An advice worker offers general and specific counsel to clients on a variety of topics. Advice may be given on welfare, debt management, employment services, mental health, immigration, and overcoming handicaps. This type of position is common in the UK, and is frequently employed by charitable organizations. Individuals in need may contact an adviser by telephone, email, or through arranging a meeting in person.
The information given by an advice worker may be general or specific, depending on the needs of the client. General advice categories may include managing financial debt, securing a bank loan, or choosing a course of education. More in depth topical issues, such as drug addiction, rehabilitation, immigration and homelessness, are often handled by specialists. These advice specialists pursue additional training and certification in one specific area, and only provide counsel to individuals facing that particular difficulty. In the US, this type of specialty advisory position is known as a social worker.
In both general and advanced areas of need, an advice worker helps his client through every step of the decision making process. He typically begins by researching the situation the client is facing. This can include interviewing other individuals involved in the situation, mediating between the client and those individuals, and constructing different solutions to the problem from which the client may choose. The counselor may, on occasion, choose to refer his client to outside assistance, when appropriate. This can become necessary in situations where the client has violated the law, or is confronting another party who has done so, and is in need of legal representation.
An advice worker may also be asked to perform duties outside of the office for the betterment of his clients. Mental health counselors often organize outdoor recreational events for their clients that incorporate physical activity with family bonding. They may also encourage handicapped adults in the development of hobbies through attending workshops together and purchasing supplies. Through these types of interactions, the adviser can gradually build the confidence of his clients and teaches them growing independence.
Job opportunities for an advice worker are available from national charity bureaus and from private advising firms. Charitable positions are typically paid by donor support and charitable giving, and any individual may seek advice from a local branch for free. Some branches also accept part time advisers on a voluntary basis. Private advising positions are paid by the employing company, and tend to focus on one specific area of need, such as financial debt relief or legal council. Clients must pay a consultation fee, and depending on the nature of the issue at hand, may also be required to pay the accrued expenses of the adviser assigned to the case.
