Universal credit advisor jobs in london

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London.  All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment. 

We are recruiting Employment Advisors to join our IPS service, you will be based in Newham, working 35 hours per week. Working Well Trust's services have previously been awarded the IPS Grow quality mark and adheres closely to the principles of the IPS model in supporting people in to employment. This role will be working with clients who have mental health support needs, wanting to gain paid employment. 

Experience of employment support is not essential, it is more important that you share our passion and commitment to employment as an integral aspect of wellbeing and supporting people to find the right job for them. You will receive training on the IPS model and in supporting people with mental health issues. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, either personally or through a close contact.

You need to have a desire to support people to achieve their employment goals, and the ability to multitask and manage your workload effectively. Good organisation skills are essential for this role, in addition to an interest in mental health, and the role it plays in the workplace. The successful candidate will need to become comfortable in approaching employers, and showcase the advantages of our service in order to work with them to recruit our clients to fill vacancies and sustain employment.

You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the IPS approach (for which training will be given); providing person centred support and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.

You will work as part of a mental health team (NHS Trust) maintaining positive and integrated relationships, fostering a holistic approach to recovery through employment. You will work closely with clinical teams, providing a coordinated approach that always remains client led.  You will also be working to targets whilst maintaining a high-quality service. 

If you would like to discuss this role please see the Job Description for contact details.

Please click apply to send your CV after answering the screening questions. 

Staff benefits include an employer contribution to a personal or workplace pension equivalent to 6% of gross salary. 30 days annual leave plus paid public holidays (FTE). 

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities and Confident about Disabilities.

Closing date: Friday 15th August (09:00). Please note, we will be actively interviewing during this time and may close the vacancy early.

Telephone interviews: w/c 18th August (please note you may be contacted for an earlier date proposal prior to the deadline.)

Final Stage interviews: TBC

The post-holder will maintain a manageable caseload of clients needing support with their welfare rights and benefits. The role is to support the Welfare Rights Advice Project Team with the following:

1. To carry out an initial client assessment, identifying any issues with their benefits and any claims they can make to maximise their income.
2. Provide casework (including challenging decisions) for welfare benefits available to clients with mental health difficulties and their carers: i.e. Personal Independence Payments, Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit.
3. Provide information and advice as appropriate about issues related to a client’s particular situation.
4. Provide advice and casework for mobility and discretionary schemes and personal grants that could be of benefit to clients.
5. Take referrals directly from service users, carers or staff from other agencies (encouraging use of our online referral form)
6. Signpost and refer clients to agencies that assist with transition from hospital to community living, or to tackle social isolation and improve mental wellbeing.
7. Maintain records in accordance with Hear Us policies and procedures, including the handling of confidential and private documents and keeping written and computer records up to date and secure.
8. Liaise with GPs, CMHT’s and other agencies to obtain supporting documents, by telephone, letter and e-mail.
9. Taking confidential telephone messages from clients and outside agencies.
10. Take part in weekly WRAP team meetings regarding case allocation, and stay up to date with changes in benefits legislation. 
11. Attend regular supervision and yearly appraisals with line manager.
12. Assist WRAP manager to write reports and evaluate the project for funding bids and to support and promote the project.
13. Collect and distribute flyers and leaflets for signposting purposes.
14. Attend Hear Us staff meetings, staff development days, and other Hear Us events (e.g. Hear Us Open Forum) where directed by line manager.
15. Attend identified training and other personal development activities that will support you in this role.
16. Develop and maintain healthy working practices for yourself, with clear personal and professional boundaries.