As a result of the imminent retirement of the current jobholder, the Hope Debt Advice Service (HDAS) is seeking a Coordinator to oversee and monitor the work of the 10 strong adviser team. Based at the community Hub in Bradford-on-Avon, this voluntary role is, alongside the HDAS Chair, critical to the effective delivery of the debt advice service. Key responsibilities include:
• Ensuring HDAS provides a warm and welcoming environment for all
• Managing the day-to-day functioning of HDAS as a local debt advice service (under the auspices of Financial Conduct Authority and Community Money Advice)
• Recruit, support and supervise a team of trained staff/volunteers to provide help to clients who are in debt or need budgeting support
• Develop and sustain strategic links with statutory and voluntary agencies (e.g. social housing, social welfare teams, children’s centres, children and adult social care, Age UK, etc)
• Develop and maintain an active community profile.
• Work with debt advisers to maintain the right level of advice.
• Keep abreast of current legislation, welfare reforms and local information, ensuring that information is appropriately disseminated to the HDAS team
• Be aware of updates to the client software package (Catalyst), communicating the information to the team, and ensure centre information is kept up to date and accurate
• Review and update centre policies and procedures in line with the FCA requirements, as well as the affiliated relationship with Community Money Advice
• Ensure team members are appropriately trained to MaPS accredited Advice Level
• Assisting the debt advisory team as necessary
Experience, knowledge, skills and personal attributes
• Good communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to relate to and work confidently and sensitively with vulnerable clients, people from a variety of backgrounds, and volunteer advisers
• Good organisational skills with attention to detail
• Competent in the use of a range of IT software in the provision of advice and reports
• Ability to be self-motivated and to work to a high standard with minimal supervision
• Experience of providing supervision, support, training and guidance to team members
• Good presentation skills, and competent at running training sessions/courses
• Have or willing to undertake MaPS accredited training to Advice Level (CMA Parts 1, 2 & 3 and in-house training)
• Ability to demonstrate a sincere commitment to the vision and values of the HDAS and broader social action projects in the Bradford-on-Avon Community Area
• Available time to undertake the role
The successful candidate will need to spend a day a week in the role either at the Community Hub or at their own office. As a volunteer position, there are no holiday entitlement or other benefits. Reasonable out of pocket expenses will however be paid.
Interested candidates should contact us on 01225 863245 or email HDASvol.26@gmail.com Hope Debt Advice Service, The Hub@BA15, Church Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LS.
