Advice Workers with East Belfast Mission and Ballynafeigh Community Development Association

Caroline O'Byrne
East Belfast Mission
239 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1HB

t: 02890458560
e: caroline.obyrne@ebm.org.uk
w: www.ebm.org.uk www.bcda.net

Closing Date: 09 July 2010

Post 1

Location: Stepping Stone Project, 240 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HB  Tel: 028 90458560

Hours per week: 25       Salary: £14,534.00 per year           Duration: end 31 March 2011

Post 2

Location: Ballynafeigh Community Development Association 283 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 3GG  Tel: 028 90491161

Hours per week: 18        Salary: £10,464.00 per year         Duration: end 31 March 2011

Job Description

The postholder(s)  will provide an independent, quality, impartial, holistic and accessible advice service  This will involve the delivery and management of a full welfare rights caseload (including drop-in sessions, appointments and home-visits) as well as the provision of tribunal representation and advocacy.

The postholder(s) will also undertake advice administration and liaise with others to actively contribute to the development of a sustainable and flexible advice service which meets identified needs.

Thus the posts are challenging, requiring the postholder(s) to manage a full and comprehensive caseload, liaising with clients, stakeholders and relevant statutory agencies as appropriate, and to be able to prepare and present cases at appeals and tribunals. Each person will also need to possess an up-to-date knowledge and awareness of social policy and other issues currently affecting the independent advice sector.

The Castlereagh advice service currently operates in the Dungoyne, Cregagh, Braniel, Belvoir and Tullycarnet areas and both workers are expected to work as a team, reporting to the Directors of BCDA and Stepping Stone.  They will support each other, cover holidays and other absences and meet the full range of casework demands e.g. tribunals, home visits and group information sessions.

Personnel Specification

Essential

Education

Good standard of general education i.e. GCSE, NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Must have completed Law Centre or NIACAB Basic Welfare Rights training

Experience

At least 1 years (paid or unpaid) direct advice-giving experience within the last 3 years which must have included:

At least 6 months within the community or voluntary sector

At least 6 months responsibility for a generalist advice case load including follow-up work and associated administration

Supporting the work of volunteers

Skills

Excellent written, verbal and listening skills

Must be familiar with Microsoft Office Suite

Evidence of ability to understand complex Social Security and Housing legislation

Case-recording skills

Ability to co-ordinate the work of others and report effectively

Knowledge/Values

Up-to-date knowledge of the issues facing the independent advice sector

Commitment to the principles of quality, free, impartial, confidential and locally accessible advice and advocacy

Knowledge and commitment to BCDA’s  and Stepping Stone’s ethos and approach

Personal Attributes

Friendly approachable manner

Accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to work on a confidential basis

Ability to work on own initiative and to strict deadlines

 Flexible approach to working hours

Desirable

Education 

Third level or degree completed

Completed Law Centre Tribunal Representation Training standard

Experience

Experience in the following areas: 

Tribunal experience

Representation at Housing Benefit Review Boards and Rent Review Boards

Organising and making presentations at information days and/or seminars

Preparing news-sheets or publicity

Skills

Research skills

Word processing skills

Data-base skills

Skills in producing publicity material