Welfare Benefits Adviser

About us

Sheffield ME & Fibromyalgia Group is a small charity providing information and support to people affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia and long Covid in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. We are a member-led charity that offers a range of support and services including peer support, drop ins, activities and events, benefits and social care advocacy and more; you can find more about what we do on our website. 

About the role

We are looking for a Welfare Benefits Adviser to work alongside the Senior Benefits Adviser, providing welfare benefits advice to people affected by ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and long Covid; this includes those living with these illnesses, carers and their families.

We endeavour to improve people’s financial situation more widely, especially due to the cost of living crisis, so you will be offered the opportunity to create resources and host drop-in sessions for members. 

Main duties and responsibilities 

• Provide a full welfare benefits casework service for people affected by ME, fibromyalgia and long Covid, including disability benefits and other sources of financial support, such as grants. This will cover benefits check, first claims, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals; supporting clients to understand their options and making informed choices.

• Act for the client where necessary; drafting letters, obtaining medical evidence and researching case law as appropriate.

• Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, and information retrieval, using the IT software provided.

• Liaise and negotiate with other statutory and voluntary organisations to progress the client’s case and ensure they receive all assistance available. (DWP, NHS, local authorities, other charities)

• Form effective working relationships with outreach agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that good service is being provided and awareness of the illnesses is raised.

• Refer clients to colleagues or other agencies as appropriate for specialist help with major issues that fall outside the remit of the service, including debt and employment.

• Support the promotion and marketing of the advice services of Sheffield ME & Fibromyalgia Group

• Collect feedback from members for service improvement and for our funders

• Contribute to team meetings, reflective practice sessions and work with colleagues to ensure members access support from across our offering (befriending, activities, support groups)

• Any other duties within the scope of the post as deemed appropriate