<p> JOB DESCRIPTION</p><p>Job Title: Tax and Benefits Adviser</p><p>Responsible To: Project Manager</p><p>Duration of position: 31st March 2018 - with possible extension</p><p>Salary Scale: £22,434</p><p>Pension: 10% gross</p><p>Hours: 35 hours per week</p><p>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. </p><p>Employer: Advice NI </p><p>DUTIES</p><p>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</p><p>To carry out all follow-up work and administration, including preparation for interviews and reviews</p><p>To represent clients at interviews and reviews as required </p><p>To maintain comprehensive and up-to-date confidential case records for all clients using the Advice Pro case recording system</p><p>To identify, record and follow up social policy issues as they arise and Advice NI considers appropriate </p><p>To extend access to advice to targeted communities and groups currently without provision</p><p>To use effective and appropriate referral mechanisms</p><p>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</p><p>To keep updated with the changes to the HMRC products and services and the welfare benefits system</p><p>To maintain and update a range of online self help resources </p><p>To address information gaps or meet specific needs </p><p>To prepare articles, press-releases and other reports as directed by project manager</p><p>To ensure that the project manager is informed of any training requirements or gaps in knowledge</p><p>To participate fully in training programmes, both internal and external, as arranged by the line manager</p><p>To contribute to the development and implementation of a promotional strategy relating to the advice service</p><p>To attend team meetings and adviser forums as required and participate in quality assurance</p><p>To represent Advice NI on appropriate outside bodies and co-operate with other relevant agencies </p><p>To use new technology following appropriate training and where technology is available</p><p>To carry out general clerical duties such as typing, word processing, photocopying, filing and handling of post</p><p>To undertake any other tasks as may be required by the project manager TAX AND BENEFITS ADVISER - Job Specification</p><p>Essential Desirable</p><p>Education Good standard of education. Third level or degree standard Completed Law Centre (WRAP), NIACAB (ATP) or Wiseradviser training or relevant equivalent</p><p>Experience 1 year’s experience (paid or unpaid) of providing Experience of helping people advice - face to face or telephone – gained in the last with a range of HMRC related 3 years products and services Sound knowledge of the social security system </p><p>Skills Demonstrable experience of working or volunteering MS Offfice Skills (Word, in a role which requires effective verbal and written Excel, Access, Outlook, communication skills. Internet Explorer) Evidence of ability to understand complex Ability to communicate information and legislation. sensitively and effectively with Advice NI clients and Case recording skills. other key stakeholders Ability to work with figures. Research skills Ability to prioritise own workload and to use initiative regarding assisting clients.</p><p>Experience of working as part of a flexible team and sharing knowledge</p><p>Knowledge Sympathetic and non-judgemental attitude to a Sound knowledge of the / client’s problems. advice sector in Northern Ireland values 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.</p><p>Driving license/access to car Personal Flexible approach to working hours. attributes 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.</p>