Job Title:Tax and Benefits Adviser

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:Tax and Benefits Adviser

Responsible To:Project Manager

Duration of position:31st March 2017 - with possible extension

Salary Scale:£22,212

Pension:10% gross

Hours:35 hours per week

Purpose of Post:To help deliver our specialist, free, confidential and independent Tax and Benefits Advice Service to people across Northern Ireland who are struggling with issues relating to HMRC products and services.

Employer: Advice NI

DUTIES

To advise and support clients (either via telephone or face to face) who need extra help to ensure they meet their tax obligations and claim the correct entitlements

To carry out all follow-up work and administration, including preparation for interviews and reviews

To represent clients at interviews andreviews as required

To maintain comprehensive and up-to-date confidential case records for all clients using the Advice Pro case recording system

To identify, record and follow up social policy issues as they arise and Advice NI considers appropriate

To extend access to advice to targeted communities and groups currently without provision

To use effective and appropriate referral mechanisms

To assist the Project manager to collect statistics on service usage, benefit take-up and financial/non financial outcomes achieved by the advice service and carry out periodic client profiles and customer satisfaction surveys

To assist the project manager to prepare reports and to provide documentation required by the funding bodies or other stakeholders

To keep updated with the changes to the HMRC products and services andthe welfare benefits system

To maintain and update a range ofonline self help resources

To address information gaps or meet specific needs

To prepare articles, press-releases and other reports as directed by project manager

To ensure that the project manager is informed of any training requirements or gaps in knowledge

To participate fully in training programmes, both internal and external, as arranged by the line manager

To contribute to the development and implementation of a promotional strategy relating to the advice service

To attend team meetings and adviser forums as required and participate in quality assurance

To represent Advice NI on appropriate outside bodies and co-operate with other relevant agencies

To use new technology following appropriate training and where technology is available

To carry out general clerical duties such as typing, word processing, photocopying, filing and handling of post

To undertake any other tasks as may be required by the project manager

TAX AND BENEFITS ADVISER -

Job Specification

Essential / Desirable

Education

/ Good standard of education.
Completed Law Centre (WRAP), NIACAB (ATP) or Wiseradviser training or relevant equivalent / Third level or degree standard

Experience

/ 1 year’s experience (paid or unpaid) of providing advice - face to face or telephone – gained in the last 3 years / Experience of helping people with a range of HMRC related products and services
Sound knowledge of the social security system

Skills

/ Demonstrable experience of working or volunteering in a role which requires effective verbal and written communication skills.
Evidence of ability to understand complex information and legislation.
Case recording skills.
Ability to work with figures.
Ability to prioritise own workload and to use initiative regarding assisting clients.
Experience of working as part of a flexible team and sharing knowledge / MS Offfice Skills (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Internet Explorer)
Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Advice NI clients and other key stakeholders
Research skills
Knowledge/
values / Sympathetic and non-judgemental attitude to a client’s problems.
Confidence and the ability to deal competently HMRC and benefits staff.
Have a commitment to the aims and principles of the service, e.g. equal opportunities. / Sound knowledge of the advice sector in Northern Ireland
Personal attributes / Flexible approach to working hours.
Friendly and approachable manner.
Ability to work on a confidential basis.
Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
Accuracy and attention to detail. / Driving license/access to car