Job Purpose

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

The adviser will deliver support across a range of settings in line with MAT Standard 8, which states that all people must have access to independent advocacy and support for housing, welfare and income needs. This includes helping individuals to navigate services, have their voice heard, and secure their rights, particularly where poverty, stigma or complex needs create barriers to engagement. The adviser’s work forms part of a project funded through the DDTF Improvement Fund, administered by Corra, which aims to reduce drug-related harm by addressing the wider social and structural factors that impact on recovery and wellbeing.

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.

Do you want to help alleviate poverty and improve the lives of families and children impacted by illness and disability? The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People provides care to patients from across Edinburgh and nationally. Many will be experiencing very challenging and life changing events which also impact the finances and circumstances of the family.

This is an exciting opportunity to join CHAI Advice Service and help deliver benefits and housing advice through our highly successful service at the RHCYP. Comprehensive and continuous training is provided by CHAI to support this rewarding role.

Are you?:

• Resilient and able to demonstrate empathy at a challenging time in peoples’ lives, which will sometimes involve children who have terminal illnesses.
• Able to quickly learn complex rules and legislation on Welfare Benefits and Housing.
• Able to grow trusting professional relationships in a formal setting.
• 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 hospital, the CHAI office, community venues and some home working.
• Work in partnership with NHS practitioners at the RHCYP, social work teams and other children’s charity providers.

CHAI offers the following exceptional benefits:

• Extensive training programme
• Flexible working
• Access to Simply Health benefit plan
• 33 days of annual leave + public holidays
• Enrolment to NOW pension scheme
• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities to improve services and make a difference

Do you want to help alleviate poverty and improve the lives of families and children? Within the UK there is an estimated £23bn a year in unclaimed welfare benefits, and in Edinburgh it is estimated that 1 in 4 children are living in poverty.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Growing Families project and help deliver a quality advice service to families with young children in Edinburgh. Working alongside the project’s current advice team and in partnership with Health Visitors, Midwives and Family Nurse Practitioners, this post will support and develop this service. The Advice Worker will provide income maximisation, benefits and housing advice to expecting families and families with babies and young children. Comprehensive and continuous training is provided by CHAI to support this rewarding role.

Are you?:

• Passionate and committed to making a meaningful difference for families with young children.
• Able to quickly learn complex rules and legislation on Welfare Benefits and Housing.
• Able to grow trusting professional relationships in a formal setting.
• 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 including the CHAI office, clients’ homes, community venues and some home working.
• Work in partnership with NHS practitioners and other statutory and third sector providers.

CHAI offers the following exceptional benefits:

• Extensive training programme
• Flexible working
• Access to Simply Health benefit plan
• 33 days of annual leave + public holidays
• Enrolment to NOW pension scheme
• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities to improve services and make a difference

Are you passionate about people and motivated by making a real difference? Do you enjoy meeting new people, building confidence, and supporting others to take positive steps towards sustainable employment?

If so, Community Renewal Trust really want to hear from you.

Community Renewal Trust is a values driven, dynamic, and innovative organisation working at the cutting edge of efforts to end persistent poverty in Scotland. We operate across three neighbourhoods and run two social enterprises, creating meaningful impact and rich learning opportunities every day. This is an exciting chance to be part of a team that is committed, forward thinking, and focused on lasting change.

For an informal chat about this role please contact Michael Byrne - Manager - Michael.Byrne@communityrenewal.org.uk to arrange a convenient time.