Kate Heggie-Davies

I deliver tailored, welfare and benefits advice to residents in the local area. I help them access financial support, and improve their overall wellbeing. This is done by conducting benefit checks to see if residents are on the correct benefits, or if there is any further entitlement. I will then support them by making relevant benefit claims, and continue to do so until the application process is concluded. My role is to empower residents, who are in financial hardship and maintain their independence through guidance, advocacy, and education. Other duties include:

• Liaise with the DWP, departments within the council, housing associations and other agencies to resolve issues, and make sure claims are accurate
• Arrange and accompany residents to the Job Centre or agency meetings, acting as an advocate when required
• Maintain close communication with support workers and external agencies, to ensure holistic assistance
• Accurately record casework, in line with data protection regulations, and organisational procedures
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns. Ensuring all actions follow policy and procedure
• Keep up to date with changes to welfare benefit legislation, local housing policies, and regulatory changes.

As an adviser, I provided effective, efficient and full debt advice to clients who live in England. This was done by assessing the client's full financial position and gathering extensive information, regarding their debts, assets, income and expenditure. I would then advise the client of consequences of non payment, along with any potential grounds for appeal, to vary or routes to remit the debt (if applicable). This would lead to providing the client with the relevant informal and formal debt solutions, following completion of the assessment.

Other responsibilities included:

• Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters, e-mailing and telephoning.
• Negotiate with third parties as appropriate.
• Look at income maximisation, through the take up of appropriate benefits and applying for trust funds/hardship payments.
• Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case, and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate.
• Direct and refer clients to the most appropriate service
• Ensure that all casework conforms to the bureau’s Office Manual and the Advice Quality Standard or other quality standard, as appropriate.
• Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
• Consistently guarantee that all work conforms to the bureau’s systems and procedures.
• Keep up to date with legislation, case law and policies and procedures relating to debt and undertake appropriate training.
• Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

I worked in the Administration Team, which is a fast-paced, high demanding job. My duties include:

• Create letters, documents and reports as required.
• Arrange appointments for caseworkers, check attendance and update records as necessary.
• Answer incoming telephone calls from clients, creditors or third parties. I then deal with these accordingly. Whether that be collecting information or updating on case-progress.
• Monitor project post and take the appropriate action.
• Create and maintain filing systems and ensure they kept up to date and abide by the organisation's procedures and systems.