Are you interested in the heritage sector and / or the community sector? Are you a good coordinator, with excellent communication skills and digitally confident?

We are looking for a motivated and well-organised individual to support a new team working with communities across Scotland on the sustainable transfer of former places of worship into community ownership.

This role is office-based, working in Edinburgh or Inverness, but with the potential for some home working. Travel throughout the country will also be required

Do you have experience of working with groups, able to provide information and to be a mentor? Are you able to work in partnership with a wide range of organisations?

We are looking for a Churches Advisor to cover central and southern Scotland. Working with an Advisor already in post, as well as the Community Ownership Support Service team, this role will work with communities across Scotland on the sustainable transfer of former places of worship into community ownership.

This role is office-based, working in Edinburgh, but with the potential for some home working. Travel throughout the country will also be required

To provide high quality advice and representation to individuals and families on income maximisation, welfare benefits, debit, housing and money, in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

The advice will be provided within a range of settings from GP surgeries, schools, Mental Health & Recovery Hubs and local community venues.

By joining our team, you will be helping alleviate poverty and improve individuals, families and children’s lives and ensure our Vision is fulfilled, in that no one in our communities endures hardship.

Role and Responsibilities

Advice

• Provide high quality accurate advice, information and representation in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

• Build positive trusting relationships with individuals and families requiring advice.

• Conduct interviews with clients either in person, telephone or virtual.

• Maintain accurate records and fully utilise the Advice Pro recording system.

• Manage and maintain ongoing advice casework.

• Communicate effectively with third parties on behalf of the client.

• Signpost people to relevant specialist support services where appropriate.

• Maintain accurate computer records in line with CHAI procedures and ensure all client mandates are in line with Data protection legislation.

• Provide consultation support to other professionals on advice.

Service Development

• Support the development of services within their various locations, through maintaining positive relationships with our partner organisations, health care professionals, community link workers, social workers, and support workers.

• Promote the service and represent CHAI to other agencies.

• Deliver training or briefing sessions to help other professionals understand the welfare system and how they can support individuals.

• Prepare as required reports on the outcomes and impact of the service to the Service Manager and Partners.

Personal Development

• Actively participate in all training sessions provided.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of development in welfare benefits, debt issues and housing issues and participate in any training and activities.

• Keep accurate individual training records.

Organisational

• Adhere to the policies and procedures of CHAI.

• Actively participate in Team and Organisational meetings

• Participate in the development of CHAI services.

• Feedback on the review of organisational policies and procedures.

• Promote and represent CHAI services positively.

• Perform other reasonable related duties as required.

We offer the following

• Flexible working

• Access to Simply Health benefit plan

• 32 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)

• Enrolment to NOW Pension Scheme

• Extensive training programme

• Full and part time opportunities

• Supportive work environment

• Opportunities to improve services and make a difference

Do you want to help alleviate hardship and improve the lives of tenants and their families?

Between them, Manor Estates Housing Association and Muirhouse Housing Association Limited (MHA) providing over 1500 social rent homes and have subsidiary companies offering over 150 mid-market rental properties. Both associations have strong roots in their local communities and aim to provide the aim to provide high quality, affordable homes, and services for residents. To that end, they have contracted CHAI to provide a welfare rights service to their tenants to assist with advice and assistance on benefits and income maximisation.

Are you:

• Passionate and committed to making a meaningful difference for tenants and families;

• Able to quickly learn complex rules and legislation on welfare benefits;

• Able to grow trusting relationships in a range of settings;

• Understanding of people’s journeys and the challenges they have had in their lives, and how poverty can have an impact on them?

As an Adviser in CHAI, You will:

• Provide high quality accurate advice, information, and representation in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

• Provide advice within a range of settings from on site at the associations’ offices, our offices and home visits.

• Conduct interviews with clients either in person, on the telephone or virtually.

• Facilitate better outcomes for tenants and their families which will help improve their financial situation and impact their tenancy and their contribution to their community.

We offer the following:

· Extensive training programme

· Flexible working

· Access to Simply Health benefit plan

· 33 days annual leave (plus six fixed public holidays)

· Enrolment to NOW Pension Scheme

· Supportive work environment

· Opportunities to improve services and make a difference.