Welfare Benefits Advisor

Kents Hill, Milton Keynes

Full Time

Fixed term contract - Up to 12 months

£33,777.81 per annum

Would you thrive in a job that is making a real difference to people’s lives in your region?

Here at Grand Union, we are more than just a financially strong Housing Association, we are making an impact on the housing crisis, supporting sustainable communities and providing life-long homes for our customers. We provide additional, critical services to support the most vulnerable but we also build shared ownership and outright sales for those who want to get on the property ladder.

We are passionate about our communities and we are committed to being a Learning Organisation, developing talent to deliver our service goals and supporting the next generation into a career in Housing.

About the role:

We are currently seeking a Welfare Benefits Advisor to join our team. The main purpose of this role is to provide welfare benefits advice to tenants with the aim of maximising income and reducing rent arrears.

• Your main responsibilities will include managing a caseload of referrals, prioritising appropriately
• Conducting benefit checks for customers, advising potential entitlements and how to apply for them and providing “better off” calculations
• Assisting customers to make claims for all types of welfare benefits available
• Assisting customers to complete claim forms, particularly disability and health related forms
• Assisting customers to provide evidence for their claims
• Advising and assisting on reporting changes of circumstances
• Assisting in preparing for benefit reviews and appeals
• Advocating for customers by corresponding with benefit departments at the HMRC, DWP and local authorities

   

What we’re looking for:

• Experience of working in a customer facing environment
• In depth knowledge of welfare benefits, including the ability to understand and interpret legislation and case law
• Experience of providing customers with consistent and sound advice regarding their welfare benefit entitlement
• Strong negotiation and advocacy skills
• The ability to manage a diverse caseload independently
• The ability to write clear and concise letters and reports which are appropriate for the relevant audience
• An understanding of social trends and political issues affecting social housing tenants and their implications for service provision and performance
• Experience of presenting welfare benefit cases and tribunal hearings would be advantageous
• Experience of using IT in the provision of welfare benefit advice and in the preparation of statistics and reports would also be advantageous

   

What we offer:

• Annual leave 25 days rising to 30 days with length of service
• Generous defined contribution pension scheme – employer contribution up to 10%
• Life assurance (2x salary)
• Generous sick pay
• Free car parking
• Numerous learning and development opportunities including qualifications
• Paid professional subscriptions (max 2 if both relevant to role)
• Agile working

• Medicash counselling (helpline and face to face)

• On-site wellbeing activities including massages

• Free annual flu jabs

• Plus lots more! (see attached benefits list)

   

If you are like-minded in wanting to help shape the future of housing through the delivery of quality services to our customers, great at your job and with a ‘can-do’ attitude, we want to hear from you.

You are just one click away from starting your journey with us…

We are committed to implementing our Equality, Diversity and Customer Care Policy and are proactive about safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

NO AGENCIES

The closing date for this role is Sunday 5th December.

Telephone interviews will be held on Thursday 9th December.

Face to face interviews will be held on Tuesday 14th December.