Benefits Advisor, Newcastle (Mat cover)
Location: Newcastle Centre
Department: Programme
Compensation: £29,756 - £35,577 / year
Application Deadline: 21 November 2025
As Benefits Advisor, you will advise and assist people to access available benefits and other sources of financial help. Support may be provided on a ‘drop in’ basis and through a programme of booked appointments. You will liaise with other statutory and voluntary bodies as required and maintain ongoing relationships with people accessing the centre, collaborating with colleagues to enable access to all aspects of Maggie’s programme for effective cancer support.
Key responsibilities
* Provide comprehensive advice on benefits using a variety of different mechanisms.
* Assist in the completion of benefits claims, maximising an individual’s income.
* Promote and develop benefits advice as a component of Maggie’s programme including participation in teaching and training programmes.
* Record and maintain up‑to‑date records and reporting of activity data in relation to own activity as required by Maggie’s policies and procedures.
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant external agencies, signpost where appropriate and develop beneficial working relationships.
* Record data in accordance with Maggie’s policies and contribute to the programme of annual audit, centre review and triennial review.
* Follow up claims for disability benefits and any further benefits triggered by an award.
* Negotiate with statutory bodies, ensuring that people are supported through this process.
* Ensure that centre visitors feel welcome and valued as individuals, creating ongoing relationships with other team members.
* Contribute to raising awareness of and enabling access to Maggie’s Centres.
* Contribute to centre‑specific or other audits as required.
* Support the Maggie’s Centre Head in maintaining a welcoming environment.
* Participate in staff support sessions, meetings with the Centre Head and supervision meetings, and staff training as required.
* Maintain statistical information and accurate case records.
* Administer and follow up benefits advice and the submission of claims.
* Assist the Maggie’s Centre Head with centre administration as required.
* Occasional overnight stays and some travel, including evening and unsociable hours.
Skills, knowledge and expertise
* Degree educated in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
* At least 2 years’ experience in providing welfare benefits and money advice.
* Ability to think about and understand health‑related concerns within the wider context of an individual’s life experience, family and social context.
* A warm, empathetic manner with excellent communication and listening skills.
* Able to write clear and concise reports.
Job benefits
* You’ll spend time at one of our incredible centres to experience our programme of support and see first‑hand the difference we can make.
* A structured orientation week will cover everything you need to get settled in your new role.
* Holiday entitlement that helps you create a manageable work‑life balance.
* Generous sick leave cover.
* A supportive and friendly working environment.
* Tailored learning and development opportunities.
* Kitchen facilities with free tea, coffee and fruit bowl.
* Workplace pension and free financial advice from an independent financial advisor.
* Option to keep a pre‑existing NHS pension if eligible.
* Travel and cycle loans.
* Eye test expenses and money towards glasses.
* Enhanced maternity pay.
* Our buddy system links you with a colleague to give you extra support in your first few months.
* Facilitated stress management courses and access to our clinical psychologists for support.
Seniority Level: Entry level
Employment Type: Contract
Job Function: Sales and Business Development
Industry: Non‑profit Organizations
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