Vacancies & Opportunities

Trustee Board Member

Hours: The ability to attend meetings at least six times a year

Location: County Durham

Duration: Ongoing

Salary: Unpaid with expenses paid

Trustee Role Description

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Citizens Advice County Durham achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Citizens Advice County Durham has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Who we are and what we do

 How Citizens Advice County Durham works

Citizens Advice County Durham delivers both local general advice services for the people of County Durham as well as national and regional specialist advice services. We specialise in Debt, Benefits, Energy, Employability and Health, but cover aspects of the whole adult advice spectrum.

As well as providing advice, we also campaign for change to ensure that people are not adversely affected by legislation. Both nationally and locally we have been able to provide a data-driven voice to convince authorities to make changes to avoid people being worse off in the future.

Based in Pity Me, Durham, we have over 130 paid staff and 200 volunteers. We have local presences in all the major population areas of County Durham as well as outreaches in the smaller towns and villages. We help over 28,000 people a year with their problems which is more than 5% of the entire population of County Durham.

We also work with and in partnerships across County Durham, leading work for the “Advice in County Durham” partnership as well as the “Reaching Out Across Durham” (ROAD) programme to help people get back to the workplace by removing barriers stopping them.

More details are available from our website: https://www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/

Overview of Citizens Advice

What will you do?

• complete an introduction for your role
• maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating
• read papers for board meetings and attend six meetings per year
• work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within the local Citizens Advice to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice
• take an active discussion during board meetings and work with other trustees to:
• set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice
• monitor the financial position of the local Citizens Advice ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear
• ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems of the local Citizens Advice are in order including that full financial records are kept for all transactions, that money is only spent for the purpose given, and that proper financial controls are in place to safeguard the organisation’s resources
• monitor the financial position of the local Citizens Advice ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear lines of accountability for day to day financial management
• seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community
• ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers
• review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement

What’s in it for you? 

• make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
• meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
• build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills
• increase your employability

And we’ll reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

• understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees
• have knowledge about local government, IT and fund raising.
• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• be able to exercise good independent judgment
• have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake training in your role

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings and you’ll likely need to attend six meetings annually and you may need to meet with volunteers and staff occasionally within the local Citizens Advice. We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer so come and talk to us.

Valuing inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Contact details

 If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact John Scollen – Chair of the board of Trustees on John.Scollen@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

Alternatively if you would like to join our fantastic board of trustees please send your CV to recruitment@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

MaPs Debt Adviser/Trainee Debt Adviser

Hours: Full time and Part time

Location: Citizens Advice County Durham

Duration: Fixed term until 31st January 2023 with potential to extend contract if funding allows

Salary: Grade 4a £22,338 – 5a £24,013 (Pro Rata) dependent upon experience.

We are excited to announce that we are currently seeking to recruit Money and Pensions (MaPs) Debt Advisers to join our thriving charity within County Durham.

The purpose of the role is to provide tailored advocacy, advice and support to individuals and families struggling with debts, and provide them with help to overcome and prevent them from falling into similar situations again.

There are a number of positions available, and advisors will be delivering advice to both local and national clients through a variety of channels.

Whilst the successful candidate will ideally have experience of a MaPS debt project and have completed training to caseworker level, we are open to applications from candidates who require training to attain the required specialist debt advice accreditation.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, with good understanding of interviewing skills and general advice work.

Closing date for applications: 13^th of May 2022

Proposed date for interview: w/c 16^th of May 2022

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

 Or alternatively email

recruitment@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

What we offer: There’s lots! Including: a competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, excellent training and development opportunities and much more!

At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form.

When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.

HTC Partnership Manager

Hours: 18.5 hours per week

Location: Home based (requires significant travel across County Durham and Teesside)

Duration: One year

Salary: £13,069 for 0.5 FTE

We are excited to announce that we are hiring HTC Partnership Manager at Citizens Advice County Durham.

Citizens Advice delivers a service called “Help to Claim” which offers end-to-end support to help people make a new Universal Credit claim and be ready for when their first payment arrives.
As part of this, we need to further engage with the local community (defined by the geography of the local Jobcentre Plus District) to establish a strong reach with other organizations who may interact with people who need to claim Universal Credit.

Please ensure you read the full job description and person specification before applying.

Closing date for applications: 20^th May 2022 (12.00 noon)

Proposed date for interview: w/c 23^rd May 2022

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

 Or alternatively email

recruitment@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

 At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form. When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.

Help to Claim – Universal Support Adviser

Hours: 16 hours per week

Location: Citizens Advice County Durham

Duration: Fixed Term until March 2023

Salary: £22,757 FTE (pro-rata)

We are delighted to announce that Citizens Advice County Durham have been awarded further funding to run “Help to Claim: Universal Support” service for a further year. The service offers end-to-end support to help service users make a new Universal Credit claim and be ready for their first payment.

We are actively seeking to recruit 0.4 FTE adviser with good IT skills to support clients to make and complete their new Universal Credit claim via telephone, video calling and web chat channels.

You’ll have the ability to interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control of conversations. As well as being committed to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice Service.

 If you:

• Have excellent telephone and communication skills.
• Have an ability to use sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control.
• Can manage your time effectively with a keen eye for detail and aim to achieve relevant targets
• Can complete tasks to the highest quality
• Can monitor and maintain your own standards ensuring work is accurate.

Then we want to hear from you!

 Whilst working for us you will be a part of our amazing team, you will have a fantastic opportunity to achieve great things. You will definitely get the best feeling at the end of a day after you have helped many people in need. We’d like you to have the best career opportunities working for us supporting you every step of the way.

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

 Closing date: 27.05.2022

Interviews to be held: w/c 30.05.2022

What we offer: There’s lots! Including: a competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday (pro rata), excellent training and development opportunities and much more!

At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form.

When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.

Outreach Adviser

Hours: 23 Hours per week

Location: Based in Bishop Auckland with travel to outreach locations in Newton Aycliffe, Crook & Tow Law

Duration: Fixed term until 31st March 2023 (with possible extension subject to continuation of funding)

Salary: £22,338 (pro rata)

We are looking for an experienced adviser to work independently and provide drop-in advice sessions at outreach venues across County Durham.

 Role:  Outreach Adviser

Hours: 23 Hours per week

Salary: 4a £22,338 (pro rata)

Duration: Fixed term until 31^st March 2023 (with possible extension subject to continuation of funding)

Location: Based in Bishop Auckland with travel to outreach locations in Newton Aycliffe, Crook & Tow Law

Key work areas and tasks:

• To deliver generalist advice to clients at various outreach locations, using sensitive listening and questioning skills in order to allow clients to explain their problem(s) and empower them to set their own priorities.
• Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting letters and telephoning.
• Negotiate with third parties such as statutory and non-statutory bodies as appropriate.
• Refer internally or to other specialist agencies as appropriate.
• Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

Please note interviews and induction may be done online and the post holders will be required to work from the office base and from home.

Closing date for applications: 27^th May 2022

Proposed date for interview: w/c 30^th May 2022

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies or contact recruitment@citizensadvice,org.uk

Internal applicants need only to complete an expression of interest form.

What we offer: There’s lots! Including: a competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, excellent training and development opportunities and much more!

At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form. When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.

Help Through Hardship Generalist Telephone Adviser

Hours: 18.5 hours per week

Location: Spennymoor and homeworking

Duration: Fixed term until 31st March 2023

Salary: £ 22,338 per annum pro rata

Citizens Advice and the Trussell Trust have come together to develop a free helpline for people struggling to afford the basics. Operating in England and Wales, the helpline offers personalised advice and support to help address the underlying causes of the hardship, as well as a quick and seamless referral to a food bank for people if required.

The aim of the service is to help people or households facing hardship to maximize their income. Our advisers also help to identify the need for wider advice (such as debt, immigration or housing, for example) directing people to specialist onward support. By addressing the underlying causes of the hardship, we hope to reduce the need for food bank support.

We’re seeking to recruit an experienced generalist adviser, with a focus on delivering telephone advice to clients which help them access food parcels from their local food banks, and to provide information and advice on the issues that are causing them financial hardship in order to move the client forward.

The successful post holder will need to cover the core hours of the service which will be 9am to 5pm, 3 days per week, Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays), and the adviser must have the willingness and ability to commit to a rota.

Please ensure you read the full job description and person specification before applying.

To request an application pack please contact: recruitment@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 06/06/2022

Proposed date for interview: wc 13/06/2022

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

 What we offer: There’s lots! Including: a competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, excellent training and development opportunities and much more!

At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form. When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.

DRO Partnership Manager

Hours: 37 hrs per week

Location: Citizens Advice County Durham, Armstrong House, Durham DH1 5GH (home working until further notice, although some office attendance may be required during initial training)

Duration: Fixed term until January 31st 2023 (with possibility of extension subject to continuation of funding)

Salary: £26,138 per annum

We are excited to announce that we are currently seeking to recruit a Partnership Manager to join our thriving charity within County Durham. This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading charities. We pride ourselves on being non-judgmental and impartial. You will be part of our amazing team based in our Debt Relief Order Unit, who are committed to providing support to clients within our community, and across England and Wales.

 Role: Debt Relief Order (DRO) Partnership Manager

Hours: 37 hrs per week

Salary: £26,138 full time

Duration: Fixed term until January 31^st 2023 (with possibility of extension subject to continuation of funding)

Location: Citizens Advice County Durham, Armstrong House, Durham DH1 5GH (home working until further notice, although some office attendance may be required during initial training)

Context of role – To engage with the wider Citizens Advice network and Independent Advice Agencies who provide debt advice in the North East Region for the purpose of increasing eligible referrals into the Unit.

To request an application pack please contact: recruitment@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 10^th June 2022

Proposed date for interview: w/c 13^th June 2022

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

What we offer: There’s lots! Including: a competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, excellent training and development opportunities and much more!

At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form. When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.

Debt Relief Order (DRO) Client Engagement Officer

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Citizens Advice County Durham, Armstrong House, Durham DH1 5GH (home working until further notice, although some office attendance may be required during initial training)

Duration: Fixed term until January 31st 2023 (with possibility of extension subject to continuation of funding)

Salary: £19,936 per annum

We are excited to announce that we are currently seeking to recruit a Client Engagement Officer to join our thriving charity within County Durham. This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading charities. We pride ourselves on being non-judgemental and impartial. You will be part of our amazing team based in our Debt Relief Order Unit, who are committed to providing support to clients within our community, and across England and Wales.

 Role: Debt Relief Order (DRO) Client Engagement Officer

Hours: 37 hrs per week

Salary: £19,936 full time

Duration: Fixed term until January 31^st 2023 (with possibility of extension subject to continuation of funding)

Location: Citizens Advice County Durham, Armstrong House, Durham DH1 5GH (home working until further notice, although some office attendance may be required during initial training)

Context of role – To provide engagement support to clients to support them to finalise their application for a Debt Relief Order. This may include sourcing opportunities from charitable grants for the payment of the DRO Fee, or alternatively understanding the reasons for disengagement to support clients to achieve their desired debt solution.

To request an application pack please contact: recruitment@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 10^th June 2022

Proposed date for interview: w/c 13^th June 2022

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

What we offer: There’s lots! Including: a competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, excellent training and development opportunities and much more!

At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form. When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.

Telephone and Digital Services Assessor

Hours: 18.5 hours per week

Location: Home based (with travel for training as required)

Duration: Fixed term until 31st March 2023

Salary: £18,987 FTE pro rata

We are excited to announce that we are currently seeking to recruit a Telephone and Digital Services Assessor to join our thriving charity within County Durham.

The purpose of the role is to provide free, independent, confidential and impartial assessments and discrete advice to clients from across the county using telephone and digital channels.

The ideal candidate should have recent and substantial experience of delivering information and/or advice to the public, particularly through telephone and digital channels.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, with good understanding of interviewing skills and general advice work.

 If you:

 Have excellent telephone and communication skills.

• Have an ability to use sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control.
• Can manage your time effectively with a keen eye for detail and aim to achieve relevant targets
• Can complete tasks to the highest quality
• Can monitor and maintain your own standards ensuring work is accurate.

Then we want to hear from you!

Whilst working for us you will be a part of our amazing team, you will have a fantastic opportunity to achieve great things. You will definitely get the best feeling at the end of a day after you have helped many people in need. We’d like you to have the best career opportunities working for us supporting you every step of the way.

No. of Positions: 02

Closing date for applications:        06/06/2022

Proposed date for interview: w/c 13/06/2022

Please note we do not accept CV’s, to download an application pack visit: www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/about/vacancies

 Or alternatively email

recruitment@citizensadvicecd.org.uk

What we offer: There’s lots! Including: a competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, excellent training and development opportunities and much more!

At Citizens Advice County Durham we collect diversity monitoring information to better improve our services and support our research in a way that you can’t be identified. By providing these details we can monitor the diversity of applicants. Please click here to complete our diversity monitoring form.

When you apply, we collect your personal information through your application form, interview or references so we can process your application. Please click here to read our full privacy policy and to better understand why we ask for certain information, how we use it and how we store it.