Energy Advisor - Carers Support

Southend Carers is a small local charity and our mission is to make life easier and fairer for All Carers living in Southend-on-Sea, by providing information, advice & guidance, and supporting their access to essential practical, emotional and financial support services.

Ideal candidate will be an integral part of our Carers Support Team and be responsible for providing face to face, telephone and online based energy advice, to family carers - to motivate and enable them to act to reduce their fuel bills, cut carbon emissions and make their homes warmer, energy efficient, and more comfortable. The outreach activities will include home visits, community advice sessions, presentation and attending events.

Note: Full training will be given.

Working hours: 21 hours per week

Contract length: 18 months fixed term

Salary: £21,000 per annum pro rata. Subject to experience

Workbase: Flexible: Outreach & community locations, main office and home

Full job description available for download from Southend Carers website

MAIN TASKS

Development, delivery & implementation of Energy Advice services

* Responsibility as main energy advisor, supporting the services users and project team on a day to day basis
* Provide comprehensive and accurate advice on welfare benefits, debt, fuel poverty, energy efficiency and housing measures using a casework approach. Carry out in depth benefit and income checks and ensure income is maximised through take up of appropriate welfare benefits and grants.
* Provision of in depth one to one energy casework support for clients referred through the Charity’s advice line or via self-developed referral pathways.
* To identify opportunities to deliver energy presentations to community groups and the subsequent delivery of the presentations.
* Advice on a range of topics including home renewables, affordable warmth, low carbon transport and water efficiency
* Provide information, advice, guidance and practical support, to other team members across the whole range of energy related issues.

Promotion & Networking

* Promote the Carers energy support service, to adult carers and raise awareness of the energy support needs of family Carers with relevant organisations, general public, agencies and local media. This will include national awareness/action days, and community outreach events.

* Arrange, facilitate and attend networking/community events to raise awareness, identify, encourage Carers participation in all aspects of influencing support services provided by Southend Carers, health, educational, social care, community and business sectors.

* To build on existing - and develop new - partnerships that support energy

Outcomes and impact measurement

* Undertake data collection, monitoring of the project including preparation of case studies/lived experiences, evaluation reports and statistical information on the outputs and activities of the project, to measure impact of support on unpaid Carers, as well as assist Governance, Management and Funding requirements.

* To update and maintain appropriate client records and necessary data using client management systems to ensure the progress of work towards project targets is monitored and that project outcomes are fully recorded.

* Maintain accurate, timely and detailed case records of all support work undertaken on Southend Carers CRM database and/or other reporting systems, for the purpose of casework, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

Support requirements

* To provide support and guidance to Carers Support and Operational team members, who may be engaged in any of the projects activities

Professional Development

* Undertake the necessary training to perform the requirements of the role including C&G/NEA Level 3 Energy Awareness

Ideal candidate will have the following skills

* Minimum 2 years’ experience of working in either a public facing or customer service role, supporting vulnerable adults, as individuals and in groups, to work towards achieving positive outcomes in a way which assesses need and addresses issues

*Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and confidently with a diverse range of people

*Experience of working with vulnerable householders, low-income and/or other disadvantaged groups within the carer community

* Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find solutions for improving outcomes and enhancing engagement activities.

* Confidence to develop networks, community connections and relationships

* Planning and reporting on activities & tasks within agreed timescales and budget

* Good presentation and communication skills.