Advisers Housing, Debt & Welfare Benefits

Job Description

Closing date: 15 November 2020 at 11.30pm. We are looking for client-focused individuals with experience of advice work with a specific focus on housing issues, money and debt and welfare benefits to join us as Advisers and provide vital advice to our clients in the Edinburgh area.A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change - with individuals, in communities, across society - and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve. Our advice and support Hubs located in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh provide a range of services, including money and debt advice and legal advocacy and representation. There are also support services in Glasgow, Dumfries and South Lanarkshire delivering housing support for vulnerable people and families who are homeless and a dedicated service working with Young Runaways in Tayside. In addition, we have services focussing on specific client groups such as prisoners, older people and veterans, as well as a free telephone helpline. This particular role is based at our Edinburgh hub.About the roleAs an Adviser youll provide advice on all areas of housing law, homelessness, money and debt and welfare benefits and specialist casework related to these areas. Youll also get to undertake work on aspects of complex advocacy cases. Contributing to local and national policy and practice development will be important too, as will representing clients at reviews, tribunals and appeals, with relevant training provided if needed. Conducting initial interviews, agreeing clients needs, writing case plans and keeping accurate records - all are part and parcel of this interesting and varied role.About you To succeed, youll need demonstrable relevant experience, a proactive, collaborative and client-focused approach, sensitivity to others needs and the communication skills it takes to positively influence others. Well also be looking for a flair for getting to the root of clients underlying issues and persuading them to change their views. Someone who is happy to challenge the status quo when appropriate, you enjoy actively contributing new ideas and approaches too. Whats more, you have good typing skills and are proficient using Microsoft Office applications and case management systems.BenefitsWe offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.Shelter Scotland helps over half a million people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help.To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter Scotland please visit our website.Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.Safeguarding is everyones business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.Shelter promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities),gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We also encourage applications from people, who have been homeless or have been at risk of homelessness. We are facing diverse problems, so need diverse people to tackle them.We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.