Benefits and Welfare Officer / Outreach Worker
An excellent opportunity for a motivated and compassionate professional to deliver tailored welfare and benefits advice, helping residents in the Local area access financial support, manage debt, and improve their overall wellbeing.
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Welfare Rights Officer, Money and Benefits Advisor, Income Maximisation Advisor, Financial Inclusion Worker, Social Welfare Caseworker, Welfare Rights Advisor, Benefits Caseworker
SALARY: £33,000 - £36,000 per annum (depending on experience)
LOCATION: Lewisham, South London
JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
JOB OVERVIEW
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Benefits and Welfare Officer / Outreach Worker to join the organisation’s community-focused service team.
As a Benefits and Welfare Officer / Outreach Worker you will provide one-to-one support for residents experiencing difficulties with benefits or financial hardship. You’ll deliver expert advice on welfare entitlements, assist with new and existing claims, and liaise with agencies such as the DWP and local authorities.
The Benefits and Welfare Officer / Outreach Worker plays an essential role in empowering residents to improve financial stability, manage debt, and maintain their independence through guidance, advocacy, and education.
DUTIES
* Provide Specialist Advice: Support residents with new and ongoing claims for benefits such as Universal Credit, ESA and PIP
* Advocate for Residents: Liaise with the DWP, Housing Benefit teams and other agencies to resolve issues and ensure accurate claims
* Facilitate Appointments: Arrange and accompany residents to Job Centre or agency meetings, acting as an advocate when required
* Address Financial Issues: Assist residents in managing arrears and negotiating repayment plans to improve financial stability
* Promote Financial Education: Provide budgeting guidance and collaborate with financial inclusion teams to encourage money management skills
* Coordinate Support: Maintain close communication with support workers and external agencies to ensure holistic assistance
* Maintain Records: Accurately record casework in line with data protection regulations and organisational procedures
* Empower Residents: Educate residents on their rights, responsibilities and entitlements to foster independence
* Safeguard Residents: Identify and report safeguarding concerns, ensuring all actions follow policy and procedure
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
* Proven experience of providing welfare benefits advice or casework
* Strong understanding of the UK welfare benefits system and entitlement criteria
* Excellent communication and advocacy skills with empathy and professionalism
* Organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively
* Confident IT user, including Microsoft Word and record management systems
* Awareness of safeguarding principles and commitment to equality and diversity
DESIRABLE
* Knowledge of debt advice and financial inclusion services
* Familiarity with supported housing environments
* Proficiency in Excel or PowerPoint for reporting and presentations
This role requires a DBS check.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CVs of job applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our client for this purpose.
JOB REF: AWDO-P14063
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