Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau (GNWCAB) is an independent charity founded in 1981.

Our mission is to end poverty and inequality by ensuring that people from all backgrounds are empowered through access to advice and support that helps them affect positive change in their lives and the lives of those around them.

We are a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation. We recognise the value of our staff and this is reflected in our positive working environment. Staff benefit from family friendly policies, blended working and a commitment to personal development. It is a supportive and happy working environment that enables you to make a positive contribution to the lives of the clients we work with.

About the job

This is a new and exciting project as we extend the work we do in health care settings. A partnership between Glasgow North West and Greater Pollok CAB, we are looking to recruit an experienced adviser to deliver advice to patients of Stobhill and New Victoria Hospitals in Glasgow.

In direct response to demand, the new project will provide both an outreach service located in the Support and Information Service space within each hospital, as well as a direct referral pathway between NHS partners and the CABx to allow patients to access support using a method that best suits their needs. As a brand-new project, the candidate will be empowered and supported to develop partnerships with the relevant NHS teams and help design the service.

The focus will be on the people who may be in financial crisis, the reduction of poverty and supporting clients to have more control over their finances. The successful applicant will work with appropriate clients and with a number of partner agencies including health care professionals to ensure the provision of a high quality holistic and comprehensive financial inclusion and income maximisation service. The candidate will apply their skills and knowledge in a compassionate, non-judgemental manner to ensure the client receives quality advice and is empowered to improve their circumstances.

For more details about the key responsibilities of the role and knowledge, skills and experience required, please refer to the job description and person specification. If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role we are happy to accommodate this.

Job description

We are looking for client-focused individuals with experience of providing income maximisation as part of overall holistic advice and support. In this role you will see clients in person, as well as providing advice via telephony, email and digital channels ensuring clients they get the advice, information and support needed.

To succeed, you will need relevant experience and knowledge of current welfare benefits together with the ability to analyse the client’s overall financial position and offer early intervention advice and support.

There will be strong emphasis on team working and the ability to work effectively and closely with other agencies and health care professionals.

You will have strong oral and written communication skills. We are also looking for a proven ability to work effectively and well organised. Proficiency in using a range of IT tools to carry out your work, including case management systems, benefit calculators, online forms and Microsoft Office applications is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• To conduct in person, telephone, web chat and video call interviews, using sensitive listening and questioning skills to allow clients to explain their problem(s) and empower them to set their own priorities.
• To explore clients’ circumstances, support needs and access channel preferences considering language barriers, accessibility needs, and issues around digital access and ability.
• To build positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• To deliver outreach advice services in NHS settings.
• To work patiently and tactfully in a non-judgemental manner with protected adults to build their trust and engagement in the work.
• To develop formal links with other support agencies that could provide support for clients to further better their circumstances.
• To liaise where appropriate with bureau staff and other relevant agencies as appropriate.
• To record, update and maintain information on a case management system for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation.
• To ensure that all work meets quality standards and the requirements of the funder.
• To remain up to date with all relevant legislation and practice in relation to welfare benefits, debt, immigration, housing.
• To adhere to all GDPR requirements and CAB policies.
• To provide regular reports on the functioning of the work as well as progress and learning achieved.
• To work to Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice giving and Citizens Advice Scotland Quality Advice Framework.
• To liaise, communicate with and be operationally responsible to the Operations Manager.

The above job description is not exhaustive and is clarified to include broad duties inherent in the post as reasonable requested by the bureau manager.

Person specification

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of delivering advice in welfare benefits, debt and energy.
• Understanding, maintaining and practising high standard of case recording requirements as according to the project specification, CAS quality assurance and Scottish National Standards.
• Ability to use telephony and IT systems to deliver services across multiple channels (web chat, telephony and video) via Avaya, Zoom, TEAMS and other systems.
• Experience of using a range of IT tools to carry out work, including case management systems, Microsoft Office, internet and email etc.
• Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload.
• Experience of working with people with multiple and complex needs.
• Experience of working with protected adults and ability to deal with issues sensitively.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to work across multiple teams and build effective stakeholder relationships quickly.
• Knowledge of a range of enquiry areas to aid with identifying emergencies.
• A commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice Bureau.
• Ability to operate as a team player and communicate effectively with colleagues and managers.

Desirable

• Experience of contributing to the set-up of a new service

Employee benefits

Glasgow North West CAB offers excellent terms and conditions, including a 4 day working week, a total of 35 days leave and a pension scheme with a 6% employer contribution. Glasgow North West CAB is an inclusive employer considering flexible working arrangements where appropriate.

Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau is an equal opportunities employer.

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a highly motivated and results driven individual with extensive experience of volunteer management, to join our team as a Senior Branch Engagement Officer – Scotland.

Our network of Branches are entirely volunteer run by parents, carers and autistic individuals who want to make a difference to autistic people. They are local, community led and entirely responsive to the needs of autistic people in their area.

In this role, you will be responsible for supporting these branches to implement policies and procedures to keep activities safe and legal and become more sustainable.

To be successful, you will have good communication skills and have strong leadership qualities. You will need to have a good knowledge and understanding of volunteer management and be educated to at least university degree level in an appropriate discipline or proven track record in the field.

Where you will be working:

This role will be home based, so you must be able to work remotely (IT equipment will be provided). Candidates must be based in Scotland.

This is a permanent contract working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

View the job description

What we can offer you:

• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata)
• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan)
• Access to a 24-hour employee assistance programme
• Access to the Headspace App

Sistema Scotland’s vision is to improve lives and strengthen communities. Working with children, young people and their families, we focus on early intervention and stimulating generational social change. By playing music together in ensembles and orchestras, we aim to grow confidence, respect, teamwork and aspiration in the children, young people and communities we work with.

We deliver our work through six Big Noise programmes: Govanhill in Glasgow, Raploch & Fallin in Stirling, Torry in Aberdeen, Douglas in Dundee and Wester Hailes in Edinburgh.

We have an exciting part-time, job share opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our team in Big Noise Govanhill (Glasgow).

You will support the Head of Centre, and as part of the Big Noise Govanhill Senior Team, to ensure high quality procedures, processes and operational functions are embedded to maximise the success of the programme. A skilled project manager, you will also have experience of working with communities and volunteers, and will have a passion for music, along a belief in the benefits that a social programme such as Big Noise / Sistema Scotland can have.

This is a permanent part-time job share post, working 21 hours per week, Monday to Wednesday, with flexibility to work either 9am-5pm, or 10am-6pm.