Debt Advisor

As part of SNG's commitment to build Thriving Communities, our brand-new Debt Advice Service sits alongside an array of other support services including Employment, Energy, Job Coaching, Money Coaching and Money and Debt advice.

You'll have the opportunity to join a business that puts customers at the heart of all we do and shape one of the largest programmes being delivered to support people through the cost-of-living crisis.

We're pleased to have an opportunity to join our brand-new Debt Advice Team on a full-time permanent basis.

This role will follow our hybrid approach of home, office and resident visit working. Your office location will be either Blandford, Christchurch or Basingstoke. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a brand-new Debt Advice Service, where you'll play a key role in shaping and developing its offering during its inaugural year.

Alongside this, you'll provide comprehensive, day-to-day Debt Advice to customers, taking a holistic approach to their financial situations.

Collaborating closely with both established teams and newly created roles, you'll help deliver a well-rounded, ‘whole household' service that's tailored to meet the unique needs and vulnerabilities of our customers.

Your work will be instrumental in sustaining tenancies and enhancing residents' financial resilience.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver accurate and up to date Debt and Money Advice within FCA guidelines
• Assist customers to prepare financial statements.
• Take a proactive and explorative approach to obtaining and understanding information
• Assist customers by negotiating by letter or telephone with creditors and other agencies e.g., fuel companies, local authorities, DWP and consumer credit companies etc
• Negotiate with third parties, including statutory and non-statutory organisations where required
• Prepare and present cases to the necessary statutory bodies and negotiate with third parties as appropriate
• Assist clients with other associated problems, referring to other advisers/agencies
• Provide advice and signposting towards, training or employment, linking up with internal and external specialists to assist
• Maintain accurate records of cases, in line with policy, procedure and legislation

We are accepting applications for unqualified Debt Advisers, with the understanding that completion of a Money Advice and Pensions Service (MaPs) Accredited qualification is achieved within a reasonable period once appointed. Salaries offered will reflect the relevant qualification status, with a view to increasing once achieved.

Your experience

To be considered for this role, you'll need:

• Solid experience in providing advice, ideally within a similar setting, with an understanding of FCA regulations and compliance standards.
• Strong customer service skills are crucial, particularly in supporting vulnerable individuals and tailoring services to meet their unique needs.
• You should have experience managing client caseloads, and preparing cases for statutory bodies, with excellent communication skills across various channels.
• Collaboration and teamwork are key, as you'll work closely with colleagues and external partners while providing guidance to less experienced team members.
• A proactive approach to staying current with regulatory changes and a commitment to personal development, including obtaining a MaPs-accredited Debt Advice qualification if not already held, are essential.

Your benefits

You'll be given the opportunity to grow your skills within a role that will bring great satisfaction.  

Some of our benefits include:

• £450 yearly flexible benefit pot to use against benefits of your choice
• Flexible working – working from home
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
• Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package
• Generous matching pension scheme up to 12%
• Life cover
• Part of our Recognition scheme where you can be gifted retail vouchers
• Wellbeing discounts including Gym Memberships
• Wide selection of other benefits available

What we do makes a real difference to people's lives and by joining us you can share the satisfaction of doing something that really matters. We are committed to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion strategy and believe that you can truly be yourself at Sovereign. Check out our careers site to learn more about us and our values.