Senior Benefits Advisor

Senior Benefits Advisor (Brighton and Hove)

Hours: 37 hours a week

Salary: £28,000 

Location: Brighton (Hybrid)

Closing Date: 14^th July 2024

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Please note that we are unable to accept sponsorship applications and you will need the Right to Work in the UK.

About The Role

AUKWSBH’s Advice Service is excited to announce the opening of our new hub on Queens Road in Brighton and Hove. We are dedicated to providing high-quality advice that meets the Quality Advice Standard (QAS), covering a wide range of topics with a focus on welfare benefits. We also handle inquiries related to housing, care, and community support.

We are seeking a Lead Advisor to be the foundation of our Advice Service at the new hub. This role involves delivering comprehensive advice to older people, their families and carers, ensuring adherence to QAS and AUKWSBH policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide a broad spectrum of advice, primarily focusing on welfare benefits, but also covering housing, care, and community support.
• Empower clients to access the support they need through the means best suited to them.
• Offer benefit checks and act on the results to maximise client income, including taking claims to appeal if necessary.
• Maintain detailed records of all inquiries and resolutions, ensuring follow-up actions are completed promptly.
• Keep up-to-date with changes in practice, policy, and law, both locally and nationally.
• Conduct outreach services and home visits as needed.
• Represent the Advice Service at local and regional events and meetings.

• Supervise and motivate advice staff and volunteers at the Brighton Hub, fostering a culture of open communication, support, and teamwork.
• Manage your own caseload independently while collaborating with the team.
• Lead specific projects within the Advice team.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in providing high-quality generalist advice.
• Expertise in welfare benefits advice.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload and work independently.
• Strong supervisory skills with experience leading a team.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and up-to-date knowledge of relevant policies and practices.

The position involves working three days at the AUKWSBH Hub and two days in a hybrid model, including home working and face-to-face home visits for clients unable to access the hub.

If you feel you have the passion for the role but may not have all the skills we’d love to talk to you, so please do get in contact.

If you need help with submitting an application, please do email recruitment@ageukwestsussex.org.uk and we  will contact you to help.

Benefits

At AUKWSBH we value our people and as such our staff benefits include:

• Flexible Working Option Ongoing professional training and development 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) Eligible for Blue Light discount scheme BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 4% auto enrolment pension with Life Assurance

About AUKWSBH

We are known for our excellent work with older people in the UK. We are an ageing population, and many older people have no one else but us. We are passionate about inspiring and enabling people over 50 to Love Later Life.

We provide various services and activities within the community, helping people, their families and carers by providing opportunities for people to stay independent, have fun, socialise and build friendships. We also deliver some services for people over 18. We offer rewarding roles, flexibility and the chance to be part of an amazing team.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.

We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do. During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and be at your best. so please contact us should you require any adjustments to allow you to apply/undertake your role.

To apply please visit our website and download an application form https://www.ageuk.org.uk/westsussexbrightonhove/get-involved/work-for-us/  or email your CV with a full covering letter, referring to the person specificaition to recruitment@ageukwestsussex.org.uk

Should you be successful, you will be subject to a variety of checks, including DBS and references.