An experienced adviser is required to improve the financial circumstances of the families supported by Hawthorn Children and Family Centre and Midlothian’s Family Wellbeing Service to improve the outcomes for the children.

The project will work with and receive referrals from Hawthorn Children and Family Centre and the Family Wellbeing Service team members. The worker will link with mental health projects, family support and Penicuik CAB’s specialist debt worker to develop a wraparound service to increase household income and improve the quality of life for the family.

Working closely with other project workers the post holder will provide awareness raising sessions with the Hawthorn Centre staff, Family Wellbeing team members and any other agencies, as appropriate.

Based at the Penicuik CAB, Hawthorn Children and Family Centre and working at any centres deemed appropriate, the worker will provide help and assistance with checking benefit entitlement, completing benefit applications and challenging benefit decisions. The work will also include income maximisation, budgeting advice, utilities and some assistance with debt issues (including housing debt).

A working knowledge and understanding of welfare benefits and good interpersonal skills are essential. The post holder will be responsible for developing and delivering the service to meet the needs of the families.

Community Volunteers Enabling You (COVEY) has operated across Lanarkshire for 32 years supporting 5,000 children, young people and parents/carers to become more resilient, safe and better equipped to reach their full potential. COVEY provides 1-1 and group-based befriending, mentoring and family support.

COVEY is seeking a passionate, professional and proactive individual to provide support to families who are experiencing difficulties or challenges in their everyday lives such as isolation, mental and physical health problems, disability, poverty and trauma. This involves direct work with children, young people, parents/carers and whole families via 1-1 intervention/support and group-based mentoring.

The successful candidate will provide person centred, relationship-based support to children, young people and parents/carers to help them identify and address short-term needs (strengthening confidence, wellbeing and family/community relationships) and support long-term aspirations into positive destinations. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, manage complex cases, and support volunteer mentors. If you have a strong background in family support and are driven by our mission to create positive change, apply today and help families thrive.

What we offer

We offer a rewarding role with the opportunity to develop your skills and future career in an enriching environment with the following benefits:

• 6% employer pension contribution
• flexible working (including flexi-time)
• access to learning and development opportunities
• one special leave day to celebrate your birthday
• annual staff and volunteer recognition awards
• quarterly staff wellbeing activities
• annual all staff outing/activity
• HSF Health plan for employees (and their spouse/partner and children) including dental and optical claim back, physio claim back, personal accident coverage, GP, mental health counselling, legal support, discounts for gym, cinema and shopping
• access to ScotWest Credit Union offering loans, mortgages and savings accounts

Join GCIL and Make a Difference!

At the GCIL (Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living), we empower disabled people with the information, skills, and support they need to lead independent lives and participate fully in society.

As a disabled-people-led organisation, we centre lived experience and pride ourselves on delivering high-quality services that make a real impact in our communities. Communication and connection sit at the heart of everything we do.

Why Work With Us?

• Meaningful Impact: Your work will make a tangible difference, helping disabled people of all ages to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
• People-Focused: You’ll spend a significant amount of your time communicating — one-to-one, in groups, in the community, and online. If you love engaging with people, this is the role for you.
• Varied Outreach: From delivering training sessions to hosting workshops, events, and drop-ins, you'll be out in the community building understanding and trust.
• Autonomy and Responsibility: Manage your own caseload and represent GCIL confidently through regular verbal and digital communication.
• Professional Growth: We’ll support your development, including your communication, training delivery, and community engagement skills.

As an Inclusive SDS Development Worker, you will:

• Promote Self-Directed Support (SDS) to service users, carers, professionals, and partner organisations through confident, clear communication.
• Provide information, advice, and signposting — ensuring complex information is explained in a supportive, accessible way.
• Deliver SDS awareness sessions, preparation sessions, workshops, training, and drop-in events (both in person and digitally).
• Build strong, trusting relationships with individuals and communities through consistent outreach and regular communication.
• Support individuals in assessing needs, preparing for SDS assessments, and developing personalised support plans.
• Facilitate and contribute to peer support groups and community asset mapping.
• Plan and deliver training for direct payment recipients and carers, adapting your style to different audiences.
• Collaborate with GCIL teams and HSCP partners, sharing updates, presenting information, and working together to deliver community events.
• Represent GCIL confidently with external stakeholders, partners, and professionals.
• Promote inclusive living options through presentations, outreach visits, and digital communications.
• Manage time and financial resources effectively, following procedures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure compliance with data protection and GCIL policies.
• Collect and report data for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Continuously develop personal skills and knowledge through training and feedback.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery and uphold GCIL’s values and standards.

In order to be successful in this role you should have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence engaging with a wide variety of people and communities.
• Experience of providing support and/or delivering training, workshops, or group sessions using a community development approach.
• Experience of providing information, advice, and support in a people-focused environment.
• Good knowledge of Self-Directed Support, particularly Option 1 – Direct Payments.
• An understanding of and commitment to the principles of inclusive living, the social model of disability, and the empowerment of disabled people.
• Strong digital communication skills and a great working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

It would be great if you had:

• Personal experience of self-managing an inclusive living package.

We Actively Welcome Disabled Applicants

As a disabled-people-led organisation, we are especially keen to hear from disabled people, including those with lived experience of navigating support systems or barriers in society.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. If you have lived experience of disability, we strongly encourage you to apply.

If you need adjustments during the application or interview process, just let us know — we're happy to support you.

We guarantee interviews for all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.