Energy Advisor

Inverclyde Community Development Trust delivers targeted projects to support the most vulnerable across Inverclyde, supporting families and individuals experiencing challenging circumstances. Through this project, the Energy Advisor will deliver energy advice to our clients, individuals and families in vulnerable situations, who are referred to the programme by our local partners. The Advisor will ensure that the most vulnerable households across Inverclyde can access impartial energy advice, advocacy and support; aiming to empower those facing economic hardships, discrimination, health inequalities or long-term unemployment. The Advisor will ensure that support and guidance is available for these groups to navigate energy related challenges effectively, to reduce fuel poverty and fuel fear across Inverclyde.

Main duties and responsibilities
1. Energy
Responsible for:
> Provide advice and information to individuals (in person or via telephone) on energy saving methods, including energy grants and rebates, meter issues, switching providers
> Undertake negotiations with energy suppliers regarding debts and repayments. Generate trial balance and management accounts for all cost centres monthly
> Refer appropriate households to Home Energy Scotland to access national and local schemes for energy efficiency measures to make homes warmer. This will include homeowners and private tenants
> Deliver weekly drop-in sessions across the Trust's Community Pantries, as well as partner venues and local Community Hubs
> Provide one-to-one appointments at suitable locations across local venues
> Deliver workshops focused on energy literacy and energy consumer rights
> Attend events to provide information and advice as appropriate

2. Working relationships
Responsible for:
> Recruit and work with volunteers within the Trust Pantries and Trust Befriending Projects to create Energy Champions, providing appropriate training and support
> Create connections with local partners, including Housing Associations and Community Link Workers
> Promote project via Trust social platforms, Inverclyde Now and the Local Authority's Financial Inclusion Partnership and local partners

3. Reporting
Responsible for:
> Accurately input case records via Trust database systems for the purposes of monitoring and reviewing statistical information
> Provide Reports as required for Trust Board and Funder

4. Other Duties
Responsible for:
> Undertaking City & Guilds Level 3 training as a requirement of the post
> Occasional home visits may be required if deemed necessary
> Keep up to date with changes in Legislation and Policy relating to the role and service needs.
> To undertake any other relevant duties within the overall scope of this post as may be required by the line manager

Education / Training > Good standard of education (required accredited training for the role will be provided)
Knowledge / Technical Skills > Knowledge of current local issues, concerns and priorities on impact of energy crisis
> Ability to work in partnership
> Experience of working within a community organisation setting
> Ability to work in partnership
Experience Proven experience of:
> Skilled IT user
> Strong organisational and programme development skills in a relevant community focussed environment
> Relevant and practical experience in the charity sector or community-based organisation
> Experience of organising and managing events
Competencies Possesses:
> Excellent communication skills, with a good understanding of delivering general advice
> Good reporting skills, with the ability to plan and evaluate services and produce written reports
> Ability to engage positively with individuals
> Ability to work to deadlines
> Ability to work flexibly in response to changing priorities
> Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with individuals at all levels

Capable of:
> Working unsupervised while maintaining expected performance levels
> Ability to work flexibly including evenings and occasional weekends as required
> Working as part of a team
> Ability to motivate others, engage and encourage participation
> Prioritising tasks and effectively managing own time

> Passionate and patient individual, keen to advocate on behalf of others
> Self-motivated with enthusiastic approach
> Confident individual, looking to develop self-learning and continuous improvement
Recognise the implications of working within a charity and a voluntary organisation