Citizens Advice Harlow

Citizens Advice Harlow, in partnership with Citizens Advice Essex, has secured Ministry of Justice funding to deliver advice and support to people on probation across Harlow and the Cambridgeshire PCC area. In this role, you will: · Deliver one-to-one financial capability coaching to build confidence in managing money day-to-day and long term. · Provide advocacy to help clients access bank accounts, ID documents, and benefits. · Challenge financial barriers such as sanctions or benefit refusals that risk destitution and reoffending. · Support clients to manage or avoid debt, with clear pathways to specialist Citizens Advice debt advice. · Refer clients for wider Citizens Advice support, including energy, employment, and family issues. We’re looking for someone with proven advice skills, strong communication and advocacy abilities, and the confidence to manage a caseload to a high standard. You can be based at our Harlow office, or work remotely from Cambridge or Peterborough, but regular visibility in local probation offices will be expected. Pre-employment checks This role is dependent on DBS and passing probation service security checks. Before commencing this role, the successful candidate will be required to gain clearance through HMPPS vetting to enhanced Level 1 and a Standard DBS through us. Any offer of employment is based on you passing these checks and failure to do so may mean that you are unable to take up the position. As an inclusive employer, we are open to employing people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Standard Plus Vetting Please note this role is subject to Standard Plus Vetting, as some offences may not pass the enhanced Level 1 vetting. As an organisation, we work with adults at risk and we are committed to protecting, safeguarding, and promoting the safety of our clients. Role Profile Working closely with the CEO, Head of Advice and Supervisors · To provide advice and casework to people on probation, covering benefits entitlements and debt advice, and in respect to beneficiaries gaining an understanding of and access to key financial services · Assistance to clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case · Acting for the client, where necessary, by calculating, negotiating, drafting, or writing letters and telephoning · Negotiating with third parties as appropriate · Ensuring income maximisation through the take-up of appropriate welfare benefits · To assist clients in making applications for charitable funds where appropriate · To provide practical support and advice about arranging banking or other financial services · To coach or support individuals – by ensuring individuals can acquire new knowledge and skills necessary to claim benefits, and access banking and other financial products and services · To identify key information about the problem including time limits, key dates, and requirements for urgent advice or action (using the Citizens Advice public website, scripts, and any other diagnostic tools as necessary) · To assess and agree the appropriate level of service, taking into consideration the client’s ability to take the next step themselves, the complexity of the problem, and the organisation’s resources · To refer clients appropriately (both internally and externally) to suit clients’ needs following agreed protocols, including making arrangements and informing clients of what to expect · To maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation conforming to the Advice Quality Standard · To assess client’s problem(s) using sensitive listening and questioning skills · To signpost clients appropriately to suit their needs, following agreed protocols · To assist with research and campaigns work by providing information about clients’ circumstances One Adviser will be located in Harlow or hybrid working, but must have visibility in the Harlow Probation Office, for a 12 month maternity cover starting in November 2025. The other Adviser will be located in the Harlow office or remote working, but must have visibility in the Cambridge and Peterborough probation office. This one is a fixed contract to the end of January 2027. Salary: £28,500 Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week If you are interested in either of these roles please click this link below which will take you to the full Job Pack and application process.