Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, is an independent and innovative advice organisation providing holistic advice and support to people across Argyll and Bute.

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau in collaboration with Inspiralba is looking for a client-focused individual with looking to build their experience of providing triage and admin support, in our busy Lochgilphead office to our clients across Argyll and Bute. This includes responding to clients contacting us by a variety of methods and assisting them to receive quality advice from our fully trained advisers.

As this is a development role, the successful candidate will be provided with all aspects of training required to carry out the role of triage assistant. However, they must be able to handle more than one task simultaneously and ideally have a track record of working with people who may be vulnerable and anxious. An empathetic and professional telephone manner is essential.

Team working is essential and the post-holder must be able to assist colleagues with possibly competing demands. Applicants should also demonstrate sound oral and written communication skills, be well organised and be proficient in using a range of IT tools to carry out their work, including case recording systems, Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook and Excel.

Committed, results-driven and supportive to the needs of others, the successful applicant will be able to work both on their own initiative as well as part of a team and must be willing to follow and develop agreed procedures.

Employee benefits

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions, including a total of 25 days (pro rata) annual leave plus 10 public holidays and a pension scheme with a 6% employer contribution. Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau is an inclusive employer that supports a work-life balance and offers a 4 day week (pro rata), well-being events, and a positive working environment.

The Welfare Rights Adviser will play a key role in delivering an independent, free, impartial and confidential advice, information and advocacy service to Association standards. The postholder provides quality advice, information and casework on statutory benefits and other social security matters to clients across Argyll & Bute, including advocacy and representation at First-tier Tribunal.

The role also supports the quality of benefits advice across the bureau – case-checking other staff and volunteers, providing second-tier advice, and identifying and meeting training needs.

The Welfare Rights Adviser will advise and represent clients on issues including:

• Statutory benefits and social security, income maximisation, benefit entitlement and better-off checks, mandatory reconsiderations, appeals and First-tier Tribunal representation

This role will be of particular interest to an experienced adviser with strong knowledge of welfare rights and social security legislation, who is confident representing clients at tribunal and committed to supporting the development of others. Home/remote working is available and encouraged, with occasional travel throughout the region.

Employee benefits

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau offers excellent terms and conditions, including a total of 25 days (pro rata) annual leave plus 10 public holidays and a pension scheme with a 6% employer contribution. Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau is an inclusive employer that supports a work-life balance and offers a 4 day week (pro rata), well-being events, and a positive working environment.

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy service are looking for a person who has experience of alcohol or substance use, either;

• Personally, and in recovery
• Awareness through a family member or friend
• Working knowledge of substance and alcohol dependency issues

This is a part-time post and will focus on continuing to improve access to independent advocacy and other local supports for people impacted by alcohol or substance issues. The post will also provide rights-based peer advocacy in line with the Scottish Governments Strategy: Rights, Respect and Recovery.

This post requires the successful candidate to apply for membership of the PVG Scheme.

Key Responsibilities and accountabilities will include:

• Undertaking relevant learning and development on a Rights Based Approach in Independent Advocacy
• Working with individuals in line with the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance standards and principles.
• Working within the aims of LAAS
• Managing your workload efficiently in accordance with the policies and procedures of LAAS
• Working as an individual, but also as part of a team
• Developing your skills by identifying opportunities for learning
• Promoting and raising awareness of LAAS and its work across Argyll and Bute with a focus on ensuring awareness within services and communities in the Cowal area.
• A working knowledge of Windows Office 365 including Sharepoint.
• Sending and receiving emails and using a range of digital platforms
• Delivering rights based independent advocacy
• Monitoring progress towards specific project targets and outcomes.
• Using and developing existing networking techniques to create links with appropriate individuals and groups (statutory and voluntary) to raise awareness of Independent Advocacy
• Self-management

The postholder will:

• Take responsibility for implementing policies, procedures and protocols of LAAS into your daily work.
• Take responsibility for personal safety in and out of the office according to LAAS procedures.
• Adhere to the code of practice for independent advocates as stated by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance and LAAS policy.
• Fully participate in your supervision, team meetings and reflective practice sessions.
• Take ownership of your own learning and development.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the line manager or member of the leadership team.
• Will work flexibly to the changing demands of the role.