Advice Worker

To assist in the delivery of a professional and quality advice service for Falls Community Council’s Welfare Rights Programme to the general public and specific user groups of West Belfast.  The post holder will be responsible for the day to day operation of the service.

Specific Duties

1. To advise and support clients (either via telephone or in person) who need help with any aspect of the welfare system that are affecting their lives.
2. To assist in the provision of an Outreach and Domiciliary service as required.
3. To provide a telephone help-line
4. To promote the provision of FCC’s Welfare Rights Unit services.
5. To provide talks/information seminars to targeted groups.
6. To maintain comprehensive and up-to-date confidential case records for all clients using the Advice Pro case recording system
7. To use effective and appropriate referral mechanisms to other services as appropriate.
8. To keep updated with the changes relating to Welfare System and the benefits
9. To attend team meetings/adviser forums as required
10. To participate fully in training programmes, both internal and external, as arranged by the advice manager
11. To participate in the development of an Advice Quality Standard.
12. Undertake regular one to one meetings with advice support staff to ensure that appropriate standards of case, quality and delivery are maintained.
13. Commitment to the aims and values of Falls Community Council
14. Prepared to work unsocial hours when required.
15. Any other duties deemed relevant to this post

Essential Criteria

1. Adviser Training Programme (accredited qualification for Advisers (ATP)) or the former WRAP (Welfare Rights Adviser Programme) that preceded the current ATP.
2. Demonstrable experience (paid or unpaid) of providing welfare rights advice – gained in the last 2 years
3. Knowledge of Advice pro and Computer literacy skills with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
4. Ability to work under pressure, work independently without direct supervision and to work as part of a team
5. An ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally.
6. Commitment to the aims and values of Falls Community Council
7. Prepared to work unsocial hours when required