Trainee Information & Advice Officer
Job Title: Trainee Information & Advice Officer
Reporting to: Client Services Manager
Hours: 18 to 35 hours per week (Negotiable)
Salary: Up to £22,750 PER ANNUM (depending on hours)
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Based at Age Cymru West Glamorgan, 250 Carmarthen Road, Swansea SA1 1HG, with travel throughout the community.
Travel Expenses: 45p per mile
Annual Leave: 26 days pro rata and customary bank holidays
DBS: This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS with Adult Barring
Benefits:

• 26 days paid leave + Bank Holidays.
• Enhanced pension - up to six percent employer contributions.
• Free access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (includes counselling support, financial advice, legal advice, etc.).
• Competitive additional leave package including paid time off for special circumstances.
• Numerous paid training opportunities available.

Our Vision
Our vision is that everyone in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Bridgend is able to age well and enjoy life.
Our Mission Statement
Age Cymru West Glamorgan is a local charity that delivers trusted, quality-assured, and person-centred support that promotes well-being and empowers people to age well.
Values
Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s values are to ensure that we C.A.R.E:

• Centred: We put our clients at the heart of everything we do, ensuring our services are relevant and appropriate.
• Adaptive: We deliver person-centred, quality-assured, and outcome-focused services.
• Responsive: We listen, learn, and take action based on feedback.
• Efficient: Donations are a gift; we constantly strive for efficiency and effectiveness to make sure nothing is wasted.

Purpose of Post
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our Information and Advice team. You will play an important role in supporting older people and their carers across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Bridgend by providing essential information and advice.
The aim of this role is to start a career in a specialised and niche area. We understand that this field requires specific knowledge and skills, so we will provide you with comprehensive training to ensure your success. This training process can take several years, reflecting the depth and complexity of the expertise you will develop. As this is a starting position, the salary reflects an entry-level role, but it will increase as you progress through your training and gain more experience.
In this role, you will develop your ability to research and understand complex information, ensuring that clients feel heard and supported. While experience in this field is not required, we are looking for someone with a keen interest in learning, a strong attention to detail, and a commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
Key Responsibilities

• Learning and Development: Commit to ongoing learning to build your understanding of the topics relevant to our clients, such as health and social care, housing, and welfare benefits.
• Support the Team: Work closely with experienced colleagues to support the provision of a high-quality Information & Advice Service throughout Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Bridgend.
• Client Interaction: Actively listen to clients and accurately identify their needs, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
• Research and Advice: Learn to research and provide accurate information, guiding clients to appropriate solutions or signposting them to other services.
• Flexibility: Be willing to adapt to different methods of delivering information and advice, including phone, online, face-to-face, home visits, and community outreach.
• Case Management: With guidance, manage a personal caseload of client enquiries, maintaining accurate records following the charity’s procedures.
• Confidentiality: Ensure all work conforms to Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s systems and procedures, including maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to GDPR.
• Community Engagement: Support efforts to promote the service and maintain community links by attending events and network meetings across the area.

Person Specification
Skills and Abilities

• Attention to Detail: A strong focus on accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks.
• Communication: Good verbal and written communication skills, with a willingness to learn how to adapt communication styles to meet client needs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build rapport with clients and colleagues, showing empathy and understanding.
• Time Management: Developing effective time management skills, with support from the team.
• Teamwork and Initiative: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and, with guidance, take initiative when needed.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Commitment to Equality: A commitment to understanding and upholding the organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policies and Practices.

Desirable but Not Essential

• IT Literacy: Basic proficiency with IT, including the use of email and internet for research purposes, with a willingness to learn new systems.

· The ability to speak Welsh is highly desirable.
Commitment to Continuous Professional Development
· To undertake further training and development in-line with the needs of the developing role
Method of Travel
· Full UK Driving License and access to a reliable vehicle with the ability to travel throughout the area is essential.
Closing date for applications:
16th of September 2024.
Please note that we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high number of submissions.
In person interviews will take place during the week commencing 23rd September.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £22,750.00 per year
Expected hours: 18 – 35 per week
Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Application question(s):

• How many hours are you looking for?
• Please could you tell us a bit about why you are applying for this role?

Licence/Certification:

• UK Driving Licence and access to a reliable vehicle (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Swansea, SA1 1HG
Application deadline: 16/09/2024