Trainee Advisor

Description

This new post is required to increase capacity in the advice sector and meet the anticipated increase in demand caused by the impact of Covid19 and the cost-of-living crisis. Initially you will learn through a combination of completing a structured training plan and on the job. Initially you will work closely with and provide appropriate assistance to specialist Advisers and their clients with a range of activities that support our partnership objectives, working towards managing your own client caseload. Advice is currently delivered using a mix of channels to promote and enable client engagement, as face to face – real or virtual – phone, WhatsApp, email or webchat, so you will need to be comfortable and familiar with using these.

This is a rewarding, varied and challenging role. You will need to be self-motivated and able to work flexibly – remotely or within a Covid-safe office or outreach environment as required to meet the needs of our client base.

You should have a high level of written and verbal communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail. You should also be able to communicate clearly, assertively and sensitively with people from a wide range of backgrounds. An organised but flexible approach is essential for this very busy and responsible role.

This post has recently been given funding to support local communities around advice services including income maximisation through the benefit system and debt advice services.

It will be renewed subject to the availability of funding and the effectiveness of the role. (Gloucester City Council funding)

Responsibilities and accountability:

The Trainee will be employed, and line managed by GL Communities under AQS

Purpose

1. To help support the running of the advice service holistically as part of the advice team
2. To help support the running of ARC as part of the Advice team and as a connector for the community
3. To support volunteers in the advice team and work closely with the advice administrators.
4. Build on your advice knowledge and best practice to support the work of the Advice Team
5. Learn from experience and progress in this role as appropriate and with ongoing support from team members.

Position in the Organisation

This position is a new post with an agreed trainee plan so that this can be used in support to future funding applications.  It is in a team of Specialist Advice Workers, Caseworkers, Administrator, Workshop Facilitator, triage and advice volunteers who have varying experiences and skills.  

The Trainee Advisor will report into the team and receive referrals for the area of Gloucester.  This will be appointments in Gloucester, referrals and drop in at the various Hubs.

Priority will need to be given to the training needs of this role, the delivery of the services and to ensure that administration is given in to support this trainee.   

Learning & Development

The Trainee will be given training opportunities linked to the registration of IMA and moving towards the Certificate in Money advice practice supported by Wiser Advisor and Money Advice Trust training plan.

• Educated to GCSE or O level standard, use of English written and verbal/ or on Functional English and Maths.
• Mentoring and support from allocated Mentors on a regular basis to share, shadow and build on learning.
• Personal support with allocated Supervisors.

Your initial training will include the following:

• Communicate with clients appropriately and effectively, identifying and supporting vulnerable clients.
• Conduct initial assessments, identify emergency debts and refer clients appropriately.
• Record accurate, detailed case notes that can be relied upon to progress a client’s case.
• Draft a compliant Standard Financial Statement that accurately illustrates a client’s financial situation.
• Understand and adhere to industry standards (FCA) and data protection requirements.
• Support and work with colleagues to meet the standards and requirements set by our funders.
• Complete training in all areas of advice including debt, financial capability and budgeting.

On completion of your training and accreditation as an Adviser, your main daily responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Conducting initial assessments in addition to offering money guidance and support in multiple areas whilst maintaining thorough case notes.
• Completing and accurately recording client initial paperwork including conflict of interest, ID check, data protection and complaints procedure.
• Ability to support clients, who may be vulnerable or have limited capability, to obtain information and paperwork (e.g. bank statements, wage slips and credit reference reports) to enable them to engage and progress with advice (income, expenditure and debt evidence).
• Obtain and accurately record debt balances from creditors and identify and advise any potential challenges to client liability.
• Checking client paperwork, discussing any issues identified with the client or creditors and completing a compliant and accurate Standard Financial Statement.
• Negotiating with creditors on behalf of clients to achieve the best outcome for the client, updating creditor details and relevant areas on our case management system.
• Provide effective and adaptable benefit checks and assist clients or support client referrals for benefit claims.
• Checking proof of client income by carrying out a tax code check and accurately recording the outcome.
• To identify, research and apply or assist clients with applications including, but not limited to, local council DHP and Council tax, water and utility discount schemes, grants and charitable applications.
• Advising and assisting clients on switching bank accounts.
• To support clients with referrals / signposting to other agencies.
• To maintain and manage diarised tasks and duties required to promote client engagement and progress client cases.
• To undertake ongoing training, specifically in Debt Advice, adhering to funder requirements and working within agreed peer review criteria.
• Complete and maintain an accurate, up to date training record for Continuing Personal Development.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Maintain accurate records of advice services including all the advice pro processes and case notes as required.

Working Relationships

Reports to:

Lead workers of Advice team of GL Communities – to provide up to date information on all cases on a regular one to one basis and attend monthly team meetings.

The most significant challenges to the Trainee are:

1. Self-management–how to ensure that you follow policy, procedure and have a successful training experience
2. Safeguarding the reputation of GL Communities by role modelling exemplary behaviour.
3. Effective self-management, being mindful of the GL Communities policies of lone working and safeguarding, especially being mindful of vulnerable individuals.      

These challenges are addressed through one to one line management reporting, regular team meetings, peer support, training and development including mentoring.

Supporting Documents

Other Information

Shortlisting – 6th January 2025

Interviews – 13th January 2025