Welfare Benefits Support Worker

Knowsley Carers Centre, a network partner of the Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice, and a voice for carers living and caring in the Borough of Knowsley.

Knowsley Carers Centre is a growing charity, established in ~October 1997 to support the borough's 16000 unpaid/family carers.

A highly motivated and experienced person is required to prove Welfare Benefits advice to unpaid carers.

Proven experience of the sector and an understanding of unpaid carers’ issues are essential along with the ability to work independently.

Location: Predominantly based in Kirkby but will be part of the team at Knowsley Carers Centre and will be expected to spend some time at other venues across Knowsley.

Job Purpose: To find and assist Carers and Young Carers Families in Knowsley by providing Welfare Benefits advice, accessible information through advice and support, drop-in sessions, home visiting and a variety of other methods highlighted by Carers in Knowsley.

Duties and Responsibilities

Welfare Benefits

1)    Provide casework covering the full range of Welfare Benefits.

2)    Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning.

3)    Negotiate with third parties as appropriate.

4)    Ensure income maximisation through the take up of appropriate benefits.

5)    Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate.

6)    Make home/outreach visits as necessary.

7)    Provide advice and assistance to other staff across the whole range of issues.

8)    Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

9)    Ensure that all work conforms to the organisations systems and procedures.

10)  Keep up to date with legislation.

11)  Attend relevant internal and external meetings.

12)  Use IT for statistical recording and record keeping

13)  Maintain close liaison with relevant external organisations

Information and Support

1)       Identify hidden Carers and provide them with high quality information, advice and support.  This will include:

a)              Answering enquiries about available services, and other organisations of interest to Carers

b)              Sending Carers appropriate leaflets and application forms.

c)               Referring Carers for carers’ assessment

d)              Providing an empathetic and supportive ear to Carers about the difficulties they may be experiencing.

e)              To signpost carers to relevant voluntary and statutory organisations.

2)       Keep up-to-date with services, and organisations relevant to Carers.

3)       To promote the work of the organisation by use of media, talks, presentations, displays etc.

4)       Make links with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations.

Casework/Individual Support

1)       Work on behalf of Carers both by phone and in writing to help them to obtain the services they need.

2)       Attend meetings, case conferences, complaints procedures etc. as necessary to support individual Carers.

3)       Make home-visits as necessary to carry out this aspect of the work and initial support to new carers via home visit. 

4)       Liaise with other advice/advocacy organisations to develop and maintain referral systems.

Administration and Monitoring

1)       Produce statistics and other monitoring reports to the management

2)       To be primarily self-servicing including word processing letters, keeping appropriate records of work undertaken, write reports and complete monitoring forms. 

3)      To enter information on to the database.  

General Tasks

1)       To work as part of a team contributing to the smooth and effective running of Knowsley Carers Centre.

3)       To produce articles for the Carers Centre newsletter and to distribute

           to establishments around Knowsley.

4)       To attend and actively participate in regular supervision, team meetings and annual appraisal sessions.

5)       To undertake relevant training and staff development activities as required.

6)       To undertake occasional evening/weekend work where necessary.

7)       To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Centre Manager.

8)       All employees are expected to read and abide by the organisations policies and procedures.  

Benefits of working for Knowsley Carers Centre:

22 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (pro rata)

Bonus 3 days of annual leave per year over the festive period (subject to Trustee approval)

6% Workplace Pension Scheme with The Pensions Trust