SOUTHWARK CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX SERVICE



CITIZENS ADVICE HOUNSLOW

JOB DESCRIPTION

DESIGNATION: Welfare Benefits Advisor Caseworker

SALARY: £30,100 - £33,100

HOURS: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Advice Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Voluntary advisers and administrators

JOB PURPOSE

To provide welfare benefits advice casework.

PRINCIPAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. CASEWORK

1. To provide advice, information and practical support to clients on welfare benefits issues.

2. To progress casework through negotiations with and submissions to the relevant benefits offices and agencies

3. To prepare for and represent at relevant tribunals and review boards and to prepare and submit appeals to the Social Security Commissioners.

4. To keep accurate case records and ensure that all casework is recorded and reported in accordance with Hounslow CA Service specifications

5. To ensure that effective case management is maintained

2. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To be self-supervising (although peer support will be available).

2. To supervise the work of volunteers assisting with the project.

3. ADMINISTRATION

1. To maintain accurate, up to date records and statistical information

2. To be self-servicing when necessary in producing own correspondence and performing administrative tasks.

4. LIAISON AND TEAMWORK

1. To attend Hounslow CA Service team meetings and contribute to service planning and development.

2. To attend external meeting as required.

5. SOCIAL POLICY

1. To identify and progress social policy issues arising from welfare benefits casework, with a view to effecting change.

2. To provide reports as required.

6. TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. To keep informed of all new legislation, changes to existing legislation and developments in welfare benefits law and practice.

2. To undertake training as required.

7. DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

1. To participate in discussions about the planning and development of the project.

8. OTHER

1. To uphold and promote the Aims and Principles of the HCA Service.

2. To uphold and promote the Equal Opportunities policies of the HCA Service.

3. To work at and travel to any of Hounslow CA offices in the Borough.

4. In addition to the tasks and duties outlined in the job description, to undertake such duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post.

Signed (Post holder):_____________________Date: _____________

Signed (Line Manager):___________________Date: _____________

Welfare Benefits Advisor Caseworker

Essential Requirements:

1. You must have at least one year’s full time (or part time equivalent) paid or unpaid recent experience of advice work. This should include advising on complex cases including, welfare rights, employment, housing and debt. CAB trained desirable.

2. Experience of preparing for tribunals and representing clients.

3. Experience of welfare rights casework and managing own case load.

4. Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of welfare benefits including those related to disability and sickness.

5. An understanding of and commitment to the Aims and Principles of the CAB service including the services Equal Opportunities policies.

6. Good oral communication skills with particular emphasis on negotiation and representation skills on the telephone.

7. Ability to communicate effectively in writing with particular emphasis on negotiation and representation skills and on preparing reviews, reports and correspondence.

8. Good interpersonal skills including the ability to work with a wide cross section of the public.

9. A flexible approach to work and an ability to work some unsocial hours and travel.

10. Numeracy to the levels required in the tasks.

11. Ability to work without close supervision, to prioritise own work and meet deadlines.

12. An ordered approach to casework and an ability and willingness to follow set procedures concerning casework and file management etc.

13. Ability and willingness to use information technology to facilitate the work as appropriate.

14. An ability and willingness to work as part of a team.

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