Benefits Advisor Jobs
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
Knowsley Carers Centre aims to make a positive impact on the lives of any adult who lives in the Borough of Knowsley, who provides a caring role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about supporting people and making a real difference within your community? We are looking for a motivated and passionate self-starter who is confident that they can support individuals back to employment.
As an Employment Adviser, you will play a vital role in helping autistic adults and people with learning disabilities to find meaningful and fulfilling employment. You’ll be joining an established horticultural project, Roots and Shoots, in Rochford, Essex and starting up a new project to use the training opportunities that Roots and Shoots offers as a conduit for helping people learn the skills to achieve paid work.
We welcome applications from all experience levels and backgrounds, you do not need experience in the learning disability sector to apply. What you will need is the ability to motivate and build relationships with clients, strong organisational skills, the confidence to communicate and engage with a range of employers and stakeholders and a fundamental belief that anyone who wants to work can work.
Main job duties:
- Supporting and motivating individuals with to access and sustain paid employment
- Regularly meeting with participants to listen, offer support and help them identify their best job match, reflecting their skills and aspirations
- Supporting participants through CV production, interview techniques and managing their health at work
- Building relationships with community partners including local GP practices, Social Prescribers, Job Centres and other charities to gain referrals to the project
- Advocating for your participants by educating and engaging with employers regarding the benefits of recruiting autistic people and people with learning disabilities
- Sourcing job opportunities for your participants through regular contact with local employers within the community
- Promoting employment and raising expectations around the ability of participants to access paid employment, breaking down the barriers for them
Who are we looking for?
You will need to be supportive and empathetic with great communication and listening skills. Also, the ability to initiate and develop relationships with individuals and be able to engage employers using a variety of methods including phone or face-to-face in the community, alongside having excellent time management and organisational skills.
We are actively interested in individuals who have experience in roles in at least one of the following areas; coaching, mentoring, recruitment, training, human resources, pastoral support or education.
Finally, you will be passionate, self-motivated, and ready to make a difference to the lives of the adults you are working with.
Hamelin Trust has a duty to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of its service users and is committed to doing so. Hamelin Trust expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure & other safeguarding clearance.
Creating compassionate communities for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have demonstrable experience of giving money and budgeting advice or support in a student facing environment or financial services setting? Do you have an understanding of issues facing students in Higher Education?
We are recruiting for a specialist Money & Budgeting Advisor into our Advice Service to provide money, budgeting and debt advice to our members, oversee the application processes for our expanded hardship funds and to run our new financial literacy programme. This role will work alongside another Money & Budgeting Advisor and with our wider Advice & Wellbeing team, supporting each other to achieve positive outcomes for our students. The post holder will provide accurate finance, debt and budgeting advice and information to students using the Advice Service including casework, support and advocacy.
We are a registered charity employing over 100 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.
It's an exciting time our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.
We support flexible working, with hybrid working for all staff.
Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work.
This role is a fixed term maternity cover role for 9 months (with possible extension).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As Human Resources Advisor you'll be joining a small, friendly and supportive HR team providing advice and support to managers and staff across the full range of employee life-cycle activities. This is an additional role providing HR advice and support, primarily for our Key Project at Marylebone. Our Key Projects are at the heart of our Church Army vision and seek to bring transformation to the lives of those they work with.
Around half of our staff work within our Key Projects, so the HR Advisor will be lead for HR advice and support for these colleagues. They will play a key role in developing and strengthening the relationship between the projects and HR and ensure we deliver an effective HR service to the projects which is aligned with the service to the wider organisation. The post holder will work closely with each of the Key Project Leaders in making sure the Christian ethos and values of Church Army are part of the culture and practice of the projects.
The role suits someone who is a HR generalist with strong knowledge of the key HR practices including recruitment and retention, employee relations and development and training. The ideal candidate will be experienced in working in HR and hold a related qualification such as CIPD.
This role sits within our Co.Lab team which refers to the team of people whose roles have an operational focus on facilitating the work of CA across the UK and Ireland. The team come together at regular times over the year to develop connection, collaboration and community to help us better serve the wider Church Army community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us:
The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.
We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.
We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping.
Purpose of the role:
The purpose of the role is to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the legal work is on non-legal aid funded matters, supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support. There will be particular focus on working with people who are facing a crisis, providing legal representation and support that will take them out of destitution.
This is a vacant position being filled as a replacement. The role gives an opportunity to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The focus of the role is on supporting people who otherwise have no access to legal advice and support.
We will primarily consider applications with relevant legal experience. Qualifications needed are OISC level 2/3 or Solicitor with IAAS accreditation.
Relationships: This post will report to the Rough Sleeping Casework Manager
Contract duration: Fixed term until 31 March 2025
Hours of work: The role is primarily a full-time position, requiring 37.5 hours per week. However, for the right candidate, we may consider accommodating part-time working hours. Given the nature of RAMFEL’s work, there may be instances where the Supervisor will need to exceed the standard hours. In such cases, compensatory time off can be arranged with the line manager
Specific Responsibilities
Case management
- Manage own caseload, working to advance the best interests of the client
- Adhere to standards set out by OISC/SRA and AQS to deliver high-quality advice
- Provide representation and advice up to OISC level 2/3.
- Engage with the Line Manager to create and follow a training plan to ensure compliance with OISC CPD, keeping up to date with changes in law, policy and guidance to ensure clients receive accurate and high-quality advice
- Liaise directly with the UKVI and related governmental agencies
- Complete forms, letters and immigration applications
- Liaise with and refer clients to Legal Aid Solicitors or other advisers, as appropriate
- Manage clients’ expectations by discussing deadlines, outcomes and timing
- Deliver legal advice outreach surgeries/drop in as and when required
- Progress cases in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements.
- Implement organisational priorities into day-to-day casework.
Person Specification
Education/qualifications
- Ideally candidates must be Solicitors with IAAS Level 2 with at least 1-year immigration experience or OISC level 2/3 qualified
- If OISC level 1, the candidate will be expected to initially work under supervision completing level 2 work and qualifying at level 2 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated.) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.
- IAAS level 2 caseworkers (non-solicitor) will be considered but if appointed must be prepared to work under supervision and qualify at level 1 within 6 months. (Training is provided and study leave is accommodated) Upon obtaining a higher level of accreditation, the candidate’s salary will increase in line with RAMFEL pay scales.
Experience/knowledge
- Experience in providing high-quality advice and representation to clients
- A good understanding of law and policy as it relates to immigration and asylum
- Experience in professional, independent, and impartial service delivery to the public
- Experience in maintaining a caseload of cases in line with OISC requirements in relation to the conduct of cases, file management and supervision
- Knowledge of and empathy with the backgrounds and experiences of asylum seekers, rough sleepers and vulnerable migrants
- Experience in using client databases
- Experience working with interpreters supporting clients with complex matters
Application process
We will only be shortlisting candidates who have submitted a CV and a cover letter explaining why they are applying for the role.
The interview consists of an interview, followed by a written exercise (45 min).
Interviews will take place during the week beginning 20th May 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About The Connection at St Martin’s
We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover, helping them build on their strengths, and supporting them to find their own way home. Help us make London a city where no one sleeps rough on our streets.
London’s diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome the opportunity to consider flexible working arrangements.
About the Role
- You will have substantive experience in providing immigration advice and casework, with the relevant Level 2 OISC qualification (or OISC level 1 working towards Level 2). Please note only candidates with the relevant OISC qualification and legal experience will be considered.
- You will be part of a specialist team that provides a migration service within a centre for people experiencing homelessness and interconnecting needs.
- You will have experience of working jointly with other agencies and building strong, effective partnerships internally and externally.
Full job description can be found on our website.
Salary: £36,159
Closing Date: Sunday 19th May
Interview Date: Friday 24th May
Our Benefits
· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
· Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget
· Enhanced Sick Pay Policy
· Enhanced family friendly policies
· Day off for moving house
· Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)
· Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee
· Cycle to Work Scheme
· Season Ticket Loan
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Reward Gateway (access to discount vouchers and cashback at the UK’s favourite retailers)
We are a London Living Wage employer
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, our goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. Our impact across policy, campaigning, information and advice, grant-making and partnerships improves lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence in wider areas of life. We want to find talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.
Responsibilities and Person Specification:
This role is an integral part of the day-to-day delivery of our Advice and Support Service, which has been re-shaped and is due to go live in the summer of 2024. The service is targeted at older people in or facing financial hardship, and provides information, advice and follow up support relating to a range of issues, including Welfare Benefits, Social Care and Housing.
As a Adviser (Housing and Welfare Benefits) you will be responsible for providing specialist support to older people, their families and carers through our advice service with their enquiries relating to housing and welfare benefits as well as providing generalist level support on a range of issues through our duty service.
You should you should have in depth, specialist level knowledge of Housing or Welfare Benefits (ideally both) as they relate to older people, experience of working within an high volume advice setting and advice supervision framework such as the AQS framework.
For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.
This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 28 hours per week.
What it’s like to work at Independent Age:
We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.
We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.
We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.
You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age by visiting our website.
Salary information:
Hybrid working in London: £32,682 per year, increasing to £33,600 after 6 months and £34,493 after 12 months Pro-rata if part-time
Homebased (with regular travel to London): £29,453 per year, increasing to £30,267 after 6 months and £31,054 after 12 months. Pro-rata if part-time.
Application Process:
To apply, please sit our website to submit via CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by clicking the Apply Online button below (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).
To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.
Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role.
Closing Date: 6th May
Interview Dates:
First Round: 15th or 16th May, Second Round: 22nd May
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Policy Advisors to join our dynamic and well-respected Policy and Public Affairs Team.
We want to ensure people affected by dementia benefit from progress in research, by providing evidence and insights to influence decision-makers. This ranges from making the case to increase investment in dementia research, making the case for earlier, more accurate diagnosis of the diseases that cause dementia, through to preparing health systems and to be ready for future dementia treatments.
We work closely with key stakeholders, including government and other decision makers, to shape policy on dementia prevention, research, and access to future treatments.
At a historic time in the field, with the first drugs that tackle Alzheimer’s becoming available, this is a fantastic opportunity for the post-holder to develop specialist knowledge, working closely with the Policy Manager, and to contribute to significant projects that can change the future of dementia.
We are offering two permanent, full-time positions with a focus on; early and accurate diagnosis and clinical engagement and health systems.
Each role will require weekly attendance at our offices on Granta Park near Cambridge, with occasional travel to meetings and events in London and other locations.
Main duties and responsibilities of the role:
· Develop and maintain up to date and detailed knowledge of the policy landscape for a given policy area to position Alzheimer’s Research UK as a thought leader and enable us to effect positive change.
· Proactively identify and develop opportunities to engage with relevant stakeholders.
· Co-ordinate and manage assigned projects within the policy team.
· Gather and synthesise necessary evidence, including statistical information, health policies, and scientific outputs to develop insights, working with colleagues across the organisation as appropriate.
· Use insights to develop a range of outputs, such as scoping activities, briefing documents, literature reviews, reports, summaries and presentations for internal and external audiences.
· Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders to help shape, deliver and influence the outputs of the projects, ensuring ongoing good communication with key stakeholders.
· Use public and patient involvement approaches to support insight development as appropriate.
· Analyse, interpret and present data using both quantitative and qualitative techniques as appropriate.
· Contribute to a range of submissions to government departments and their agencies, parliamentary committees, and other UK and international organisations as appropriate.
· Help develop and roll-out influencing and project ideas with key audiences that deliver against Alzheimer’s Research UK’s policy objectives.
· Support the work of Public Affairs colleagues to strengthen existing and emerging relationships with political and other parliamentary stakeholders. This will include helping to draft parliamentary questions, promoting tweets, sharing insight across and beyond the team.
Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Policy Manager in line with the responsibilities of the post.
What we are looking for:
· Understanding of policy influencing approaches and processes.
· An analytical and evidence-based approach, with the ability to identify and solve a range of problems with minimal guidance.
· Ability to write professionally, with the skills to adapt communications for different audiences.
· Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
· Ability to analyse and interpret complex data to identify key messages.
· Ability to manage a broad programme of work with multiple projects and to balance competing priorities.
· Excellent and adaptable personal communication skills, with the ability to communicate and engage with people at all levels, in a range of face to face and online settings.
· Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a changing workload.
· Diplomacy and influencing skills.
· Experience of building constructive relationships with stakeholders across multiple organisations, especially within a health or research policy setting.
· A passionate, proactive, and curious approach.
· Professional and hard-working team player.
· Able to remain calm under pressure.
· Able to show initiative and adaptability in a complex and changing policy environment.
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £29,000 per annum, plus benefits.
Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 12th May 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 20th May 2024. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
How to apply:
Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment System which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV and covering letter to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK:
Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.
In 2022, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement and were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:
• 48th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.
• 19th in the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.
• 3rd in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.
In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.
In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.
In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge.
ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.
To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The HR team is helping to steer the organisation through ongoing change and you will be joining an enthusiastic, ambitious, sociable, and professional team.
At Simon Community NI our vision is of a society where everyone has a home. Our clients are at the heart of what we do, and last year we supported over 600 people daily who were either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Our staff are crucial to making this happen.
This is a superb opportunity for someone with previous experience of providing HR support and advice to managers on all employment and HR related matters. You will hold CIPD Associate Membership (or be actively working towards this), with at least 1 one year’s experience in handling HR policies, procedures and processes relating to employee relations, end-to-end recruitment, onboarding, grievance and disciplinary cases and absence management.
To be successful in the role you will positively respond to change, be adaptable, work well within a team and know how to effectively resolve conflict.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to join the Merton Team working 37.5 hours a week. This role involves both face to face and virtual support in a hybrid model of working, you will work from home and be co-located in the Housing department at Merton Civic Centre.
Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?
Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?
If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…
What we offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
- Clinical supervision and group reflective practice
About the role:
This role is a hybrid working role based in the Housing department, Merton Civic Centre.
As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:
- Implement effective ways of working with victims and those supporting them to increase safety and reduce harm.
- Provide a high-quality, front-line service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a premium service prioritised according to risk, primarily focusing on victim/survivors aged 16+
- Work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse to keep safety central to all services for victims of domestic abuse.
You will need:
- Have a knowledge of help-seeking barriers and support needs of victims of domestic abuse (in heterosexual or same-sex relationships).
- Have a good understanding of domestic abuse including the impact of domestic abuse on victims and their children.
- Understand the principles of risk assessment, safety planning and risk management for victims of domestic abuse and their children
- Understand safeguarding issues, and the legal responsibilities surrounding these issues.
- Direct service delivery to victims of domestic abuse or other vulnerable people.
- Have excellent communication, negotiation and advocacy skills, both written and verbal when interacting with a range of agencies and individuals. Understand and be committed to equal opportunities and diversity issues in policy and practice.
- Have a strong crisis management skills and the ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We look forward to hearing from you.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.
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:
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telephone information, advice and guidance
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regular face to face welfare benefit advice sessions in communities
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independent advocacy support for people wishing to make complaints about their health and social care
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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:
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community support groups providing social contact and activities
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digital peer support group for people to come together
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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
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Benefit Claims Assistance:
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Provide guidance and support to individuals in understanding their eligibility for various welfare benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Attendance Allowance.
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Assist clients in completing benefit application forms accurately and efficiently.
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Stay updated on changes to welfare benefit regulations and policies to provide accurate information to clients.
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Home Visiting Service:
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Conduct home visits to assess clients' needs and provide personalised support in accessing welfare benefits.
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Develop tailored action plans in collaboration with clients to maximise their benefit entitlements and improve their financial stability.
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Client Empowerment and Education:
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Empower clients through education about their rights and responsibilities within the benefits system.
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Working within our Team
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Liaise with colleagues in order to provide the best possible advice to all clients
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Attend team meetings
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Undertake appropriate training
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Work with our Communications Lead to share the impact of the service
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Young Lives vs Cancer (YLvC) help families to find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.
Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham working in partnership with the national charity YLvC delivers a pioneering project via multi channels (telephone/email/web) providing advice to families of young people affected by cancer.
The project is expanding and we are recruiting a Welfare Rights Benefits Adviser and a Housing Adviser.
The project requires dynamic advisers who can sensitively, engage with families in an often difficult time. Reassure them in terms of options and steps they can take to address the welfare rights/housing issues they are experiencing. Knowing they have options to consider gives them reassurance in a time of uncertainty.
Working with the YLvC team who are located across the UK, advice provided by the project Advisers will also support YLvC social workers, to better help the families and young people accessing the charity support.
Housing Adviser - YLvC-Hgs1
Hours: 22. 5 hours per week equivalent to three days per week
Location: Hammersmith and Fulham Potential hybrid delivery on completion of probationary period
Salary Range: £31-£33k (pro-rata full time salary)
Type of Contract: Fixed Term one year from appointment (extension subject to performance)
Welfare Benefits Adviser - YLvC-Wel1
Hours: 15 hours per week equivalent to two days per week
Location: Hammersmith and Fulham Potential hybrid delivery on completion of probationary period
Salary Range: £31-£33k (pro-rata full time salary)
Type of Contract: Fixed Term one year from appointment (extension subject to performance)
What we can offer you:
We value our people and can offer a supportive culture within a high performing and award winning organisation. 86% of our workforce recommend us as a place to work. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and workplace to represent the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to increasing our diversity and whatever your background, we welcome your application. We offer an attractive remuneration package with excellent terms including:
- Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year (in addition to bank holidays) and rising to 30 days with long service
- Learning, development and personal growth opportunities
- Mental health and Well-being support helpline
We will consider applicants who apply for Welfare Benefits Advisor and Housing Advisor roles combined in one full-time post.
We interview on a rolling basis and therefore reserve the right to close the applications earlier if suitable candidates are found, so encourage early applications.
To find out more please visit our website via the apply button
Closing Date: Thursday 16th May 2024
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.
Student Advisor
We’re looking for someone with a passion for supporting and empowering others to join our collaborative and radically inclusive team at Exeter Students' Guild.
Our team of Student Advisors work to ensure that students are able to access free, independent and confidential advice on issues that affect their university experience, so that they are empowered to advocate for themselves, and to help students Love Exeter.
You will empower students to understand their rights, to identify and access appropriate sources of support, and to navigate processes and procedures that can be complex and challenging at times. The role plays a key part in ensuring students have relevant information and resources through the provision of advice casework and individual advocacy.
Who are we?
The Students’ Guild is the University of Exeter’s students’ union, led by students for students. We’re an independent charity, offering a wide range of opportunities, services and support to help students get the most out of their unique journeys at university. This includes everything from social activities to making sure things are going well on their academic course. We have over 100 student groups and all of our work is led by, and in the best interest of, our members.
The Guild is a truly rewarding place to work. Our talented and passionate staff make a real difference to the lives of students every single day, working together to achieve the Guild’s purpose: to shape an excellent student experience for all students at Exeter by empowering them to take their place in the world and make a positive difference. We are looking for people who recognise that the Guild is student-led and share a genuine passion for student engagement and empowerment. If you share a commitment to our values and want to be part of a radically inclusive organisation with a seriously exciting future ahead, we can’t wait to hear from you.
What will you bring?
- You’ll have some experience in advocacy, advice or other work which has a focus on empowering individuals. Also to have some experience in dealing with sensitive information and situations.
- You’ll be able to have a good level of communication and be able to recognise when to adapt you communication to ensure it is being delivered in a way which is accessible to others.
- You know how to work as a team and be able to collaborate effectively across multiple teams to achieve a shared goal.
We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced pay for expectant parents, at least 6-weeks’ holiday, sustainable travel incentives and a confidential employee advice service and assistance programme. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy balance between your work and home life through a real commitment to flexible working. We also provide access to great development, helping you to gain valuable experience in the charity sector and beyond, and ensuring that you have opportunities to grow your career at the Guild and beyond.
Inclusion is central to the Guild. We approach our work collaboratively, empower our people and celebrate our uniqueness. If you’re driven to empower others and achieve great things, you’ll fit right in. Our people are proud of who they are and value each other’s differences, and we are committed to creating a diverse community that is radically inclusive of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.
Dates for your Diary
- Closing Date: 20 May 2024 at 10am
- Shortlisting: 22 May 2024
- Interviews: 29 May 2024
Helping students to Love Exeter.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for a Housing Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 (pro rata)
Location: Hammersmith and another London borough (tbc)
Hours: 21 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.
Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role:
We are excited to be taking the lead in the London Whole Housing Service Partnership (LWHSP) which will address and enhance the pathways of housing support for women experiencing domestic abuse, from removing them from immediate harm, to enabling recovery and resettlement across all levels of need. The LWHSP are seeking to build on our delivery across 11 East and West London boroughs of the Whole Housing Approach (WHA).
The Housing IDVA will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service to ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process. You will specialise in working with clients for whom housing, and risk of tenancy breakdown is a factor. You will work within the team to make proactive contact and provide high quality advocacy and support based upon a client led needs and risk assessment to women, focusing on working with those aged 18 and over who access the domestic abuse service. You will hold a caseload of survivors and will also be required to work as part of Advance’s duty team on a rota basis which will involve completing intake assessments and providing crisis intervention support.
About You:
As a Housing IDVA, you will need to have a degree of flexibility for colocation work across London boroughs; providing support to women who have experienced domestic violence, focusing on individuals with housing or tenancy issues. Working in our fast-paced crisis intervention, advocacy and support service, you’ll ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process. You will have your own caseload of survivors and will focus on working with those aged 18 and over who access our domestic abuse service.
You will bring experience in providing independent domestic violence advocacy and support for women who approach housing advice and assessment for help. Ideally experience in working with housing service providers, and advising women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies. You will have the ability to develop individual safety and support plans in-line with the clients’ needs and the risks they face.
How to apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
· Closing Date for Applications: Tuesday 28 May 2024 @ 23:59
· Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
- A 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.