Generalist Adviser

JobStart Scheme; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Belfast is seeking compassionate individuals for the role of generalist advice workers. The position offers training and development opportunities while addressing various client needs related to social security and housing. Successful candidates will assist clients in completing claim forms and provide essential advice and support. The role is part-time, with up to 25 hours per week and potential for longer-term employment. Salary ranges from £7.55 to £12.21 per hour based on age and experience.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of the UK benefits system is desirable.
• Ability to read and write to a good standard.
• Ability to research and interpret regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide generalist advice to clients.
• Assist clients in the completion of their claim forms.
• Operate a triage service through phone and in-person.

Skills

Verbal communication

Empathy

Good time management

Problem-solving skills

Basic numeracy skills

Interpersonal skills

IT skills

Tools

MS Office 365

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: ADVICE SPACEAdvice Space would like to provide a minimum 6-month opportunity to employ and train 2 generalist advice workers that may lead to longer-term employment with Advice Space or the advice sector.The jobs are peripatetic (floating) in nature in that you will be employed and trained and given development opportunities through appropriate and relevant paid for learning and development activities to be based across our offices and/or projects where the need exists at the time.Beginning in our City Centre office you will learn how to triage people contacting Advice Space either in-person or by phone with regards to mainly Social Security benefit enquiries but also possibly housing issues, consumer issues, health and so on plus learn how to signpost and refer to other appropriate external support organisations.You will progress through accredited adviser training and learn to help fill in forms and deal with clients who need advice due to their personal circumstances at the time of contact. Most clients have just had a change of circumstances in their lives such as a bereavement, separation, illness or disability, job loss and so forth so you will be a main point of contact to help provide, or get, them the help they need.

Responsibilities

• To provide a good customer service in a compassionate way both orally and in-person to clients and those contacting Advice Space.
• To provide generalist advice to members of the public contacting our service.
• To operate and answer telephones and provide a triage service.
• To assist clients in the completion of their claim forms.
• To operate our computerised case-recording system (training provided).
• To access and utilise customer information systems the Organisation subscribes to in order to research and provide quality assured answers to enquiries.
• To refer clients to other organisations where specialist help is required such as to Law Centre (immigration advice), Housing Rights (complex housing issues) etc.
• To utilise MS Office 365 suite of productivity tools (e.g. Word/Outlook/) and our cloud based tools (e.g. Teams/Onedrive).

Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to read and write to a good standard (Reason: To read decision letters and fill in forms).
• Basic numeracy skills (Reason: To carry out benefit calculations or input and check via benefit maximiser calculators online).
• Good interpersonal skills including verbal communication, empathy, sensitivity and being respectful and non-judgemental (Reason: To deal with a vast spectrum of customers with different needs and in different often difficult circumstances).
• Good time management with ability to prioritise effectively (Reason: To manage appointments/diary and key tasks).
• Good understanding of the UK benefits system (or the ability to learn it quickly), including: Universal Credit /PIP / DLA / Attendance Allowance / ESA & Housing Benefit (Reason: Directly related to the main thrust of the work required).
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to identify and calculate benefit entitlements and next steps (Reason: To enable you to identify and offer the best advice towards reaching solution/s)
• Willing to work to organisational policies, procedures and compliance requirements (Reason: Good governance and to keep within relevant Laws such as Safeguarding).
• Reasonable level of IT skills such as use of IT systems (Reason: To enable function of role to be carried out effectively).
• Ability to receive constructive feedback as part of this role and for quality assurance purposes (Reason: To ensure quality and identify learning and development opportunities).
• Ability to be able to research and interpret regulations and guidance (Reason: To provide a quality service).
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection (Reason: Organisational value and also legal requirements).

Further Information

Location: 58 Howard Street, Belfast with possibility to move after 6 months (offices in North, East and West).The Employer is: ADVICE SPACEJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information- Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.- Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.- Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Vacancy ID 1755806 Job Sector Customer Service and Call Centre Area Belfast Location Belfast Salary 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour No. vacancies 2 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 21/01/2026 Closing date 03/03/2026 Worktime To be confirmed with employer