All colleagues operate in line with our values which are:
Justice, Equity, Trust, Collaboration and Compassion.
Join our team and be a champion for single parents.
Job description
This is a broad picture of the post at the time of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time.
The Debt and Money Advisor will contribute to the organisation’s vision of a Scotland in which single parents and their children are valued and treated equally and fairly, by supporting the delivery of various components which contribute to the Glasgow service, including high quality welfare benefits, money and debt advice.
The Debt and Money Advisor supporting the delivering of the National Debt Service and local Welfare Benefits Service. The role will focus on offering practical support in areas such as budgeting, debt management, access to benefits, and financial literacy. The Advisor will work closely with clients to help them navigate financial challenges and connect them to the services and resources they need to improve their financial situation.
All roles at OPFS contribute to our mission of working with and for single parent families, providing support that enables them to achieve their potential and help create lasting solutions to the poverty and barriers facing many single parents and their children. Our core values of Justice, Equity, Trust, Collaboration and Compassion are at the heart of everything we do and underpin all aspects of our work.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
1. Client Support: Provide one-on-one support to individuals facing financial difficulties, helping them with budgeting, debt management, and navigating financial systems
2. Money Advice & Guidance: Offer accurate and accessible advice on money management, including budgeting, reducing debt, accessing financial products, and managing household expenses
3. Benefits Advice: Assist clients in understanding and accessing benefits they may be entitled to, helping with applications where necessary
4. Debt Management: Support clients in managing and resolving debts by providing advice on negotiating with creditors and exploring debt repayment options, such as repayment plans and making referrals for statutory debt solutions (DAS and Sequestration)
5. Financial Education: Support the delivery group workshops or one-to-one sessions to improve financial literacy, helping clients understand key financial concepts like savings, credit scores, and long-term financial planning
6. Referrals and Advocacy: Refer clients to other relevant internal and external support services, such as housing, employment, family support and wellbeing services, to ensure they receive comprehensive support. Advocate for clients when necessary to access additional resources
7. Collaboration: Work in partnership with other voluntary and statutory agencies to provide a holistic approach to financial inclusion, ensuring clients are connected with appropriate services
8. Record Keeping and Reporting Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations
9. Monitoring and Evaluation: Assist in the implementation of effective recording, monitoring and evaluation process to assess progress and outcomes
10. Other Relevant duties: Carrying out any other relevant duties related to the above
Personal Specifications:
Essential:
11. Experience in casework and case management within a busy environment
12. Recent experience in welfare benefits and debt management
13. Strong understanding of financial inclusion and its importance to vulnerable groups
14. Ability to communicate effectively with clients
15. Knowledge of relevant financial and welfare systems
16. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
17. Excellent organisational and time management skills
18. Commitment to the values and mission of OPFS
Desirable:
19. Experience in supporting the delivery of group work sessions or a willingness to learn
20. Knowledge of Scottish National Standards for Advice and Information
21. Familiarity with the Advice Pro case management system
22. A valid driving licence and access to a car, as the role requires travel in and around Glasgow, including to areas not widely served by public transport
Practical Skills:
23. Ability to plan, record and support evaluate the evaluation process through recording and written reports
24. Good organisational skills
25. Ability to work as part of a team and as an individual
26. Competent use of standard IT packages in word processing, spreadsheets, use of databases, and Microsoft Office
27. Knowledge of issues affecting single parents in Scotland
28. Commitment to professional development
Personal Qualities & Attributes:
29. Flexible to meet the needs of the service
30. To be approachable, friendly and a good communicator
31. The ability to prioritise workload
Terms & Conditions:
32. Confirmation of Appointment: Fixed term contract to 31st March with the possibility of extension (dependent on funding). Confirmation of appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 3-month probationary period, two references and a PVG check
33. Salary: Grade Point 13 – 17 £25, -£30,
34. Hours of work: 35 hours per week, however part time hours will be considered and worked flexibly to meet the needs of the service
35. Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is 25 days and 12 Public holidays (pro rata)
36. Pension: You will be auto enrolled in our pension scheme with a 3% contribution from you and 7% contribution from OPFS
37. Training and support and supervision: You will receive induction training and frequent support in the first three months. Thereafter you will receive monthly individual support and supervision and annual appraisals. Regular team meetings will be held, and staff have access to internal and external training
· Equal Opportunities and Family Friendly Employment: OPFS aims to be an equal opportunity and family friendly employer. OPFS has Investors In People Silver status
Further Information:
CV and covering letter should be sent to by Thursday 24th April at 5pm. Interviews will be held week beginning 28th April