Reporting to:         Debt Team Supervisor/ Director of Service Delivery

Hours:                    37 hours per week

Annual Leave:       25 days per year (increases after 2 and 5 years) plus public holidays

Pension:                Automatic enrolment Pension Scheme   

Interviews: We are currently expecting to interview for the role on Friday 21st June 2024.

Job Purpose:    To provide a quality assured debt advice casework service at CALS main office and at outreach venues when required.  To work towards meeting targets and contributing to the continuing improvement and development of services provided by CALS whilst working as part of the debt advice team.

The role is aimed at an experienced caseworker, but a training position will be considered for suitable candidates who are able to demonstrate they have transferable skills and abilities.  

 MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and maintain an active caseload, providing a comprehensive debt advice, advocacy and casework service to clients on all matters relating to specialist debt advice and ensuring accurate time recording for direct casework.

• Comprehensively advise clients on the implications of defaulting on the different types of debt.

• Identify appropriate tailored options for managing client debts, in particular, to provide direct assistance with DRO, Breathing Space and Bankruptcy applications.

• Advise and assist clients with debt issues being enforced through the county court (including completion of applications, drafting submissions and representation if appropriate).

• Advise debt clients on entitlements to social security benefits, in order to maximise their income, and to assist clients to make applications for charitable funds where appropriate.

• Make referrals either internally to other caseworkers, or externally to other agencies, where clients require advice in other areas of social welfare law and to comply with CALS referral procedures.

• Maintain computer records and case files to the standard set by the Money and Pension Service (MAPS) and the Lexcel Quality Mark in the debt category of law, in accordance with CALS case management procedures.

• Comply with all monitoring requirements of CALS recording statistical information, accurately and regularly, using manual and computerised systems.

• Attend and contribute to both internal and external meetings, training events, conferences etc. as required.

• Attend relevant training to ensure professional development of existing skills and knowledge,   

• Keep up to date with relevant legislation and case law in the debt category and ensure a comprehensive record of training undertaken is maintained.

• Maintain a knowledge of the welfare benefits system, by attending training and using reference materials and journals.

• Take an active role in the regular supervision, mentoring and casefile reviews of trainees and caseworkers.

• Provide support with the periodic supervision, mentoring and casefile reviews of interns, students, volunteers, as required.

• Assist with the induction of new staff members as required.

• Contributing to the development of services and social policy work, which may include the production of publicity materials.

• Attend and contribute to indiviudal performance development reviews and one to one meetings.

• Participate in rotas for other services provided by CALS along with other staff and assisting, sometimes at short notice, with cover for other staff to ensure the smooth and effective running of services.

• Contribute to the overall aims of CALS by attending staff meetings, and any other meetings as required.

• Provide cover and carry out other tasks within CALS that may be deemed necessary to meet all of CALS service delivery requirements. 

• Undertaking some out of hours work as and when required, but with notice from the Director of Service Delivery / CALS CEO.

• To attend and contribute to performance/development reviews and one to one meetings.

• Carry out other tasks within CALS that may be deemed necessary to meet all of CALS debt service delivery requirements.

• Undertake a small amount of out of hours work as and when required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To ensure that all work activities are discharged in accordance with CALS Health and Safety at Work and other work related policies.

• To comply with the CALS equal opportunities policy and assist with its development and promotion within CALS, and amongst partner organisations.

• To undertake additional work activites that are commensurate with the grade of the post that may arise from time to time, as directed by the Director of Service Delivery or the CEO

QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE

• Experience of debt casework and advice delivery with the minimum of direct supervision.

• Able to demonstrate knowledge of the debt advice process and the powers of priority and non- priority creditors in the enforcement of debt.

• Experience of advising clients on Bankruptcy and Debt Relief Orders

• Experience of drafting comprehensive and accurate confirmation of advice letters

• Status as an approved Debt Relief Order Intermediary or sufficient experience to be able to apply for approved status.        

• Ability to assimilate and understand large amounts of information and to identify urgent and important issues.

• Experience of maximising client income- including identifying benefit entitlements, providing budgeting advice and preparing grant applications.

• Advocacy experience at Court /tribunal or experience of dealing with /completing court paperwork e.g. County court judgements and rent possession warrants.   

• Experience of using case management systems or the ability to be trained how to use them.

• Certificate in Money Advice Practice or willingness and ability to take the course.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to make and maintain excellent working relationships within a varied team.

• Well organised and able to work effectively (and use initiative) without close supervision.

• Ability to manage own workload and work under pressure to meet changing priorities, deadlines and targets.

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills

• Commitment to equal opportunities

• Flexible and reliable, a good team worker, prepared and able to work outside office hours from time to time.

• Able to represent the organisation as required and demonstrate an empathy for the aims of the service.

• Proven time management skills – able to work to timescales accurately and efficiently.

• Working knowledge/experience of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)