share your knowledge with volunteers and staff and support other teams in the bureau to ensure an effective delivery of our service.

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working over 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decision and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstance.

As an Advice Worker, you will have an interesting and rewarding role giving advice on a range of topics but in particular Universal Credit and benefits. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to.

At IBS CAB you will have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge in a range of topics (eg housing, debt, employment) as well as developing your skills and experience. You will be supported through an extensive initial training programme and encouraged to continually develop during your time with us.

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working over 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstances.

We would be interested to hear from applicants who have experience of providing advice, ideally in housing and homeless law but we are also interested to hear from people who can evidence similar transferrable skills. The person will be ultimately expected to provide advice to clients to meet National Standards in Advice in Housing Level II /III if not immediately, then within a reasonable time. Training and support will be provided.

The post specialises in housing and homeless advice and will complement our existing teams and work with other advisers in relation to housing, money advice, welfare benefits, immigration law and many others areas. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to.

The role would also benefit from someone with experience of working with clients who may have multiple and complex needs including at times clients experiencing distressing and emergency situations. This will include dealing with people who face eviction and/or who present themselves as homeless.

At IBS CAB you will have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge in a range of topics as well as developing your skills and experience. You will be supported through an initial training programme and encouraged to continually develop during your time with us.

To provide clients with holistic advice covering debt, income maximisation, energy. This will include preparation of financial statements, explanation of debt options and assistance to access these options. The role will require the ability to interact with clients over the telephone, face to face and using digital channels to provide advice.

Ongoing training will be provided however you should be someone who can demonstrate experience of working with clients who are experiencing multiple and complex issues and who can provide advice sensitively and with confidence to clients.

In addition to managing a caseload you will also be required to work on a duty rota for dealing with initial money advice contacts and providing 2nd tier support also. You should have an understanding of the effects of financial difficulties and financial hardship on our clients.

You should be an excellent team player with a desire to progress with training to meet the standards required.

Pensions are difficult, right?

Or maybe you know your annuity from your flexible drawdown?

If you do, you could help people to get to know their pension options.

Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau is currently recruiting for a Pension Wise Guidance Specialist. Pension Wise is the free and impartial service that provides help & guidance to people about their options when accessing their defined contribution pension.

Working as part of our team, you will provide quality information & guidance to people over the telephone and face to face. Travel may be required. You will have a proven knowledge of pension law, practice and products gained in a pension’s technical role as well as an understanding of the wider issues for those facing retirement. Strong communication skills and numerical ability are essential.

The post holder will be required to coordinate and oversee the Money Advice and Energy team. They will work with the Deputy Manager to ensure that the team is able to provide specialist and holistic advice on Money Advice and Energy. They will be required to carry a caseload in order to be able to comply with money advice quality standards and will receive full support of the existing money advice team and others in order to achieve this.

On occasion the post will be required to represent the bureau in stakeholder engagement in relation to money advice, energy and associated issues.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

• To co-ordinate and develop money advice and energy services within the Bureau.
• To work with the Deputy Manager and Training and Development Manager to implement training, processes, case management and quality of advice oversight in order to ensure best practice and a supportive and collaborative service to volunteers and other staff.
• To work with the Deputy Manager and general Manager to promote compliance with Scottish National Standards for Advice Service and Information Providers, Citizens Advice Scotland Quality of Advice Standards as well as any funder, project, reporting, legislative or guidance requirements in respect of the key areas.
• To carry an active money advice caseload and to supervise staff working on energy and provide volunteer support also.
• To produce reports as required and work with the management team where required.
• To undertake and work with the existing money advice team on complex cases which may include negotiating and making representations on behalf of clients to key stakeholders in a constructive and effective way in order to achieve the best outcomes.

The above job description is not exhaustive and is clarified and intended to include broad duties inherent of the post.

Person specification

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Competency in line with Money Advice Service requirements.
• Experience of money advice and energy case work as well one or more of the associated topics i.e. welfare rights and/or income maximisation.
• Excellent level of IT literacy (MS Office and other relevant software).
• Experience of writing reports, and making presentations to audiences.
• Experience of successfully working on own initiative and managing own workload.
• Evidenced ability to train other staff
• Experience of building constructive partnerships with stakeholders.
• Excellent representation, negotiation, presentation; communication and people skills.
• Ability to identify and action own training needs and to work effectively to enhance continual professional development including keeping up to date with any relevant legislation; procedures; guidance; directives and advice topics.
• Knowledge of the energy sector and current concerns in household costs, costs of living issues and fuel poverty.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the aims and principles of the CAB service.
• Completion of CAB Adviser Training Programme.
• Technical understanding of energy supply, billing, meters and regulation.

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working over 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstances.

We would be interested to hear from applicants who have experience of providing advice, ideally in housing and homeless law but are also interested to hear from people who can evidence similar transferrable skills. The person will be expected to provide advice to clients to meet National Standards in Advice in Housing Level II /III if not immediately, within a reasonable time.

The post specialises in housing and homeless advice and will complement our existing teams and work with other advisers in relation to housing, money advice, welfare benefits, immigration law and many others areas. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to.

The role would also benefit from someone with experience of working with clients who may have multiple and complex needs including, at times clients, experiencing distressing and emergency situations.

At IBS CAB you will have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge in a range of topics as well as developing your skills and experience. You will be supported through an extensive initial training programme and encouraged to continually develop during your time with us.

Please note that this post is subject to the completion of a criminal records declaration and a satisfactory Basic Disclosure check.

About us

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB we are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working across 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to make choices.

Purpose of Role

To provide holistic advice on a range of welfare benefits issues. To offer clients advice and information to maximise their income and to ensure they are receiving the correct entitlements. This will including conducting full benefit checks, better off calculations, assisting clients with revision, supersessions and appeals of benefit decisions and also assisting client to navigate their benefit claims. The role will also require to provide advice on all areas of entitlements for clients such as energy, charitable applications or assistance with health costs for example.

The role will require someone who has experience or understanding of the benefits system, ideally in provision of advice, information and representation however someone who can evidence similar transferrable skills in another setting may be considered also. This role will suit a resilient and empathetic person who is able to work under pressure but enjoys the challenges of advice delivery and

is able to work in a non-judgmental and impartial, confidential manner.

The role offers a supportive and friendly environment where we work to provide our community with advice, information and options to allow informed choices. The role also provides opportunities for continuous development and training.

About Us

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working over3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstance.

Purpose of the Role

To support clients who areeexperiencing fuel poverty and other debt related hardship to maximise their income, reduce their expenditure, access grant and crisis funding and provide advice to help clients build financial wellbeing.

As a Fuel Debt Adviser, you will have an interesting and rewarding role giving advice on a range of topics including debt, benefits, home energy efficiency measures as well as the broad range of other areas we provide advice on. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to.

You will work as part of the Money Advice Team and will have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge in a range of topics as well as developing your skills and experience. You will be supported through an extensiveinitial training programme and encouraged to continually develop during your time with us.

About Us

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working over 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstance.

Purpose of the Role

As an Adviser Worker, you will have an interesting and rewarding role giving advice on a range of topics including benefits, housing, debt, family issues and employment. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to.

At IBS CAB you will have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge in a range of topics as well as developing your skills and experience. You will be supported through an extensive initial training programme and encouraged to continually develop during your time with us.

We are looking for a new Equality and Employment Rights Adviser to work in our new Highland Equality in Action Project Team. Reporting to our Fair Work in Action Co-ordinator and Deputy Manager. The new post(s) will be to provide advice and information at Levels I and II in regards to equality rights and related employment rights breaches and will assist with the development of the service and social policy issues both locally and nationally.

Some experience desirable though not essential as full training will be given.

For further information please refer to the Job Description attached.

This is an office based post however, due to the current situation the ability to work from home may also be required.

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious individual with a passion for our organisation, its aims and ethos together with the drive to see and achieve new revenue streams.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team the Business Development Manager working under the direction of the General Manager will be responsible for diversifying the business and developing a pipeline of exciting new and innovative opportunities which will support the changing needs of residents, building on our strong successful track record locally.

In addition the post holder will oversee all Administrative functions in the Bureau.

This role primarily involves working with the General Manager in:

• Devising and driving forward the business development strategy across a range of existing and new income streams
• Building and developing a pipeline of multi-year funding grants and contract income
• To ensure that relationships with funders are maintained and that reporting to funders is achieved on time and in accordance with requirements.
• Securing significant income to underpin the Bureau’s ambitious growth strategy
• Driving innovation into service delivery
• Deputising for the Senior Executive Team as required
• Overseeing the Administration Department at the Bureau and the services it provides to specialist departments.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience of income generation activities, including bidding for contracts, statutory grants and successful funding applications
• Experience of building constructive partnerships and collaborations which deliver income revenues
• Values and beliefs which are aligned to the work of Citizens Advice
• An innovative and entrepreneurial flair, ability to generate new ideas quickly and a ‘can do’ proactive approach to their work
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to the changing demands of the role

Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working over 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstance.

Purpose of the Role

As an Adviser Worker, you will have an interesting and rewarding role giving advice on a range of topics including benefits, housing, debt, family issues and employment. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to.

At IBS CAB you will have the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge in a range of topics as well as developing your skills and experience. You will be supported through an extensive initial training programme and encouraged to continually develop during your time with us.

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB we are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working across 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to make choices.

Purpose of the Role

To act as a frontline of service to those contacting the bureau for advice and information. To provide advice where possible to clients at first contact and collect / report information and refer appropriately where this is not possible.

To assist clients who may be in emergency situations with enquiries relating to housing rights, benefits, debts and all areas of CAB advice. To work alongside the Advice and Services Coordinator and other team members to provide support to volunteers.

This role will suit a resilient and empathetic person who is able to work under pressure but enjoys the challenges of advice delivery and is able to work in a non-judgmental and impartial, confidential manner.

The role offers a supportive and friendly environment where we work to provide our community with advice, information and options to allow informed choices. The role also provides opportunities for continuous development and training.

Ideally with experience of advice delivery or an ability to evidence similar transferrable skills.

1 x Welfare Rights Adviser Aviemore based – up to 21 hours

1 x Welfare Rights Adviser – Inverness based – up to 21 hours

At Inverness, Badenoch & Strathspey CAB we are a friendly team of over 60 employees and volunteers working across 3 locations (Inverness, Raigmore and Aviemore) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non-judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decisions and feel empowered to make choices.

Purpose of the Role

To provide holistic advice on a range of welfare benefits issues. To offer clients advice and information to maximise their income and to ensure they are receiving the correct entitlements. This will including conducting full benefit checks, better off calculations, assisting clients with revision, supersessions and appeals of benefit decisions and also assisting client to navigate their benefit claims. The role will also require to provide advice on all areas of entitlements for clients such as energy, charitable applications or assistance with health costs for example.

The role will require someone who has experience or understanding of the benefits system, ideally in provision of advice, information and representation however someone who can evidence similar transferrable skills in another setting may be considered also. This role will suit a resilient and empathetic person who is able to work under pressure but enjoys the challenges of advice delivery and is able to work in a non-judgmental and impartial, confidential manner.

The role offers a supportive and friendly environment where we work to provide our community with advice, information and options to allow informed choices. The role also provides opportunities for continuous development and training.

Responsible to: Advice and Service Coordinator Frontline Services

Purpose of Role

To work Work as part of the Frontline Service team to support the information gathering, provision of advice, case capture and handling onto completion or referral including dealing with emergencies with empathy and professionalism.

Job Description

Knowledge of Welfare Benefits, Energy Advice, Money Advice work, Housing Advice, Employment Advice and Advice is essential, as well as good communication, casework and I.T. skills.

Key work areas and tasks:

Advice giving

Assist and support the Advice and Service Coordinator for Frontline Services to: -

• Support volunteers in their roles as general Advisers to provide good quality advice to clients.
• Research and explore options and implications so that clients can make informed decisions.
• Undertake regular support for clients experiencing emergencies on a day to day basis.
• 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 bureau's Quality Standards at the appropriate level.
• Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

Social policy

• Assist with social policy work by providing information about clients' circumstances through the appropriate channel.
• Alert clients to social policy options.

Professional development

• Keep up to date with legislation, policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training.
• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager.
• Prepare for and attend supervision sessions/team meetings/staff meetings as appropriate.

Administration

• Use IT for statistical recording, record keeping and document production.
• Support and help to develop new ways of working including webchat and email to deliver frontline services
• Ensure that all work conforms to the bureau's systems and procedures.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.
• Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAB service.
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues.

Person specification

• Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the CAB service and its equal opportunities policies.
• Experience of giving advice on Welfare Rights, Energy, Housing, Employment and Money Advice Issues.
• Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively.
• Ability to monitor and maintain own standards.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Understanding of the issues affecting society and their implications for clients and service provision.
• Ability to use IT in the provision of advice.
• Flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn and develop skills in advice topics.
• Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information.
• Numeracy skills required to understand statistics and check calculations.  An understanding of and respect for the volunteer led ethos of CAB and an ability to reflect this in their day to day work.

Reporting to: Deputy Manager

Purpose of Role

To work with the existing team to enhance the services ability to provide level III (National Standards) in money advice and housing. To provide senior level housing and debt advice to other teams via second tier support and to carry a caseload that reflects this ability in both money and housing advice.

Key Duties

• Work with the team to undertake detailed casework on multiple and complex debt problems, including the preparation of financial statements, negotiation with creditors and maintenance of detailed case notes. Work with other staff to enhance the standard in housing advice and be able to represent at court and tribunal for housing matters and, where appropriate, debt cases also.
• In co-operation with Advice and Services Coordinators ensure a systematic approach to cases and that a full advice service is given to clients.
• Ensure that research work, telephone calls and/or correspondence relating to casework is undertaken timeously and casework is followed up and to
• Support the Senior Leadership Team with production of reports and information for funders.
• Be pro-active in reviewing processes and consult with and work alongside the team and staff / volunteers.
• To train and support Advisers (voluntary and paid) in money advice and housing issues.
• To assist with case checking, feedback and peer review within money advice and housing to meet standards of Money Advice Scotland, AIB, MAS, CAS, Bureau and Scottish National Standards for advice providers quality standards.
• Have a thorough knowledge of and be able to identify the appropriate option for money advice clients and support the client in that option. Including sequestration, protected Trust Deeds and a payment plan under the Debt Arrangement Scheme.
• Meet the competencies as required by the Money Advice Quality Framework for case workers.
• Meet the competencies required to become an authorised person for the purposes of issuing certificates of sequestration (Home Owner and Debtor Protection (Scotland) Act 2010). Meet the competencies required to become an authorised person for the purposes of registering clients for a payment plan under the Debt Arrangement Scheme.
• Keep accurate and up to date case records on CASTLE (Case recording System) and ensure the maintenance of an effective case management system.
• Ensure the maintenance of detailed statistics in relation to individual debt and housing clients. Including recording of all client financial gain.
• Attend team/staff meetings and training as required.
• Produce reports as requested by the Bureau Management and Board of Directors
• Work co-operatively with Bureau staff to publicise the work of the Bureau, raise awareness of money management and undertake preventative work by supporting or undertaking relevant community initiatives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential criteria:

Qualification:

• Qualified to degree level or equivalent is desirable or ability to clearly evidence being able to carry out the tasks required.

Technical skill:

• Experience of money advice and housing case work, up to and including representation.
• Ability to coach and develop others in providing advice.
• An evidenced commitment to continuous professional development.
• Proficient in use of IT systems
• Ability to work under pressure, facing competing demands and finding appropriate solutions.
• Experience of contributing to organisational change and development.

Values and Behaviours:

• Strong communication and team working skills.
• Strong organisational skills particularly for case management.
• An understanding of and respect for the volunteer led ethos of CAB and an ability to reflect this in their day to day work.
• Approachable and friendly; able to build strong working relationships, based on trust and respect.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• A positive can-do and proven effective approach to problem solving and challenging situations.
• Demonstrable commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice.

In conjunction with Safe Deposits Scotland, Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau are pleased to launch a new service that will provide comprehensive Housing advice and information to clients within the Private Rented Sector (PRS). The role will provide a one stop advice service covering income maximisation, fuel and energy, debt, housing rights up to and including representation at 1st Tier Tribunal and ongoing casework. The role focuses ultimately on the prevention of homelessness and on ensuring improved standards for the PRS including landlords and the promotion of good practice and support to the sector. The role will involve working closely with other specialist teams to carve out a dedicated PRS Advice Project. Promoting early access to advice and normalising the provision of money advice, fuel, household and energy advice as a service available to the sector. The role will also involve working closely with local stakeholders, setting up a landlord and tenant forum and alongside the Money Advice and Housing Services Manager the promotion of the new service as well as training sessions to landlords and to other stakeholders. The ability to produce reports, collate data and carry out presentations as well as a caseworkers role are vital to this position to ensure we meet our aims.

• To provide and co-ordinate in partnership with Changeworks a pathway for clients to access advice.
• To provide advice direct to clients.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for full information on this post.

Please note: This is an office based post however, due to the current situation the ability to work from home may also be required.

The successful candidate(s) will join our Equality and Employment Rights department. The new post(s) will be to provide practical support to the existing team as required including to advise to manage internal and external enquiries and assist clients and/or stakeholders via administrative tasks, and giving and facilitating the provision of equality and employment rights advice at Levels I and II once trained. The post holder will also assist with the development of the service and help to progress any social policy issues both locally and nationally.

No experience necessary as full training will be given.

The Gambling Support Service Training and Engagement Officer (North) is required to develop and deliver a variety of training and engagement opportunities to Citizens Advice Bureaux and other organisations to support them in identifying and assisting those experiencing or at risk of gambling related harm. The post holder will also provide advice, guidance and support directly to individuals on key areas of CAB advice including benefits, debt and housing.