Description Our Customer Support team in Oldham are looking for an experienced Welfare & Benefits Officer to join us on a 12 month fixed term contract. You will play a pivotal role in providing a pro-active, professional, and consistent support service to help our customers to sustain their tenancies. We operate a hybrid working model which requires employees to work in the office for three days per week with the remaining two being from home. Reporting into the Customer Support Team Manager you will join our national telephone based service whilst working closely with our Customer Liaison Officers and Customer Account Teams. Our ideal candidate will have proven experience of providing complex welfare and benefit advice and the knowledge to signpost customers who have specific support needs to the relevant external agencies and make suitable employment referrals. Key Responsibilities Affordability assessments: You will conduct Income and Expenditure assessments to maximise income & benefit entitlements. Application processing : You will assist with the submission of applications for Discretionary Housing Payments & utility grants. Entitlement & eligibility checks: You will review customers eligibility for Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Tax Credits, Disability Living Allowance & Personal Independent Payments. Advice & guidance service: You will provide an accessible advice and guidance service which may include helping our customers personal budgeting & researching and identifying appropriate support providers. Stakeholder engagement : You will liaise with external agencies such as social workers, health care providers and floating support agencies. Role Criteria Essential: You will demonstrate proven knowledge of current welfare and benefit legislation. Experience of multi-agency working. The ability to communicate complex information to colleagues and customers sufficiently to aid their understanding and actions. The ability to advocate on behalf of the company and/or customers when dealing with local authorities and other benefit agencies. Experienced in explaining complex information. Has good communication skills, both oral and written. Customer focused, with the ability to listen to and understand the viewpoints and needs of customers whilst handling a high case load in a fast-paced environment. If you’re interested in joining us and would like to apply for this role, please review the role profile to view all of the key responsibilities and to ensure you meet the essential criteria. Please note: Interviews for this role are due to take place on the 3rd, 4th & 5th of June at our head office in Oldham. TJTGP