Housing Debt Adviser

Hours: 37 hours

Salary: £31,230

Contract: Permanent

Location: Sandwell and Walsall

Closing Date: 17th August 2026 at 11:59pm

Interview Date: 27th August 2026

Job Purpose:

To provide specialist housing and debt advice, advocacy and casework to individuals experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness and financial hardship.

The postholder will support clients across Sandwell and Walsall who are facing issues including Section 21 notices, possession proceedings, rent arrears, mortgage arrears, homelessness, debt and financial difficulties. Working within Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall, you will empower clients to understand their rights, access appropriate support and achieve sustainable housing and financial outcomes.

The role requires a proactive and client-centred approach, working closely with local authorities, housing providers, landlords, creditors, courts and partner agencies to prevent homelessness, resolve housing issues and improve clients’ financial wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist housing advice, casework and advocacy to clients experiencing housing problems, including Section 21 notices, possession proceedings, evictions, rent arrears, homelessness and disrepair.
• Represent and advocate on behalf of clients at court hearings relating to possession proceedings, including Section 21 applications, where appropriate.
• Support clients to understand their housing rights and responsibilities, helping them to access appropriate legal protections and housing options.
• Liaise and negotiate with landlords, housing associations, local authorities, solicitors and other agencies to prevent homelessness and secure positive outcomes for clients.
• Provide specialist debt advice to clients experiencing financial hardship, including budgeting support, debt management options, creditor negotiations and referrals where appropriate.
• Assist clients in maximising their income by identifying entitlement to welfare benefits, grants and other sources of financial assistance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive case records, ensuring all work complies with Citizens Advice quality standards, FCA requirements (where applicable) and GDPR.
• Work across various community locations throughout Sandwell and Walsall, delivering outreach services and home visits where appropriate.
• Build effective partnerships with local authorities, housing providers, community organisations and other stakeholders to improve client outcomes.
• Contribute to homelessness prevention initiatives and wider financial inclusion activities across the organisation.
• Deliver training, mentoring and coaching to colleagues to develop housing and debt advice knowledge and skills.
• Contribute to service development, monitoring, reporting and achieving contractual performance targets.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing legislation, debt remedies, welfare benefits and relevant guidance to ensure high-quality advice is provided.

The postholder will be expected to travel regularly across Sandwell and Walsall to meet clients, attend partner meetings and represent clients at court where required.

Person specification

Essential

Experience

• Experience of providing housing advice and casework to clients with complex needs.
• Experience of advising clients on homelessness, Section 21 notices, possession proceedings, evictions, rent arrears and housing rights.
• Experience of providing debt advice, including budgeting, debt options and negotiating with creditors.
• Experience of representing or advocating on behalf of clients with statutory organisations, landlords, housing providers or other agencies.
• Experience of managing a varied caseload and meeting quality standards and deadlines.
• Experience of working in partnership with local authorities, housing providers, legal professionals and voluntary sector organisations.
• Experience of maintaining accurate case records and confidential client information.
• Experience of working with vulnerable clients in a person-centred and non-judgemental manner A/I

Knowledge

• Knowledge of current housing legislation, including homelessness legislation, landlord and tenant law and possession procedures.
• Knowledge of debt solutions, financial capability and money management.
• Understanding of welfare benefits and their impact on housing and debt.
• Knowledge of safeguarding adults and children.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of GDPR and confidentiality requirements.

Skills

• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to provide accurate, impartial and effective advice.
• Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
• Ability to represent clients confidently with landlords, local authorities, housing providers and at court where appropriate.
• Excellent written skills, including preparing case notes, correspondence and supporting evidence.
• Ability to assess risk and prioritise complex cases.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Good IT skills, including electronic case management systems.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners.

Qualities

• Empathetic, approachable and non-judgemental.
• Committed to delivering high-quality customer service.
• Professional, resilient and adaptable.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Committed to the aims and values of Citizens Advice Sandwell and Walsall.
• Committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Learning

• A commitment to continuous professional development, including a willingness to develop knowledge and skills
• Keep up to date with current research and national developments and how this may affect the service user
• Attend team meetings, supervision and training when required.

What We Offer Our Colleagues

At Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall, we know that our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re committed to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where you can thrive, grow and make a meaningful difference every day.

As The People’s Champions, we believe in recognising and rewarding the dedication of our colleagues. From generous annual leave and flexible working to wellbeing support and professional development, we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both in and outside of work.

Our Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave – Enjoy 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. Your entitlement increases to 31 days after five years’ service and 33 days after ten years’ service.
• Flexible Working – We recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements where business needs allow.
• Competitive Pension Scheme – Helping you build a secure future.
• Paid Volunteering Day – One fully paid day each year to volunteer for a cause that matters to you.
• Blue Light Card – All paid colleagues are eligible to apply for a Blue Light Card, giving access to discounts on shopping, dining, travel, entertainment and much more.
• Annual Pay Review – We review pay annually to help ensure it remains fair and competitive.
• Health & Wellbeing Support – Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing free and confidential advice and support.
• Learning & Development – We invest in your future through training opportunities, professional qualifications and ongoing personal development.

Supporting Every Colleague

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. Our inclusive policies help colleagues through different stages of life and reflect our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Carers’ Policy – Up to three days’ paid carers’ leave and five days’ unpaid carers’ leave within a 12-month period.
• Menopause Policy – Providing guidance, understanding and practical support for colleagues experiencing menopause.
• Trans Inclusion Policy – Creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues of all gender identities feel safe, respected and empowered to be themselves.

How to apply?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit:

• An up-to-date CV and
• A covering letter (maximum two A4 pages) explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the Person Specification and why you are suitable for the role.

Please ensure your covering letter provides clear examples of how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification. Shortlisting will be based on the information provided in your CV and covering letter.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to provide evidence of your right to work before employment can commence. Please note that proof of eligibility will be requested at the interview stage.

Wishing you all the best with your application!