Finance & Resilience Support Worker

The Somerset Crisis and Resilience Alliance is a partnership bringing together local Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations to provide joined-up support for people in financial crisis or those who are at risk of financial crisis.

The Programme is funded through a grant (the Fund) to Somerset Council from the Department for Work and Pensions. The Alliance exists to:

• Respond quickly and effectively when someone is in financial crisis.
• Help people recover from a financial crisis and build their personal financial resilience by providing targeted one-one support.
• Co-ordinate a network of community-based assistance provided by Anchor Organisations and Community Connectors.

These activities help members of the local community to remain financially resilient and contribute to preventing people from reaching a financial crisis.

The Balsam Centre’s commitment to the partnership is to be an anchor organisation and to deliver support services in and around area of South East Somerset.

Person specification

Values and approach

• Commitment to person-centred, inclusive practice.
• Belief in the potential of people and communities.
• Warm, approachable, and non-judgemental manner.
• Commitment to promoting wellbeing, resilience, and independence.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals and families, ideally within community, voluntary or health settings.
• Experience providing information, guidance, advice, or signposting.
• Understanding of local communities and available support services, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
• Experience working in a person-centred support role.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication, listening and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to build trust and work effectively with people facing difficult circumstances.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage a varied and demanding caseload.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify creative solutions.
• Good IT skills and ability to maintain accurate electronic records.
• Have a full UK driving licence and use of a vehicle.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi- agency team.

Personal Qualities

• Empathetic, patient, and non-judgemental.
• Reliable, professional, and adaptable.
• Self-motivated, proactive and committed to continuous learning.
• Passionate about supporting people and strengthening communities.