Advice Worker

2 days based in Southwark Irish Pensioners Project(SIPP) office in Bermondsey, SE16 3UQ and 2 days based in Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) office in Lewisham, SE6 2AZ
Reporting to: Richard Smyth (SIPP) & Kathleen Sheridan (LICC)
The Advice Worker post contributes to the strategic aims of both SIPP and LICC by meeting the needs of the older Irish community living in south London. The postholder will be required to respond to one off enquiries and to manage (ongoing) casework to maximise clients’ income through claims for welfare benefits, addressing housing issues and homelessness.
The postholder will provide a drop-in/satellite advice service in both SIPP and LICC as well as occasional home visits to those otherwise unable to access the service.
This post is supported by the Irish Government Emigrant Support Programme.

Minimum 5 GCSE’s or equivalent
Experience of advice work, particularly welfare benefits
Experience of casework - either paid/unpaid
Experience of negotiating/liaison with statutory/voluntary agencies
Ability to interview and assess the needs of clients in a culturally sensitive manner
Ability to keep up to date with welfare and housing legislation
Excellent communication skills
Ability to record and maintain client information, write reports & produce statistics
Knowledge/interest of the needs of older Irish people
Knowledge of welfare and housing legislation
Knowledge of statutory/voluntary sector resources available to people with complex needs
Working knowledge of safeguarding and equal opportunities
Knowledge of/willingness to learn about assured quality systems
A flexible and creative approach to work to meet client needs
Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
Willingness to undertake occasional evening and weekend work

Southwark Irish Pensioners Project and Lewisham Irish Community Centre are registered charities working to improve the lives of older Irish people living in south London, particularly Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham.