Advice Mentor (Veterans)

Cardiff Council; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Cardiff is seeking a compassionate Advice Mentor for Veterans to provide vital advocacy and casework support to armed forces personnel and their families. The role includes managing complex cases, delivering housing and welfare advice, and collaborating with internal services and external partners. Ideal candidates will have experience in casework, strong advocacy skills, and a good understanding of the Armed Forces Community. This is a temporary, full-time position until March 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience providing advice, support, or casework to vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits, and debt advice.
• Understanding of Armed Forces Community challenges.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload effectively.
• Lived experience of the Armed Forces Community is a plus.
• Experience in local authority or voluntary sector.
• Strong communication and partnership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and casework support to veterans.
• Deliver advice on housing, welfare benefits, and debt.
• Advocate for clients with council services and agencies.
• Build relationships with partner organizations.
• Conduct outreach work in community hubs.
• Maintain accurate case records and performance reporting.
• Promote awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Skills

Communication skills

Advocacy skills

Partnership working

Flexibility and adaptability

Job description

Cardiff Council is committed to supporting members of the Armed Forces Community and is proud to hold the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. Through our Hubs and Community Services, we deliver accessible, high‑quality advice and support to across the city, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups.

This role sits within Housing & Communities and plays a key part in delivering specialist, holistic support to veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and their families living in Cardiff.

About the job

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Advice Mentor (Veterans) to provide specialist advice, advocacy, and casework support to members of the Armed Forces Community. The postholder will act as a single point of contact for veterans and their families, ensuring they can access timely, coordinated support across housing, welfare benefits, debt, employment, and wellbeing services.

The role involves managing a complex caseload, working collaboratively with internal council services and external partner organisations, and delivering outreach within community hubs and partner venues across Cardiff.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and casework support to veterans and Armed Forces families
• Deliver advice across a range of areas including:
  • Housing and homelessness prevention
  • Welfare benefits and income maximisation
  • Debt and financial inclusion
  • Employment, training, and resettlement support
• Advocate on behalf of clients with internal council services and external agencies
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with partner organisations, including:
  • SSAFA
  • Department for Work and Pensions
  • Housing providers and voluntary sector agencies
• Undertake outreach work within community hubs and partner locations
• Maintain accurate case records in line with data protection and council procedures
• Contribute to monitoring, performance reporting, and service improvement
• Promote awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant across council services

What We Are Looking For From You

• Experience of providing advice, support, or casework to vulnerable adults
• Knowledge of housing, welfare benefits, debt advice, or related support services
• Understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the Armed Forces Community
• Ability to manage a varied and complex caseload effectively
• Strong communication, advocacy, and partnership‑working skills
• Ability to work flexibly, including outreach and community‑based work
• Lived experience of the Armed Forces Community or previous Armed Forces service
• Experience of working within a local authority, advice service, or voluntary sector organisation

Additional information

This post is temporary until 31/03/2027.

Internal candidates who wish to apply for this position on a secondment basis must obtain approval prior to application using Form SEC1 (4.C.081). Requests may only be approved by the relevant Director/ Assistant Director/ Chief Officer or senior nominated officer graded no lower than OM2 or in the case of schools based staff the Headteacher / Governing Body.

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check

The vacancy is suitable for post share

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

Please note the Council does not accept CV’s. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website:

Important information you need read in order to complete your application:-

Cardiff Council is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. As a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder, we actively welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and members of the Armed Forces Community.

Job Category Customer Services

Department Housing & Communities

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Temporary