Welfare Advice Officer

Welfare Advice Officer

Slough

Up to £31,000 DOE

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families facing financial challenges? Do you possess a deep understanding of welfare benefits and social services?

Cobalt are proud to be working with a client who truly makes a difference to our communities. Reporting directly to the Income Manager in the Housing Finance Department, you will be a key advocate for tenants, helping them to navigate complex welfare systems.

Core responsibilities

• Providing Welfare Advice and financial inclusion service across all housing services and contracts
• Supporting tenancy sustainment by enabling customers to manage their rent accounts,
• Collaborating with the Income Manager to ensure all services are delivered in a customer focused and efficient manner
• Effectively deal with all welfare benefit queries
• Development and maintain positive relationships with external partner agencies (DWP, JCP, LA's, support agencies)
• Support residents with applications including trusts fund awards, grant application, Discretionary Housing Payments and Homelessness prevention fund payments
• Refer residents to appropriate external services or organizations for additional support, as needed.

Key Skills and Personal Attributes

• Experience working in a Welfare Advice service within a local authority or housing association
• Knowledge of Housing Management Systems (preferably Qube) however this is not essential as training will be given
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and written
• Influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong numeric and reporting skills
• Good knowledge and understanding of the legal framework for housing and an excellent understanding of the welfare benefits system
• Bringing initiative and working intuitively for tenants to support a positive end goal
• A positive attitude, working as a team player and cohesively with others to support tenants

If the above sounds like your next step - don't delay. Apply now!