Welfare Rights Officer - Perth, United Kingdom - Perth & Kinross Council

Perth & Kinross Council

Verified Company

Perth, United Kingdom

4 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

LOCATION:
Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth, PH1 5GD

SALARY:
£28,831 - £31,740 per year

CONTRACT TYPE:
Permanent

POSITION TYPE:
Full Time

HOURS:
36 hours per week

£28,831 - £31,740

Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth PH1 5GD

An opportunity has arisen within the Welfare Rights Team for a Welfare Rights Officer.

The postholder will be required to:

Provide advice and information on state benefits, tax credits and other welfare rights issues.
Advocate for and represent service users and vulnerable people at Benefit Appeal Tribunals in relation to their entitlement to state benefits and tax credits.
To provide quality case work and appeals representation at the standard required by the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.
Negotiate and mediate with appropriate agencies and organisations in the process of enabling service users and vulnerable people to secure their entitlement to state benefits, tax credits and other rights such as housing, employment, debt etc
Develop and deliver training programmes for internal and external agencies i. e NHS, voluntary organisations.
Undertake campaign work targeted at vulnerable clients particularly those who are vulnerable due to age, frailty, disability, mental illhealth or substance misuse.
Take part in outreach work by establishing links with and undertaking talks to voluntary groups and organisations in order to promote the work of the Welfare Rights Team.
Engage in partnership working with other relevant services and agencies, e.g. The Pensions Service, NHS Tayside, Housing Benefits, Local Taxes etc
Keep clear records and statistics as required to enable the Welfare Rights service to be monitored and assessed.
Ensure that the individuality, personal dignity and confidentiality of clients are respected at all times.
Maintain uptodate knowledge and understanding of the eligibility criteria for benefits, tax credits and other income sources.
Have the ability to understand and interpret complex benefit legislation and case law.
Undertake appropriate training as directed by the Senior Welfare Rights Officer and cooperate with the introduction of new procedures and/or new technological systems.
Participate in team meetings, personal development and supervision and contribute to the development of the service by attending working groups and other forums as deemed appropriate.
To be aware of, and act upon, the risk of any abuse (including financial).

The Individual:

Ideally, you will have experience of providing welfare rights advice in either a paid or voluntary capacity. A working knowledge of the eligibility criteria for welfare benefits. You will have experience of advocating on behalf of service-users.

If you would like any more information regarding this vacancy, please contact Deborah Sinclair, Senior Welfare Rights Officer on

Please APPLY ONLINE. Facilities are available at all public libraries in Perth and Kinross. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments, please call to discuss.

As part of our safer recruitment measures, Perth & Kinross Council carries out rigorous checks on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, employment history, including references, and fitness to undertake the post.

A healthy work life balance is important to Perth & Kinross Council and we provide supportive management and flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work life balance.

You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.