Vacancy for a Debt Coach for the CAP Thurrock Debt Centre

Christian Against Poverty (‘CAP’) in Thurrock is seeking to appoint a Debt Coach (‘DC’) on a voluntary basis from June 2022, or as soon as possible afterwards.

The minimum time commitment is eight hours per week, comprising two sessions of four consecutive hours, with at least one session being within normal working hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

An Occupational Requirement exists for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance

with the Equality Act 2010

Why the Vacancy?

Over the last two years (coinciding with the COVID pandemic), the number of people in debt nationally and in Thurrock has risen considerably.  The demand for CAP’s debt services has therefore risen correspondingly and we now require a DC to assist the Debt Centre Manger (‘DCM’) in helping to meet this additional need.

There is therefore a vacancy for a new DC role, and we invite applications from suitably committed and qualified local Christians.  You do not need to live within Thurrock, but you will need to live fairly locally and be able to drive a car throughout the Borough.

How the Thurrock Debt Centre Operates

Thurrock Christian Fellowship is the lead church that partners with CAP in overseeing Thurrock’s Debt Centre, and it wishes to continue the good work that the Debt Centre is doing for poor people and all those in debt in Thurrock, as seamlessly as possible.  The Debt Centre is administered by a CAP Debt Centre Manager, and the DC will work under his/her supervision.

The role of DC is outlined in detail here: CAP – Role of Debt Centre Coach .

How is a DC Appointed and What Qualities does CAP look for?

CAP centrally approves and trains applicants for DC posts, and applicants have to be fully in agreement with CAP’s CAP – Statement of Faith  and  CAP – Cultural Values .

No detailed financial skills or experience are required from the outset, since CAP will provide all the training necessary; CAP does, however, expect applicants to have a compassionate heart for the poor and a good commitment to the Gospel.

Therefore, the applicant must be a committed Christian and a regular member of a local church since a significant part of the role includes praying for clients and aiming to introduce them to Jesus.  Satisfactory references must be provided from their church leader, relating to their spiritual and personal suitability before an appointment can be made or training can begin.

Finances and Key Dates

Thurrock CAP Debt Centre is offering this vacancy as a volunteer ministry (unpaid) role, but with travelling-, and other agreed, expenses reimbursed. 

If the selected applicant needs personal financial support, then it will be their own responsibility to seek this either from the churches or by making grant applications.

The official closing date for CAP centrally to receive an application form is 1st April 2022, for the role to begin on 10th June.  This allows for the necessary training to occur prior to the start date.  Such training will either be online or involve a few days spent at CAP Head Office in Bradford.

Once in post, the DC is accountable directly to the DCM, and also to both the CAP Area Manager and to the TCF Leadership who oversee the Thurrock CAP Debt Centre.  There is an expectation that the successful applicant would commit to spending at least two years in post.

If You Are Interested?

Stage One:  Contact Andy Acreman (Chairman of Trustees, Thurrock Christian Fellowship) by email on andrew.acreman@gmail.com by the closing data of Friday 17th March 2022 (and ideally even earlier).  This email will represent an informal application that enables TCF to evaluate your candidacy, with a view to recommending the preferred applicant(s) to CAP.  Please explain why you have applied for the role, and how you believe that you can satisfy the criteria in this advertisement. 

Stage Two:  CAP’s Selection Team will then send out the formal application forms and will request a reference from your church leader.  Once completed, you will be called for interview – either online or at a regional CAP Centre.  After the interview, applicants are notified on the day if they have been successful or not.