Trust Officer

Salary: £30,108 rising incrementally to £33,453

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Cardiff (hybrid working available following successful completion of probation)

About The Friendly Trust

The Friendly Trust is a Wales-based charity providing specialist information, advice and financial administration services for disabled people and other vulnerable adults. We also support families planning for the future of someone who may lack capacity to manage their own financial affairs.

Everything we do is centred on the individual. We work to protect people's rights, promote independence and ensure financial arrangements support people to live the lives they choose.

About the Role

We are looking for a Trust Officer to join our team.

This is a rewarding and varied role combining casework, welfare benefits support, financial administration, advocacy and partnership working. You will manage a caseload of Service Users, supporting them and their families with a range of financial and practical matters while promoting choice, independence and individual rights.

You will build positive relationships with Service Users, liaise with professionals and organisations, and ensure financial affairs are managed safely, effectively and in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational procedures.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Service Users and respond to changing circumstances and needs.
• Provide information, advice and practical support to Service Users, carers and families.
• Support people to access welfare benefits and assist with claims, reviews and appeals where appropriate.
• Help Service Users understand and participate in decisions affecting their finances.
• Manage day-to-day financial administration where The Friendly Trust has authority to act.
• Develop and monitor budgets and money plans with Service Users.
• Liaise with external organisations including the DWP, local authorities, health and social care professionals, banks and housing providers.
• Maintain accurate case records and financial information.
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding, welfare and financial concerns.
• Work in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding requirements and organisational policies.

About You

We recognise that candidates may come from a range of backgrounds and may not have experience in every aspect of the role. We are interested in people who can demonstrate transferable skills, relevant experience and a commitment to our values.

Essential

• Experience of supporting people within social care, welfare benefits, advocacy, housing, financial inclusion, community services or a related field.
• Experience of working with disabled people, vulnerable adults, carers or people requiring additional support.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly and accessibly.
• Confidence working with figures, budgets and financial information.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Understanding of the importance of dignity, respect, confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Desirable

• Knowledge of welfare benefits.
• Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Experience of financial administration or managing money on behalf of others.
• Experience of DWP Appointeeship, advocacy or safeguarding.
• Experience of working across multiple agencies and services.
• Relevant qualification in social care, welfare rights, advocacy, finance or a related field.

What We Offer

• Salary of £30,108 rising incrementally to £33,453.
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Employer pension contribution of 6%.
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Supportive and values-led working environment.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing support.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV together with a supporting statement explaining how you meet the requirements of the role.

The Friendly Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. The successful candidate will be subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check and proof of the right to work in the UK.