Vacancy Information

The salary advertised is full time (35 hours per week). Part-time hours will be pro-rated accordingly.

Hourly rate of pay: £17.04 - £18.45

Days and Hours of Work:
Monday - Friday
Days of working are negotiable, flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible.
To start asap.

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a Financial Inclusion Adviser within the Revenues Service. This position is typically based at John Muir House, Haddington. However, after a successful training period, there will be an option to apply for homeworking or a hybrid of home and office work. Face-to-face customer interactions will primarily occur at outreach locations throughout East Lothian, with home visits available for the most vulnerable clients. IT equipment will be provided.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Financial Inclusion Adviser to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience working directly with customers, particularly those who are vulnerable or face challenges. An understanding of social issues and barriers that prevent access to and navigation of a complex benefits system is essential. While a basic knowledge of the benefits system is preferred, training will be provided.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in reducing poverty and inequalities by delivering an efficient and effective financial inclusion service. They will help build financial resilience within our communities by working closely with other Council services and external agencies to provide a coordinated approach.

Training, supervision, and support will be provided. However, the candidate must have the willingness and drive to research and interpret the rules and legislation related to the benefits system. They must be able to keep accurate, concise notes, record financial gains, and support the advice given with references to sources that meet Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

The candidate must demonstrate methods of collaborative working, a holistic approach, ownership, networking, learning, and teaching. The ability to communicate complex information to a diverse range of clients is vital. The candidate must be empathetic, able to establish professional boundaries, and set realistic expectations. A positive and supportive attitude is essential to help build resilience and support within the team.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, organisational, and negotiation skills and be able to work remotely effectively. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is essential.

Home Working Consideration
Applications for homeworking or hybrid working will be considered for this post, subject to a trial period and in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies which can be found here. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. All applicants must live in the UK and will be expected to attend Council offices from time to time as required.

Job Details

Working within the Council’s Welfare Rights team, the jobholder is responsible for the delivery of an effective and efficient Financial Inclusion service as part of a prevention and early intervention strategy which ensures that East Lothian residents with low incomes or with vulnerabilities can access financial help and advice. The jobholder will have a key role in helping to reduce poverty and inequality.

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under 'Job Attachments') for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The ‘East Lothian Way’– values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Job Requirements

Relevant Qualifications
HNC/SVQ Level 3 or equivalent level of knowledge and/or relevant working experience.

Driving Licence
A full current driving licence is desirable for this post.

PVG Membership
This post is considered as Regulated Work with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.

All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.

Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.

Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Additional Information

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo

If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us.

If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk

Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.