Financial Inclusion Officer

Financial Inclusion Officer
- Location:Edinburgh (EH16)
- Salary:£33k to £36k DOE + Benefits + Bonus
- Employment Type:Permanent
- Hours per Week:36.25
- Grade:5
- Closing Date:18 June 2025

- Group Support Services
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At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.
So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!
More about your role
You will provide a tailored financial inclusion service to a diverse range of customers, ensuring accuracy and an excellent experience by offering advice on welfare benefits and financial matters. You'll represent and negotiate on behalf of new customers with statutory and voluntary agencies, including Tribunal representation when needed, while sourcing funding to maximize income and support tenancy sustainment. You'll signpost and refer customers for additional support, empower them to manage their finances confidently, and keep up to date with relevant legislation and benefit changes. You'll accurately record outcomes in line with team KPIs, assist with delivering benefit-related training, and build strong partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders to enhance the service. This role will be spread over 5 days however we can be flexible on working hours.
Most of the cases you will be dealing with are remote however there will be occasions where you will be expected to conduct face to face visits to customers.
The essential and desirable Criteria for this role is listed below.
Essential
- To be considered for this role you will need to be based in Scotland.
- Experience with complex benefits claims, customer budgeting and knowledge of wider welfare issues.
- Understanding of relevant legislation and welfare reform
- Previous experience working with customers who have complex needs
Desirable
- Housing experience
- Experience of case management systems (ideally salesforce)
- Ideally you will have a full driving license and access to a car
More about you
You'll bring extensive knowledge of welfare benefits, budgeting, social housing, and related welfare issues, alongside a strong understanding of relevant legislation and welfare reform. You're experienced in supporting customers with complex needs while maintaining professional boundaries and delivering a confidential, impartial, and customer-focused service Ideally, you'll have experience with Tribunal representation and preparing submissions. You will be able to manage your own caseload and prioritise last minute tasks using your initiative. You'll also have a full driving license and access to a car.
The benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.
We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:
- Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
- Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell leave
- Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
- A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
- Training and development
- Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more
What's next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team recruitment@placesforpeople.co.uk
If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on skillsemployment@placesforpeople.co.uk.
Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.
If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls
At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.
We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.
By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities.
Armed Forces - We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant. Places for People will guarantee an interview for any candidate who is serving or has formerly served in the Armed Forces, as a reservist, armed forces veteran (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructor and military spouse/partner and who meets the essential criteria for the vacancy.
Disability Confident - We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme certified as Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This helps us to successfully employ and retain people with disabilities and health conditions. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for NI) defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has sa substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do daily activities.
Neurodivergent – Neurodiverse individuals have highly valuable skills, and we recognise that a traditional interview process sometimes works against them and doesn’t allow them to self-advocate. Neurodiverse applicants who meet the criteria for a vacancy will be guaranteed an interview.
