The post holder who will have a full time, fixed term contract, initially for 2 years will be a dynamic, self starter who can work flexibly, meet challenging targets and work empathetically and effectively with dependent adults who wish to remain living independently in their own home.
Benefits Advisor Job Description
Post: Benefits Adviser
Reports to: Quality Standards Manager
Accountable to: Deputy Chief Executive
Purpose of Job:
To provide an advice service, primarily on welfare benefits, to Extra Care’s clients, their immediate family, carers, social work staff, Extra Care staff and other dependent adults who come into contact with Extra Care. The post holder will be based at Extra Care’s Ballymena office, however as home visits are a vital part of the project, extensive travel throughout the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area will be required.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To advise clients on their entitlement to benefits, maximise entitlement to benefits and to assist them with claims and applications, including help with form-filling.
- To carry out home visits to those individuals for whom a home visit is necessary.
- To promote awareness of statutory rights and encourage the take up of benefits.
- To achieve monthly targets set by Extra Care and NIE Energy in terms of benefit checks completed.
- To establish a direct referral system is in place for clients who require benefits advice and assistance.
- To negotiate with statutory bodies such as the Social Security Agency and other external organisations on behalf of clients.
- To refer clients who may require specialist help to the appropriate organisation such as the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre (ESTAC).
- To maintain (computerised) case records in line with the requirements of Extra Care and NIE Energy.
- To provide regular activity reports to Extra Care and NIE Energy in an agreed format.
- To attend meetings, both internally and externally, as required.
- To undertake training in order to develop skills, increase awareness of Extra Care and the For Your Benefit project, maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the benefits system and awareness of the hospital policies, protocols and procedures.
- To develop working relationships with other professionals working with the client group and to network with other professionals in the advice work field.
- To provide welfare benefits awareness training to colleagues and other health and social care professionals working with dependent adults.
- To contribute to Extra Care’s information and policy work by reporting policy issues arising from client casework, and participating in consultations and research.
- To ensure that all clients are treated equally.
This job description is intended as a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the post and should not be regarded as a complete list. The contents may be amended periodically following appropriate consultation with the post holder.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience
- A minimum of 1 years experience paid or unpaid, gained within the last three years, of providing generalist advice to the public in a social welfare context and 6 months experience of welfare benefits casework.
Knowledge
- Candidates must have completed a recognised Advisor training programme, e.g. a programme provided by Citizens Advice, Law Centre (NI), CPAG or equivalent welfare rights training.
- An understanding of the issues around poverty and the impact of poverty on dependent adults and their families and an understanding of community care and health issues.
- Knowledge and understanding of how the welfare benefits system operates in general and specifically recent working knowledge of the social security system.
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work empathetically and effectively with dependent adults living at home and their families.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to represent, negotiate and communicate on behalf of clients and the project at external meetings and events as required.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Highly developed administrative and organisational skills and the ability to use computer software e.g. word processing and spreadsheet packages.
- Ability to prioritise caseload and effective time management skills.
General
- Willingness to work flexibly including unsociable hours by arrangement. e.g. to carry out home visits at a time that best suits the client and his/her family.
- Willingness to travel throughout the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of providing benefits advice service to dependent adults living in the community and their families.
- An understanding of the role of advice agencies in local communities.
- Knowledge of Tribunal and Social Security Agency procedures.
