Financial Inclusion

Cyflog: £33,699.00 to £37,280.00 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term Grant Funded 31/03/2026

Location of post: Cwmavon Library

About the role:

We are currently seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic and flexible individual to join our team as a Financial Inclusion Officer within the new Trailblazer Project.

The Trailblazer Programme is an ambitious, multi-agency initiative led by Neath Port Talbot Council to reduce economic inactivity and improve wellbeing across our communities. We're currently delivering innovative projects in our Opportunity Hubs and outreach locations, working alongside health professionals, training providers, and employers to help people overcome complex barriers to work. From supporting residents with mental health and long-term health conditions, to tackling digital exclusion, housing instability, and low confidence, we're at the forefront of creating tailored, life-changing solutions that make a genuine difference in people's lives.

You'll be joining a passionate, supportive, and forward-thinking team who believe in the power of collaboration and kindness to achieve lasting results. We celebrate success together, share knowledge openly, and are driven by the positive impact we see every day.

As a Financial Inclusion Officer, you will:

• Deliver tailored, person-centred advice to individuals experiencing or at risk of financial hardship
• Provide expert guidance on welfare benefits, income maximisation, and budgeting, including better-off calculations
• Support individuals to build financial resilience and independence through one-to-one sessions, campaigns, and community outreach
• Advocate on behalf of clients, including representation at tribunals and appeals, ensuring fair access to entitlements
• Work with partners such as DWP, Citizens Advice, housing services, and voluntary organisations to provide holistic support
• Contribute to service development by monitoring trends, raising awareness, and delivering training or briefings on welfare reform

Your daily routine will be to:

• Manage a personal caseload, offering advice and support to Trailblazer participants
• Conduct benefit checks and better-off calculations to inform decisions about work, training, or changes in circumstances
• Deliver advice surgeries, community sessions, and targeted take-up campaigns
• Represent clients in benefit appeals and advocate for fair outcomes.
• Maintain accurate case records, reports, and monitoring information
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to provide joined-up support

Do you have:

• Experience providing welfare rights advice, financial guidance, or benefits support?
• Up-to-date knowledge of Universal Credit, PIP, and wider welfare benefits?
• The ability to carry out detailed financial assessments and explain outcomes clearly?
• Strong communication and advocacy skills, with experience supporting vulnerable individuals?
• Confidence in managing a busy caseload and maintaining accurate records?
• A minimum of 4 GCSEs (including English/Welsh and Maths) and a willingness to work towards NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance?

We would welcome applications from those with experience in roles such as:

• Welfare Rights Adviser or Benefits Caseworker
• Financial Inclusion or Money Advice Officer
• Citizens Advice Adviser or Advocacy Worker
• Housing Support Officer with welfare benefits expertise
• Employability or Income Maximisation Adviser

About us:

We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues' efforts and achievements. We also believe that there's life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.

Choose to work for us and you'll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.

• Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
• Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
• Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years' service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
• Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
• Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
• Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
• Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.

If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Glen Bowtell on Phone: 07837093892

Email: Glen Bowtell g.bowtell@npt.gov.uk

DBS requirements:

This post is subject to a DBS check.

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language skills are not required

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.