Specialist welfare benefits appeals officer

About the Job

As a Specialist Welfare Benefits Appeals Officer, you’ll help people in Leicester challenge welfare benefits decisions and secure the income they are entitled to. You’ll provide specialist Tier 3 welfare benefits advice, casework, advocacy and representation including preparing legally literate appeal submissions, representing clients at Social Security, Disability and Medical Appeals Tribunals, and supporting cases that may progress to Upper Tribunal. Based in the Council’s Welfare Rights Service, part of Revenues and Benefits, this role protects some of the city’s most financially vulnerable residents, including people affected by disability, ill health, mental health difficulties and financial hardship. This is not generalist benefits advice. You’ll use legislation, case law, evidence and advocacy skills to challenge decisions, negotiate with benefit authorities and support clients through complex systems at difficult points in their lives. You will also work with statutory and voluntary sector partners to ensure residents receive joined‑up support. Our values of confidence, clarity, respectfulness, fairness and accountability will shape how you work every day.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will manage specialist and complex welfare benefits appeal casework from referral through to resolution. A typical day could include reviewing a new referral, scrutinising benefit decisions and evidence, identifying legal arguments, contacting the Department for Work and Pensions or HMRC, preparing written submissions, liaising with medical professionals, updating case records, and representing a client at tribunal.

• provide specialist welfare benefits advice and casework
• prepare appeals and represent clients with benefit appeals, including First‑tier Tribunal, Disability and Medical Appeals Tribunals and, where appropriate, Upper Tribunal matters
• review referrals, identify the right course of action, gather evidence and liaise with clients, such as DWP, HMRC, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, health professionals, council services and advice partners
• keep accurate case records, record outcomes and statistics, support service monitoring, contribute to a high‑quality advice service and stay up to date with welfare benefits legislation, case law and best practice

What You’ll Need

• Substantial experience in a legal or advice setting, particularly in welfare benefits, health, disability and appeals work
• Strong specialist knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, case law, tribunal processes and wider issues affecting people who rely on the benefits system
• Experience working with people who may be distressed, financially isolated or facing difficult personal circumstances
• Empathy, active listening skills and sound professional judgement
• Good IT skills, including confidence using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet research and computerised case‑management systems
• Ability to travel within Leicester City and visit clients at home where necessary
• Experience of working with the Specialist Quality Mark or an equivalent quality framework is desirable

What We Can Offer You

Generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working options, opportunities for training and development, and flexible benefits including discounts on city buses and trains. Your pension and holiday entitlement are fully accounted for in the total benefit package.

Benefits

• Salary: £39,152 – £41,771 per year
• Total benefit value: £56,957.66 (includes pension contribution and full holiday entitlement)
• Contractual hours: 37 per week
• Contract type: Full time, permanent

Additional Information

Appointment to this role is subject to a DBS check. Interviews / assessments will take place on the 2nd of July.