Welfare Benefits Jobs

Are you passionate about empowering and supporting carers?

This is an exciting opportunity to work for a Queen’s Award winning charity supporting unpaid carers in the London borough of Redbridge.  You will give advice and information to carers and work closely with them to develop person centred support plans.  You will work within a Community Support Team to deliver peer support groups, wellbeing activities, advice surgeries, outreach and events across the borough.

If you have experience of 1-1 support work and of providing advice and information, particularly around welfare benefits, this could be the perfect role for you.  We are looking for someone with an understanding of carers issues and experience of working with people from diverse communities.  This is a varied and demanding role requiring good communication and time management skills and a common sense approach to helping others.  Your skills and experience will make a positive difference to the lives of carers and their families.

This is a part time 21 hour per week post mainly based in Ilford with some community outreach and home working.

Please read the Job Description/Person Specification before completing the application.

Failure to address the requirements of the Person Specification may result in applications not being shortlisted.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities 

1. Client Support 

●Carry out initial assessment of client needs to identify and plan the support needed to address issues and prevent any problems from escalating. 

●Provide casework level advice on welfare benefits, housing and financial issues as appropriate.

●Facilitate access, signpost and accompany clients to services or activities, in particular those with limited English. 

●Assist clients with other related problems or refer to other specialist organisations as appropriate. 

●Make follow up calls to provide moral and practical support as appropriate.

●Keep up-to-date with local service provision for appropriate signposting and referrals. 

●Maintain professional practice standards and regulatory requirements, including confidentiality, safeguarding and equality.

2. Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation 

●Work towards agreed outputs, outcomes and targets. 

●Provide written reports on work undertaken and other reports as required. 

●Ensure that all work conforms to systems and procedures of Respeito, partner organisations and funders. 

●Maintain accurate and up-to-date administration and caseload records, including records of meetings. 

●Liaise with therapist and other staff to arrange and coordinate counselling sessions with clients.

●Manage own workload, administration and diary commitments.

●Provide regular reports and updates to the line manager.

●Attend and participate in organisational meetings (e.g. with Board of Trustees) as appropriate.

3. Communications 

●Disseminate promotional materials through a range of channels and marketing tools. 

●Support the production of organisational reports and promotional materials. 

4. Training and development 

●Have a commitment to ongoing learning and development. 

●Keep up to date with policy and legal frameworks and procedures including: 

●data protection and confidentiality,

●safeguarding children and young people and vulnerable adults,

●health and safety,

●equality and diversity, 

●domestic abuse.

●Attend and participate in clinical supervision sessions.

●Attend and participate in supervision and team meetings. 

●Attend and participate in training opportunities as appropriate to maintain your professional knowledge and skills. 

From time to time, the needs of clients may change and the key tasks and responsibilities may need to be reviewed in discussion and agreement with the post holder. The post holder must always comply with the Data Protection, Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Safeguarding Policies of Respeito and partners. 

Person Specification 

The post holder should have a very good command of Portuguese and English, spoken and written, be committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives, have relevant experience in working with families and individuals with a range of needs, and knowledge of domestic abuse and the needs of those who experience it. 

1. Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge

●Educated to degree level or equivalent (A qualification in a relevant field such as Community Development, Social work, Domestic Abuse Advisor’ Law or Psychology is desirable). 

●At least two years’ experience of working with disadvantaged individuals and families, paid or voluntary work. 

●Experience in developing and delivering client centred services. 

●Experience of providing advice on housing and welfare.

●Knowledge of working in partnership with external stakeholders and the third sector. 

●Knowledge and understanding of domestic conflict, abuse and/or violence and its impact. 

2. Skills and Abilities 

●English and Portuguese to a professional level. 

●Ability to build positive relationships with the community, families and individuals.

●Effective written and oral communication skills. 

●Ability to negotiate positive outcomes for clients. 

●Active listening skills. 

●A positive, non-judgemental, empathetic and sensitive approach. 

●A commitment to strengths-based and trauma-informed ways of working.

●Ability to remain calm under pressure and when dealing with challenging or confrontational behaviour. 

●Ability to research, analyse and interpret complex information. 

●Good Information Technology and Communication (ITC) skills. 

●Good organisational and problem-solving skills. 

●Ability to manage time and work independently as well as part of a team. 

●Ability and willingness to travel to different locations across London. 

●Effective networking and interpersonal skills. 

£36,307 + 6% pension contribution

35  hours per week

Working closely with our Housing and Welfare Benefits Manager you will supervise advisors and volunteers, ensuring asylum seekers, refugees and migrants receive high quality housing and benefit advice. You will manage your own caseload, support the team to develop and contribute to our campaign work.

For more information, please refer to the job pack. To apply, please submit your CV and answer the application questions on Charity Job.

Deadline: 9am 24th June 2024

Interviews: Week commencing 1st July 2024

Who are we?

DIAL Barnsley is a local user-led organisation which, through the provision of advice and support, aims to address poverty and social exclusion for disabled people, their families and carers in the borough of Barnsley. Established in 1985 our services have developed to meet the needs of service users. We attribute the longevity and success of our organisation to our ethos which is to ‘See the person first’ 

We are a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. 

What do we do?

Our core advice services include:

• telephone information, advice and guidance

• regular face to face welfare benefit advice sessions in communities

• independent advocacy support for people wishing to make complaints about their health and social care 

• home visits and support to address fuel poverty/energy efficiency

The advice team is rare and unique as they are representative of the people they serve. Most of our paid advisors have long-term disabilities or health problems and personal experience of the financial and other barriers disabled people face each and every day. They are a shining example to the people they speak with on a daily basis and are truly inspirational.  Everyone’s attitude is down-to-earth but professional, knowledgeable, non-patronising and their commitment is unequalled.

The advice service is complimented by other enabling services focussing on people supporting each other:

• community support groups providing social contact and activities 

• digital peer support group for people to come together

• volunteer opportunities

Overview of the Role

As a Welfare Benefits Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in assisting individuals in making benefit claims and accessing the support they need. You will join a busy team that supports thousands of disabled people and carers across the borough and specifically provide a bespoke home visiting service to our most vulnerable clients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Benefit Claims Assistance:

   • Provide guidance and support to individuals in understanding their eligibility for various welfare benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Attendance Allowance.

   • Assist clients in completing benefit application forms accurately and efficiently.

   • Stay updated on changes to welfare benefit regulations and policies to provide accurate information to clients.

2. Home Visiting Service:

   • Conduct home visits to assess clients' needs and provide personalised support in accessing welfare benefits.

   • Develop tailored action plans in collaboration with clients to maximise their benefit entitlements and improve their financial stability.

3. Client Empowerment and Education:

   • Empower clients through education about their rights and responsibilities within the benefits system.

4. Working within our Team

• Liaise with colleagues in order to provide the best possible advice to all clients

• Attend team meetings

• Undertake appropriate training

• Work with our Communications Lead to share the impact of the service

Knowsley Carers Centre, a network partner of the Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice, and a voice for carers living and caring in the Borough of Knowsley.

Knowsley Carers Centre is a growing charity, established in ~October 1997 to support the borough's 16000 unpaid/family carers.

A highly motivated and experienced person is required to prove welfare benefits advice to unpaid carers.

Proven experience of the sector and an understanding of unpaid carers’ issues are essential along with the ability to work independently.

Location: Predominantly based in Kirkby but will be part of the team at Knowsley Carers Centre and will be expected to spend some time at other venues across Knowsley.

Job Purpose: To find and assist Carers and Young Carers Families in Knowsley by providing welfare benefits advice, accessible information through advice and support, drop-in sessions, home visiting and a variety of other methods highlighted by Carers in Knowsley.

Duties and Responsibilities

Welfare Benefits

1)Provide casework covering the full range of welfare benefits.

2)Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.

3)Negotiate with third parties as appropriate.

4)Ensure income maximisation through the take up of appropriate benefits.

5)Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate.

6)Make home/outreach visits as necessary.

7)Provide advice and assistance to other staff across the whole range of issues.

8)Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

9)Ensure that all work conforms to the organisations systems and procedures.

10)Keep up to date with legislation.

11)Attend relevant internal and external meetings.

12)Use IT for statistical recording and record keeping

13)Maintain close liaison with relevant external organisations

Information and Support

1) Identify hidden Carers and provide them with high quality information, advice and support.  This will include:

a)Answering enquiries about available services, and other organisations of interest to Carers

b)Sending Carers appropriate leaflets and application forms.

c)Referring Carers for carers’ assessment

d)Providing an empathetic and supportive ear to Carers about the difficulties they may be experiencing.

e)To signpost carers to relevant voluntary and statutory organisations.

2) Keep up-to-date with services, and organisations relevant to Carers.

3) To promote the work of the organisation by use of media, talks, presentations, displays etc.

4) Make links with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations.

Casework/Individual Support

1) Work on behalf of Carers both by phone and in writing to help them to obtain the services they need.

2) Attend meetings, case conferences, complaints procedures etc. as necessary to support individual Carers.

3) Make home-visits as necessary to carry out this aspect of the work and initial support to new carers via home visit. 

4) Liaise with other advice/advocacy organisations to develop and maintain referral systems.

Administration and Monitoring

1) Produce statistics and other monitoring reports to the management

2) To be primarily self-servicing including word processing letters, keeping appropriate records of work undertaken, write reports and complete monitoring forms. 

3)      To enter information on to the database.  

General Tasks

1) To work as part of a team contributing to the smooth and effective running of Knowsley Carers Centre.

3) To produce articles for the Carers Centre newsletter and to distribute

 to establishments around Knowsley.

4) To attend and actively participate in regular supervision, team meetings and annual appraisal sessions.

5) To undertake relevant training and staff development activities as required.

6) To undertake occasional evening/weekend work where necessary.

7) To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Centre Manager.

8) All employees are expected to read and abide by the organisations policies and procedures.

Benefits of working for Knowsley Carers Centre:

22 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (pro rata)

Bonus 3 days of annual leave per year over the festive period (subject to Trustee approval)

6% Workplace Pension Scheme with The Pensions Trust

A fantastic Disability charity based in Camden are looking for a highly motivated Generalist Advisor (Welfare Benefits).

Salary: £32,000 - £36,000 (dependant on experience)

Location: London Borough of Camden. Hybrid working considered for the right candidate.  

As Generalist Advisor (Welfare Benefits), you will work in a holistic way, managing and holding complex cases and advocating for clients across statutory services, specialist advice partners and community organisations.

The successful candidate will have 2 years' recent experience in a welfare rights advice role and up to date knowledge of welfare benefits especially relating to Disabled adults and young Disabled people and their families. You will also need a basic understanding of housing, social care and independent living issues as they impact on Disabled people and a willingness to seek further training in this area. 

If you’re interested in hearing more, please do get in touch ASAP for the full job pack.

 Please note, CVS are being reviewed on a rolling basis and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

The Mulberry Centre’s vision is to be known and respected by everyone living or working within reach of our services who may become affected by cancer.All the services at The Mulberry Centre are geared towards supporting the physical and emotional needs of someone following a cancer diagnosis or at end of life, including their carers, families and friends who also might have to stop working to look after them. It can be difficult to know where to start and what you are entitled to, but we are here to help them every step of the way. To assist us in this endeavour, we are looking for an experienced full-time Welfare and Benefits Information Lead.  You will assist clients in claiming welfare benefits, grants, and any financial aid that may be available to them. This includes informing them of any financial help available, supporting them with applications and following up on claim as necessary.  Where anyone has been given an end of life diagnosis you will be required to start the application on their behalf. In addition, you will also conduct financial wellbeing assessments in the community and schedule one-on-one application completion consultations with individuals who request your assistance.

This vital role will suit an enthusiastic and dynamic person who has excellent communication skills, being able to deal with complex matters effectively both verbally and in writing.  You will need to understand the issues involved in interviewing people within a time defined period. The ideal applicant will have emotional resilience to deal with people who have experienced cancer or bereavement. An empathetic and compassionate approach is important.  The Welfare Benefits Information Lead will be at the forefront of our client-based services and need to be self-motivated and have a positive and flexible attitude.

The Humane Slaughter Association is a unique charity which promotes the welfare of farmed animals ‘Beyond the Farm Gate’; at markets, during transport, at slaughter, and when animals must be killed in emergencies.

Our vision is of a world where all farmed animals are transported and killed humanely and our mission is to research, advance and promote the use of humane methods for the transport, slaughter and killing of farmed animals.

We do this by offering practical advice, education, ad training to all those involved in transport, slaughter, or emergency killing of livestock animals, as well as by funding scientific research to develop more humane approaches. Although we are based in the UK, the charity is international and works worldwide.

Technical Officer – welfare assessment

The postholder for this role will become a key part of the HSA welfare assessment and training team. The team regularly undertakes welfare assessments of abattoirs, livestock markets and transport facilities to provide advice and training to ensure high standards of animal welfare. We also provide in-person training in humane slaughter and transport to those working in the industry, as well as regulators, other NGOs, staff from farm assurance schemes and others involved in the industry. Participating in agricultural shows and industry events, sharing our knowledge and advocating for humane slaughter and transport with key stakeholders are also central to our activities. HSA conferences are also an important way in which we disseminate the latest animal welfare information.

The postholder will work with the small expert team at the HSA, using their expertise to deliver welfare assessments and training, provide expert advice and organise our external activities.

Key Skills, Qualifications and Attributes

Essential

· A degree in agriculture, life science, veterinary medicine (or a related field) or equivalent professional experience.

· An understanding of the basic principles of animal welfare at slaughter.

· Comfortable working with and producing material which describes the slaughter process in detail.

· Comfortable working in abattoirs and livestock facilities.

· A diplomatic approach to dealing with controversial issues in animal welfare.

· Willingness to obtain a slaughter licence.

· A demonstrable ability to summarise complex information for a range of audiences with different levels of technical expertise.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Strong IT skills ideally including experience with MS Office and SharePoint.

· Ability to work to targets, with excellent organisational skills.

· Team player, but comfortable working alone when necessary.

· Willingness to travel extensively around the UK and further afield to undertake assessments or provide training.

Desirable

· Expertise in animal welfare at slaughter and/or during transport (this expertise could have been gained though working with the livestock industry or as an educator, veterinarian, animal welfare researcher, regulator, or policymaker). 

· A postgraduate qualification, ideally in animal welfare or a related area.

· Experience of animal welfare assessment or audit.

· Understanding of the laws and regulations relating to the welfare of animals (in the UK and/or elsewhere) undergoing transport and slaughter.

· Expertise in the welfare of farmed or wild-caught aquatic animals.

· Experience of using social media including Twitter/X, LinkedIn and/or YouTube to deliver animal welfare or technical information.

· Experience of event organisation.

Personal Attributes

The candidate must be comfortable with the charity’s approach to animal welfare which includes co-operation with the livestock and slaughter industries. Whilst the HSA wishes to ensure the highest standards of welfare for animals farmed for food or other products, it does not oppose the slaughter of animals per se. Candidates must be comfortable working within the livestock industry and other key stakeholders whilst striving to ensure the humane treatment of animals undergoing transport or slaughter.

Job Benefits

Payscale: £30,493 – 41,737 (depending on experience and qualifications) Plus London weighting, where applicable.

Contract Type: Permanent/full-time, subject to a satisfactory probationary period. Part-time and flexible working arrangements may be possible.

Location: Office-based or remote (within the UK) according to the wishes of the applicant. The HSA offices are currently based in Hertfordshire, UK.  The postholder will need to travel to meetings around the UK and occasionally overseas.

Contributory pension scheme (inc. Employer’s pension contribution of 8% of gross salary).

25 days paid holiday per year (allowance increases with length of service), plus statutory holidays.

Excellent training opportunities.

Eligibility

Because the charity is based in the UK, you must be legally entitled to work and reside in the UK. The successful candidate will be expected to reside in the UK whilst employed by the charity.

Candidates should hold a UK driving licence or other licence which allows them to drive in the UK.

Please note, that if you wish to work from home, we require a reliable internet connection with a minimum 10Mb/s broadband.

To Apply

Please submit a letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) describing how you meet the person specification and explaining your motivation for wanting to work with us, alongside a comprehensive CV.
Please also specify your current remuneration details and notice period and include the names of two referees (including your current or most recent employer) who may be contacted if you are offered the position. We will not contact referees without your permission.

Closing Date for applications is Midnight (GMT) Friday 7 June 2024

We would be grateful if you would also complete a diversity monitoring form – this will be sent to you once we receive your application and can be returned anonymously. The answers provided on this form play no role in the shortlisting of candidates.

Selection Process

We plan to hold initial online screening interviews will be held in the week commencing: 17 June 2024, with shortlisted candidates invited to an in-person interview at our offices in Hertfordshire in the week commencing 24June 2024.

Please let us know if you require any special arrangements should you be invited to interview.

Employment Checks

All offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria:

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK, Proof of Residency, names and contact details of two referees including your current (or most recent) employer.

For any further information or for an informal discussion about the position please contact us.

The HSA requests no contact from employment agencies or media sales.

Humane Slaughter Association (HSA)

The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, AL4 8AN, United Kingdom

Registered Charity in England No 1159690: Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Crisis Navigator

Closing date for applications 23:59 hours on 9th June 2024

Salary: Up to £37,300 per annum (depending on experience)

To apply visit our wesbite for application instructions

The successful candidate must:

• Be a qualified as a Solicitor (England & Wales)
• Have at least 3 years’ experience and expert knowledge of specialist welfare benefits casework
• Be able to:

- support complex cases requiring representation at Appeals Court or Tribunals

- develop and deliver outreach activities to increase the reach of the service

The purpose of this role is to offer an information, advice, and casework service on a range of cost-of-living issues for disabled people with complex needs. The post-holder will also deliver training on welfare benefits to other organisations and their helpline staff. You will be responsible for ensuring the service is delivered to the highest standard, accessible, and quality assured.

You will provide a person-centred information, advice, and casework to disabled people with complex needs on cost-of-living support, welfare benefits and to access small grants.

As the lead welfare benefits worker within the organisation, you will work with relevant staff and organisations to provide an accessible welfare benefits service, across the borough, with flexible hours and access routes to meet the needs of the client base i.e., internet, phone, email.

Working with the User Involvement Officer, you will ensure the service is user-led and people with complex needs are supported to be involved in the development of the project.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the ‘Apply’ button.

Closing date: 12.00pm on Friday 24th May 2024.

You will be working from the Haverfordwest Office, as well as being home based, and travel throughout Pembrokeshire is essential.

Salary: Band DP3 £23,050 – £24,670 depending on experience

Hours: 35hrs per week full time, and job share will be considered

We are looking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic, hard-working experienced Information & Advice Officer to join our organisation.

You will be committed to providing up-to-date information and advice to older people and their carers in outreach locations, via telephone, online and face to face. Working to approved quality standards, you will be responsible for the effective delivery of providing advice covering a range of topics including (but not exclusively); Welfare Benefits, Housing, Social Care and local services. Experience of delivering Welfare Benefits Advice is required.

Closing date: There is no formal closing date. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled. If you are interested, please therefore apply as soon as possible.

Interviews: To be confirmed – via Microsoft Teams

This is fixed term contract funded initially until November 30th 2024 and subject to review and funding thereafter.

CISWO is a national charity whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals and communities facing disadvantage due to the impact of the coal mining industry.

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Social Worker to be based in our office in Pontefract to lead the service delivery within the Yorkshire and North East region, managing a team of office based and home based Social Work Assistants providing advice and support to former miners and their dependents.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong social work background with experience of managing a team in a social care setting and supporting older people and / or people with disabilities.

As Senior Social Worker, you will:

• Lead and manage the team to provide a high quality, professional, outcomes focused service for our client group.
• Manage a small caseload of clients when necessary, including carrying out high quality assessments and providing a range of appropriate interventions based on the needs of the clients.
• Act as the safeguarding lead for the region, supporting team members to take appropriate action as required.
• Drive service performance and improvement and ensure the effective management of casework across the team.
• Manage the delivery of a range of interventions including welfare benefits advice, mobility support, social isolation, and financial issues.
• Promote the service locally and develop partnerships with other agencies to ensure an integrated and multidisciplinary approach.

The essential qualities, skills and experience you will need to apply for this role:

• A degree in social work or equivalent social work qualification and current professional registration
• Experience of community based social care services with experience of delivery with older people and / or disability services
• Experience of leading / managing a team with the ability to manage & effectively prioritise caseloads
• Knowledge and understanding of the values and principles underpinning working with vulnerable adults and their carers within the community setting,
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and good practice, particularly in relation to older people, mental health and disability
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with good judgement and logical decision making ability
• A valid driving licence and access to own vehicle

Benefits Package:

• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension
• Westfield healthcare
• Opportunities for career development and progression

This role will require a satisfactory DBS check.

Hours: 37 hours 

Location:The post holder will work primarily from Whitehawk and/ Hollingdean Food banks, as well as CABH offices in Hove.

Contract: Fixed term until September 2025 with possibility of extension

Application deadline: 5th June 2024 at 9am

Expected interview date: 12th June 2024 

Job outline:

Citizens Advice Brighton & Hove is seeking a dedicated adviser to establish and deliver our outreach project with Trussell Trust Partners Whitehawk and Hollingdean food banks.  The postholder will be primarily based within the two food banks providing drop in services and one-to-one one-to-one appointments for advice on income maximisation. They will need to deliver services in line with funder requirements, maintain our high quality of advice and make sure clients get the best advice and outcomes available.

We are looking for an experienced benefits adviser with a commitment to tackling food poverty. The ideal candidate will also be trained to deliver full debt casework to FCA standards. We will provide training to fully equip the adviser to deliver high quality advice and casework, as well as an ongoing focus on continual professional development.

For more details about this rewarding opportunity and how to apply, please read the full job information pack, application form and guidance notes on our website via the apply button.

Appointment to this role will be subject to successful references and a  basic DBS check. 

Reporting to: Head of Finance and Resources

Responsible for:  None

Hours: 36 hours per week (9am-5pm)

Location: The main place of work will be: Orchard House and other locations from time to time.

Mind in Croydon is a charity concerned with the welfare of people with mental health problems living in the London Borough of Croydon and the surrounding areas. It provides a range of

support services in Advocacy, Welfare Benefits, Social Networks, Therapeutic Services, Health and Wellbeing, Social Inclusion, Activities and Information.

Purpose of the role:

The Facilities Officer role is pivotal in overseeing and managing property operations within the UK market. This position is designed to ensure the efficient utilization of properties, adherence to Health and Safety (H&S) regulations, and optimization of net income generated by investment properties. The key objectives of the role align with UK-specific property management and compliance standards.

Mind in Croydon is an equal opportunities employer. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We encourage applications from those with Lived Experience.

To apply please send your CV and a Covering Letter explaining:

• Why would you like to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the job description?
• What value you can add to the service?