Welfare Benefits Advisor

Welfare Benefits Advisor
Sevenoaks, Kent
12 Months Fixed Term
Full Time - Hybrid
£32,724 Annual
We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Welfare Benefits Advisor to join our team in Kent on a full-time basis. This role is a fixed term contract of 12 months, and offers hybrid working. The postholder will provide first line support, information and advice to individual residents to enable them to maximise their incomes, manage debts, budget, access on-line services and help sustain tenancies. Please note a full Enhanced DBS certificate is required for this role.
Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Housing Benefits Advisor or similar
• Proven track record in providing advice and support, especially in debt management and Welfare Benefits
• Experience of working and communicating well with tenants and residents or similar customers
• Proven knowledge of issues relating to debt, financial exclusion and Welfare Benefits
• Proven experience of delivering outcome focussed tenancy sustainment solutions

Experience of providing person-centred support/advice

• Understanding of legislature surrounding Housing Benefit
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines
• Full Enhanced DBS Certificate

Role Expectations

• Provide personalized support, information, and advice to residents to maximize income, manage debts, access online services, and sustain tenancies
• Manage a caseload of clients referred for Welfare Benefits advice, ensuring high-quality support planning and positive outcomes
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Communities Team to ensure referrals to internal services are timely and accurate and support residents who may have a range of needs.
• Administer, assess, and triage referrals to the resident hardship fund, making awards where appropriate and tracking the progress of those awards.
• Coordinate the access and distribution of food, energy or fuel vouchers efficiently and quickly ensuring all record keeping and administration if maintained
• Provide regular reports and case studies
• Liaise with external partners, including local authorities, housing associations, support agencies, and benefits providers
• Maintain Records: Accurately record all interactions, assessments, and decisions in line with relevant policies and procedures, ensuring confidentiality

If you are interested in this position and meet the above criteria, please send your CV now for consideration.
If you require any additional information regarding the position, please call Beth at Service Care Solutions on (phone number removed) or send an E-Mail to (url removed)