Housing & Welfare Debt Officer - Ref: RT08724 Salary: G8 £36,124 - £40,476 per annum Contract: Permanent Join Walsall Council's Housing and Welfare Team as a Housing and Welfare Debt Officer and embark on an exciting opportunity to advise, support and empower the residents of Walsall to be able to become financially independent. You will equip them with valuable information, welfare benefits advice and guidance, propelling them towards positive outcomes. You will engage with vulnerable individuals, adapting provisions to meet their specific needs while adhering to required policies, procedures, and best practices both face and over the telephone. Work plans will incorporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and you will be accountable for workload management to achieve optimal performance. It is crucial to maintain an updated knowledge of relevant services, an active employer engagement strategy, and utilise tools that contribute to ongoing professional development. The successful candidate will be expected to work through Wiser Adviser training and complete the CMAP qualification through the IMA. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following: Engaging with potential customers and understanding their personal situation to determine their financial history and how they have arrived at their current situation Assessing and confirming the customers financial statement through the use of effective questioning techniques Explaining the full range of options available to the potential customer and provide fair and balanced views on all appropriate solutions that could assist the potential customer now or in the future, these include; Individual Voluntary Arrangement’s, Bankruptcy, Debt Relief Orders and DMP’s Obtaining necessary client documentation such as proof of income and creditor reference numbers as appropriate Updating internal systems to ensure advisor diaries and workflows are completed in the required timescales Carry out all duties in a manner that reflects our values at all times Undertake any further duties determined as reasonable and necessary in fulfilment of the role. Process applications for WCSS and respond to queries. The position is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local residents and contribute to the success of Walsall Councils Housing And Welfare Service. For an informal discussion please contact Sarah Gavin on 01922 654442. View Job Description and Employee Specification Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. I f you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information. We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time. Closing Date: 16th December 2024 Interview Dates: Week beginning 6th January 2025. This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English. Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for this role. Read more about our benefits at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers-/benefits-of-working-for-us