This role represents a unique opportunity to lead and coordinate the Financial Inclusion Support (FIS) Programme. To develop the service in line with funding requirements ensuring families have access to a robust advice and representation service in relation to social security benefits and support and assistance in relation to financial advice provision within the County. The FIS programme actively explores new ways to tackle child poverty with its primary objective being to proactively support families and alleviate poverty by providing personal, one-on-one support for parents and families with an initial focus on welfare rights and education entitlements, particularly how to access the benefits they qualify for, and debt reconciliation. WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will drive forward the FIS programme plan provide leadership and line management to the Financial Inclusion Support team including good governance, risk management, quality and financial monitoring, and programme monitoring You will develop relationships with a range of stakeholders to further develop frontline practitioners understanding of the advice sector and enable families to access a highly effective Financial Inclusion Service in County Durham. You will lead on referral partner relationships with schools and specialist organisations to ensure full engagement of key partners and to maximise programme focus on children, young people and families most in need. You will manage a case load advising on financial support and assistance with a particular emphasis on social security benefits. We encourage you to contact Lindsey Davison via email at lindsey.davison@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. WHAT WILL I NEED? You will need: a Level 4 qualification in a relevant subject. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. Our commitment to safeguarding Durham County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore if successful in your application, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be sought inclusive of a check of the Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List due to the position working in regulated activity. Applicants should be aware that the DBS check will disclose both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, in line with current legislation and will confirm whether an individual is barred from working with children, adults, or both. INTERVIEWS Interviews are anticipated week commencing 16th March 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. OUR OFFER TO YOU We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. HOW TO APPLY We welcome applications from disabled people and those who are or consider themselves to be neurodivergent. Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentCYPS@durham.gov.uk All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. CONNECT WITH US Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website VPRS/161