Money adviser

You may be able to apply to do a Revenues and Welfare Benefits Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

These are usually offered by community advice services, charities and local councils .

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

A common way into this career is to volunteer in an advice centre. You'll often start with admin duties and giving general advice. You'll then receive training in money advice, once you have more experience.

It usually takes at least a year to get enough experience and knowledge to apply for paid money adviser positions.

You can search for volunteering opportunities through organisations like:

• Do IT
• NCVO
• rightsnet

It may be possible to apply directly to employers if you have the relevant skills and knowledge required for this role. It will be helpful to have experience in areas, such as:

• consumer advice
• welfare rights work
• advice roles with a local council, tenancy group or Jobcentre Plus
• debt recovery for a bank, utility company or similar organisation

You'll need a good standard of English and maths and a non-judgmental approach.

Your employer may offer you extra training in money advice after joining them.

You may be able to do a training course through the Chartered Institute of Credit Management . They have different levels of training, depending on your job role, duties and experience.

Career Tips

It could be helpful in some jobs if you speak a minority community language or have skills in British Sign Language.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Money Advisers for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can find out more about working in money advice from:

• AdviceUK
• Citizens Advice
• Money and Pensions Service
• rightsnet

As a money adviser, you could:

• talk to your clients about their financial situation
• look at a client's income and expenditure
• give tailored advice on the options available
• help clients budget for bills, arrears and day-to-day living costs
• help with benefits applications where clients are eligible
• explain options like bankruptcy and court processes, if appropriate
• keep accurate and confidential client records
• stay up to date with money and debt regulations
• refer people to other support agencies when required

You could work at a client's home, in the community, at a client's business or in a court.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.