Careers

Current Vacancies

1) Housing and Welfare Advisor or Trainee 1 FT post in total)

Title: Housing and Welfare Advisor or Trainee   (3 year funded)

Responsible to: Advice Manager 

Hours: 21 -35 hrs weekly                     

Salary: £25,000 – £35,000 FT (depending on experience and qualifications please see the two JD). 

Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR + other locations if required.  

Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding) 

Please Note:   DBS check will be required.

In the last few years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people turning to us for housing advice. We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Housing and Welfare Adviser to join our small team to provide this additional expertise. Your role will involve contributing to running of day-to-day services alongside advice staff and providing specialist housing advice and knowledge. Key to your role will be providing one-to-one appointments on complex housing issues, including homelessness, tenancy sustainment, disrepair and issues that fall outside of legal aid support.

You will need to have strong people skills (working with staff, volunteers and clients), excellent organisational skills and ability to digest complex briefs. You will be required to manage an active caseload ensuring cases are appropriately actioned and recorded while ensuring tasks and deadlines are consistently achieved. This role is subject to funding and is reviewed on an annual basis.

This single role is available as either an experienced or trainee position. The requirements are different for each. Please see our website for further information,

Applications should be in the form of a CV and covering letter of no more than three pages, stating how you meet the criteria. 

For the training post, the emphasis in the recruitment process will be on skills and attitude rather than experience. Please clearly state in your covering letter that you are applying for the training post.

We will be interviewing suitable applicants as their applications arrive.  This means that the vacancy could close earlier than the stated date.  We therefore advise you to apply as early as you can. Previous unsuccessful applicants should not reapply.

This role is subject to funding and is reviewed on an annual basis.

As a charity that strives to improve the wellbeing of our community, we understand that this starts with our staff. As part of our commitment to this, we have recently made one cost of living adjustment to staff salaries and committed to a further increase for all staff in our new budget. Other benefits of working at BIAS include:

• Annual Leave – Five additional days above statutory entitlement (25 days in total plus bank holidays) pro rata. Increase to 26 days after 3 years and 27 days after 5 years of service pro rata.
• Development – Continuous Personal Development is actively encouraged and training opportunities explored.
• Flexible working – Flexible working is considered where possible for each role.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save up to 42 per cent on the cost of bikes and equipment
• Eyesight Tests and Corrective Glasses – If you have difficulty with your eyesight whilst using the display screen for work, we will pay for an eyesight test in accordance with regulations. This will determine if you require corrective glasses to reduce the health risks involved in the use of computer screens. If corrective eyewear is required then we will provide basic eyewear, which must be used whilst using the computer.
• Employee Assistance Programme- The EAP helps employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their health and well-being. EAP includes a 24/7 counselling, legal and information line, online health portal and critical incident advice for employees and their immediate family.
• Social – We recognise the importance of “down” time, and the opportunity to enjoy other interests with our colleagues. BIAS organises a funded Christmas Party and summer get-together.

Deadlines for applications are the 14th August 2023 at 10.00 a.m. but we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible as interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis.

In order to apply, please download and fill in the application form and the diversity monitoring form below. The monitoring form is removed from the application and forms no part of the recruitment process.

The full application

Housing and Welfare Advisor or Trainee

Please download and complete the application form and diversity monitoring form .

Return completed forms to recruitment@biasbrent.co.uk

1. Volunteer Coordinator

Title: Volunteer Coordinator  

Responsible to: Engagement Manager 

Hours: 35 hrs weekly                     

Salary: £30,,000 – £35000 FT (depending on experience and qualifications). 

Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR + other locations if required.  

Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding) 

Please Note:   DBS check will be required.

About the Role:

We are seeking a colleague who will bring both experience and passion for volunteering, who will lead and develop our new volunteer project and create the best experience for those who volunteer with us. We are looking for someone who understands the huge benefits that volunteers can bring to a charity and the community it serves, and the importance of good volunteering practice. Together we can make a real difference to people’s lives and make volunteering an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all.

Main duties and key tasks (but not limited to)

To develop and coordinate our new volunteer project.

To lead on volunteer recruitment, interviewing and matching them with appropriate roles and ongoing support.

To support and retain our current team of volunteers.

To instigate new opportunities for older volunteers who have shown an interest in joining us.

Develop a ‘buddy up’ scheme to support new volunteers.

Together with active ageing team establish a Be-a-Friend program

Ongoing development of volunteering good practice.

Working conditions

The role is predominantly based at our Willesden office as well as being out in the borough

We will consider hybrid working (1-2 days max) on completion of probation period.

Ability to travel (public transport/car) around the borough.

This post involves some visiting people in their own homes (training & support is provided)

This post requires some flexibility with working hours, as some volunteer’s interviews and befriending matches may need to be conducted outside regular working hours.

This list is not exhaustive.

Other Benefits of Working with Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS)

 As a charity that strives to improve the wellbeing of our community, we understand that this starts with our staff. As part of our commitment to this, we have recently made two cost of living adjustment to staff salaries. Other benefits of working at BIAS include: Excellent annual leave entitlement 25 days rising to 27 days after 5 years (plus statutory)  

Pension scheme  

Employee Assistance Programme  

Cycle to Work Scheme   

This role will be based in our advice offices but there will be some options for flexible working ( i.e. one or two days per week after probation).

Opportunities for training and professional development   

About Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS)

BIAS is a local Charity that has supported London’s largest Irish Community in Brent for over forty-five years since 1978.

Social – We recognise the importance of “down” time, and the opportunity to enjoy other interests with our colleagues. BIAS organises a funded Christmas Party and summer get-together. funding and is reviewed on an annual basis.

Please apply either through the application form on our website or by sending us a CV and covering letter, which sets out in no more than 3 pages how your experiences matches with the personal specifications.

Deadlines for applications are the 26th June 2023 at 10.00 a.m. but we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible as interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis.

In order to apply, please download and fill in the application form and the diversity monitoring form below. The monitoring form is removed from the application and forms no part of the recruitment process.

The full https://biasbrent.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Volunteer-Coordinator-June-2023-ES.pdf

Please download and complete the application form and diversity monitoring form .

Return completed forms to recruitment@biasbrent.co.uk

If you would like to discuss this role please email us at recruitment@biasbrent.co.uk with your contact details.

2) Trainee Outreach Advice or Poverty Outreach Advice Worker (1 FT post in total)

Title: Trainee Outreach Advice or Poverty Advice Worker  

Responsible to: Advice Manager 

Hours: 35 hrs weekly                     

Salary: £25,000 – £32,000 FT (depending on experience and qualifications). 

Based: Willesden, NW10 2JR + other locations if required.  

Contract: Permanent (subject to continuation of funding) 

Please Note:   DBS check will be required.

We would like to appoint a dynamic, enthusiastic person to provide a hands-on approach in the delivery of BIAS frontline services. Your role will involve contributing to running of day-to-day services alongside existing welfare staff. Key to your role will be providing one-to-one appointments on complex welfare areas, development of an outreach home service and support to clients in preparation for tribunal hearings.

You will need to have strong people skills (working with staff, volunteers and clients), excellent organisational skills and ability to digest complex briefs. You will be required to manage an active caseload ensuring cases are appropriately actioned and recorded while ensuring tasks and deadlines are consistently achieved. This role is subject to funding and is reviewed on an annual basis.

Applications should be in the form of a CV and covering letter of no more than three pages, stating how you meet the criteria. 

For the training post, the emphasis in the recruitment process will be on skills and attitude rather than experience. Please clearly state in your covering letter that you are applying for the training post.

KEY WORK AREAS AND MAIN DUTIES

The following duties will be expected from you after the first year of work:

• To work with the Advice Manager and existing welfare team supporting the delivery of high quality AQS services (welfare advice drop in appointments, outreach service).
• To develop outreach home service for the most vulnerable and to travel around Brent and the surrounding boroughs to meet clients.
• To create long-standing relationships with stakeholders, including local authorities, other charities and the wider community with the aim of developing and expanding the service.
• Contribute to the delivery of advice services ensuring that appropriate advice and support is provided and casework deadlines are met.
• Contribute to monitoring service delivery, recording outcomes and ensuring efficient allocation of resources. Signpost clients to other services as and when necessary.
• Work with the management as required on operational matters including the planning and future direction.
• Maintain and support the development of advice provision across Brent and North London.
• Have the ability to manage complex caseload, providing appropriate interventions and  client support in preparation of tribunal hearings and appeals.

GENERAL

• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Maintain accurate and appropriate records of all client work as needed.
• Provide cover during annual leave or staff sickness for all projects (week days, occasional evening/weekend work).
• To carry out administrative tasks associated with the duties of the post and other duties as required by the Director and Advice Manager.
• Attend regular reviews and supervision.
• Willing to undertake training and professional development as required.
• Work within agreed budgets.
• Maintain an awareness of policy changes and good practice.
• Maintain and develop community information resources.

  PROJECT DEVELOPMENT and PARTNERSHIP WORK

• In conjunction with BIAS Management contribute to representing BIAS in promoting its work within Brent and the wider Irish community in London 

DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Ensure compliance with the organisation’s equal opportunities policy and actively promote equal opportunities and diversity within your role.

Benefits of working at BIAS

As a charity that strives to improve the wellbeing of our community, we understand that this starts with our staff. As part of our commitment to this, we have recently made one cost of living adjustment to staff salaries and committed to a further increase for all staff in our new budget. Other benefits of working at BIAS include:

• Annual Leave – Five additional days above statutory entitlement (25 days in total plus bank holidays) pro rata. Increase to 26 days after 3 years and 27 days after 5 years of service pro rata.
• Development – Continuous Personal Development is actively encouraged and training opportunities explored.
• Flexible working – Flexible working is considered where possible for each role.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save up to 42 per cent on the cost of bikes and equipment
• Eyesight Tests and Corrective Glasses – If you have difficulty with your eyesight whilst using the display screen for work, we will pay for an eyesight test in accordance with regulations. This will determine if you require corrective glasses to reduce the health risks involved in the use of computer screens. If corrective eyewear is required then we will provide basic eyewear, which must be used whilst using the computer.
• Employee Assistance Programme- The EAP helps employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their health and well-being. EAP includes a 24/7 counselling, legal and information line, online health portal and critical incident advice for employees and their immediate family.
• Social – We recognise the importance of “down” time, and the opportunity to enjoy other interests with our colleagues. BIAS organises a funded Christmas Party and summer get-together.

Applications should be in the form of a CV and covering letter of no more than three pages, stating how you meet the criteria. 

For the training post, the emphasis in the recruitment process will be on skills and attitude rather than experience. Please clearly state in your covering letter that you are applying for the training post.

We will be interviewing suitable applicants as their applications arrive.  This means that the vacancy could close earlier than the stated date.  We therefore advise you to apply as early as you can. Previous unsuccessful applicants should not reapply.

Download the Job Description for the Poverty Outreach role here.

Download the Job Description for the trainee post here.

Please download and complete the application form and diversity monitoring form . Return completed forms to recruitment@biasbrent.co.uk