Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Welfare Rights Officer to provide free form filling services and benefits advice to disabled and older people and their carers. This role involves offering practical support, guidance, and advocacy to help clients navigate the often-complex welfare system, ensuring they receive all the benefits they are entitled to.
Key Responsibilities:
- Free Form Filling Services: Assist disabled and older people and their carers in completing welfare and benefits application forms, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Provide support in filling out forms for disability benefits, pensions, housing benefits, and other financial support.
- Benefits Advice: Provide clear and accurate advice on a range of welfare benefits and entitlements available to disabled and older people. This includes understanding eligibility, how to claim, and the types of support available (e.g., PIP, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance).
- Individualised Support: Offer tailored advice to clients based on their specific needs and circumstances. Support individuals in understanding their rights, guiding them through the process of applying for or appealing welfare decisions.
- Advocacy and Representation: Where appropriate, represent clients at appeals or tribunals regarding welfare decisions, working in collaboration with other agencies and where necessary legal advisors to ensure the best outcome.
- Information and Signposting: Provide information about additional services, local resources, and community support available for disabled and older people. Help clients access other essential services (e.g., social care, housing, and legal support).
- Maintaining Records: Keep accurate records of client interactions, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations. Update client information and case progress regularly.
- Collaboration: Work closely with local councils, health and social care providers, charities, and other welfare support organizations to ensure a holistic service for clients.
The particular duties and responsibilities of this post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility involved.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience working with disabled and older people.
- Knowledge or personal experience of the benefits system, including entitlements for disabled people, elderly individuals, and those with complex needs.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex information in a clear and compassionate manner.
- Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
- Empathy, patience, and the ability to work sensitively with vulnerable individuals.
- Organisational skills, including case management and maintaining accurate records.
- Excellent IT and telephone skills.
- Excellent research skills and the ability to source information.
- Understanding of the social and medical models of disability.
Desirable:
- BSL Qualification.
- Experience working in a welfare rights or advocacy.
- Familiarity with local welfare services and community-based resources.
- Experience in representing clients.
- A relevant qualification in welfare rights, social care, or similar fields is advantageous.
- Understanding of form-filling processes and legal implications of benefits applications.
- Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply
Personal Attributes:
- Compassionate and non-judgmental approach to clients.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing client needs.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness.
Working Conditions:
- Working hours may vary depending on client needs and service delivery requirements such as tribunals or appeals. Generally, your working hours would remain the same each week.
- Some community working options may be available, with travel to clients' homes or community centres as required.
This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your organisational skills will be valued. If you are a proactive individual with a passion for administrative tasks and supporting people, we encourage you to apply.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,500.00-£25,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Life insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/08/2025
Reference ID: WR1993
