Adviser on the Probation Service Project
Citizens Advice Harlow, in partnership with Citizens Advice Essex, has secured Ministry of Justice funding to deliver advice and support to people on probation across Harlow and the Cambridgeshire PCC area.
In this role, you will:
* Deliver one-to-one financial capability coaching to build confidence in managing money day-to-day and long-term.
* Provide advocacy to help clients access bank accounts, ID documents, and benefits.
* Challenge financial barriers such as sanctions or benefit refusals that risk destitution and reoffending.
* Support clients to manage or avoid debt, with clear pathways to specialist Citizens Advice debt advice.
* Refer clients for wider Citizens Advice support, including energy, employment, and family issues.
We’re looking for someone with proven advice skills, strong communication and advocacy abilities, and the confidence to manage a caseload to a high standard.
You can be based at our Harlow office, or work remotely from Cambridge or Peterborough, but regular visibility in both local probation offices will be expected.
This role is dependent on DBS and passing probation service security checks. Before commencing this role, the successful candidate will be required to gain clearance through HMPPS vetting to enhanced Level 1 and a Standard DBS through us.
Any offer of employment is based on you passing these checks, and failure to do so may mean that you are unable to take up the position.
As an inclusive employer, we are open to employing people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
Please note this role is subject to Standard Plus Vetting, as some offences may not pass the enhanced Level 1 vetting. As an organisation, we work with adults at risk, and we are committed to protecting, safeguarding, and promoting the safety of our clients.
Role Profile
* Working closely with the CEO, Head of Advice and Supervisors
* To provide advice and casework to people on probation, covering benefits entitlements and debt advice, and in respect to beneficiaries, gaining an understanding of and access to key financial services.
* Assistance to clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case.
* Acting for the client, where necessary, by calculating, negotiating, drafting, or writing letters and telephoning.
* Negotiating with third parties as appropriate
* Ensuring income maximisation through the take-up of appropriate welfare benefits
* To assist clients in making applications for charitable funds where appropriate
* To provide practical support and advice about arranging banking or other financial services
* To coach or support individuals – by ensuring individuals can acquire new knowledge and skills necessary to claim benefits, and access banking and other financial products and services
* To identify key information about the problem including time limits, key dates, and requirements for urgent advice or action
* To assess and agree the appropriate level of service, taking into consideration the client’s ability to take the next step themselves, the complexity of the problem, and the organisation’s resources
* To refer clients appropriately (both internally and externally) to suit clients’ needs following agreed protocols
* To maintain case records for continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring, and report preparation confor ming the Advice Quality Standard
* To assess client’s problem(s) using sensitive listening and questioning skills
* To signpost clients appropriately to suit their needs, following agreed protocols
* To assist with research and campaigns work by providing information about clients’ circumstances
* Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies, and procedures and undertake appropriate training
* Prepare for and attend supervision sessions, team and staff meetings, and external meetings as appropriate
* Carry out any task that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service
* Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own safety and that of colleagues
Person specification
* Understanding of the main enquiry issues involved in assessing clients’ problems
* Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of issues and empower clients whilst maintaining structure and control of meetings
* Demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting society and the implications of these on the client and the service
* Demonstrate an ordered approach to casework and an ability and willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures
* Ability to monitor and maintain own standards, manage time effectively for the purpose of meeting challenging but achievable targets and quality standard expectations
* Ability to systematically manage a varied workload, prioritise and meet deadlines under pressure
* Ability to use IT systems and packages in the provision of advice, in the preparation of reports, and to navigate bespoke online information systems
* Ability to work within guidelines, protocols, and procedures, a commitment to continuing professional development, including a willingness to learn and develop knowledge and skills in main enquiry areas
* Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and willingness to challenge constructively
* Flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team
* Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the organisations service and its equality and diversity policies. An approach to work that is positive, flexible and solution-focused
12. Experience of working within a Citizens Advice setting.
Terms and conditions
We have two roles available:
* Maternity Cover (12-month contract) - Based in or near Harlow, attendance at the Harlow Probation Office is essential.
* Fixed-Term Role (until January 2027) – Flexible location with hybrid options, but regular attendance at the Cambridge and Peterborough Probation Offices is essential.
Whether you’re office-based or working in a hybrid setup, your presence at the respective probation offices will be vital to building trust and delivering face-to-face support where it’s needed most.
Closing date for applications: 31st October 2025
Interview date: To be arranged
If you are interested in this role please download the job pack via:
https://www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk/jobs
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