Job Title: Benefits Advisor
Contract type: Part time 22.5 hours
Location: Dunstable Hybrid
Salary: £ FTE
£14,239.73 actual.
Job Purpose
To provide accurate, confidential, and empathetic benefits advice and support to individuals seeking help with welfare entitlements. This includes guidance on benefit eligibility, claims, and appeal paperwork support, with a focus on empowering clients to advocate for themselves throughout the process. This role does not involve representing clients at tribunals.
Main responsibilities
* Deliver one-to-one advice and support focused on welfare benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, DLA, Attendance Allowance).
* Assist clients in completing benefits applications, mandatory reconsiderations, and appeal paperwork.
* Explain benefit decisions, entitlements, and changes in a clear and accessible way.
* Liaise with DWP and other agencies on clients' behalf when required.
* Signpost or refer clients to other support services where necessary (e.g. legal aid, housing advice, refer to DRC wider services).
* Keep accurate, confidential case records using the designated case management system.
* Maintain current knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, including updates and local practices.
* Contribute to service monitoring and reporting.
* Record accurate carer contact details in the CRM system, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection.
* Escalate contacts for assessments where appropriate
* Deliver support in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner.
* Ensure safeguarding and appropriate referrals are made promptly.
* Signpost where necessary
* Keep Hubspot reporting up-to-date
* Report to the Operations Manager internally and foster collaborate co-production within DRC
* Foster a culture of accuracy, integrity, and continuous learning.
* Any other duties that may arise to support business need
Person Specification
* Previous experience in a benefits advice
* Familiarity with appeal processes and paperwork (e.g. SSCS1 forms)
* Strong working knowledge of the UK benefits system (including Universal Credit and disability-related benefits)
* Experience working with vulnerable or disabled individuals
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including empathetic client engagement
* Understanding and commitment of safeguarding principles
* Ability to support clients in completing detailed paperwork and understanding complex decisions
* Other language skills than English
* High standard of written documentation and record-keeping
* Strong organisational and time management skills
* Good IT and data entry skills for CRM and reporting
* Excellent listening skills, empathy and understanding
* Commitment to non-judgmental, inclusive service delivery
The Disability Resource Centre is a Disability Confident Leader Employer.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £14,239.73 per year
Expected hours: 22.5 per week
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dunstable LU5 4AP