Welfare Benefits Caseworkers

About Disability Solutions West Midlands (DSWM) - we are a user-led pan-disability charity based in Stoke-on-Trent and have been working in the city for over 35 years. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to attain the highest possible quality of life, through listening, information, advice, guidance, and emotional support.

The Macmillan Welfare Benefits Advice Service (Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent) - provides advice, support, information, and representation for people affected by with cancer across the county.

The Welfare Benefits Officer will support the Senior Welfare Benefits Officer in delivering a high-quality Welfare Benefits Advice Service and in promoting and raising the profile of the Service with other professionals and with client groups.

They will be expected to establish and take responsibility for managing their own caseload., 1. Advising new and existing clients on which benefits they may be entitled to and how to claim them. Assisting with other related issues that they may raise, ensuring a high-quality service.

2. Helping people to fill in benefit applications, and challenging benefit decisions.

3. Keeping up to date with benefits legislation.

4. To work as an effective member of the team, undertaking those tasks required of them through their own caseload, and through the overall programme of activity that has been agreed for the team.

5. To work with colleagues and volunteers on the Disability Solutions Advice Line, to ensure that relevant clients are referred to the Benefits Advice team.

6. To agree with each client the most appropriate way of delivering the service to them, whether by phone or face-to-face interviews for example.

7. To work with the Senior Welfare Benefits Officer and the Advice Line Manager / Disability Solutions Appeals Officer on the preparation of cases for appeal, when benefits applications have been rejected, and when required to attend tribunal hearings with clients to support them through the appeal process.

8. To maintain accurate records relating to the clients related activity and interventions within their caseload, ensuring that follow-up procedures are followed to ensure quality and client satisfaction.

9. To establish good working relationships with other professionals and agencies. When requested, to assist with training of health care professionals.

10. To ensure that suitable confidentiality and data protection procedures are followed at all times.

11. To manage and prioritise own workload in agreement with the line manager, to participate in regular team meetings and work as part of a team to ensure the smooth and effective running of DSWM.

12. To maintain the highest standards of conduct at all times. To carry out the duties of the post with strict adherence to all DSWM policies and procedures, to consult and liaise with the line manager with regards to the key aspects of the work, and to supply monthly statistics and other information as required.

13. To be aware of any health and safety issues affecting themselves, colleagues, and clients.

Disability Solutions expects all its staff to maintain the highest standards in terms of presentation, client satisfaction, interpersonal relationships, and integrity, and will support all staff to achieve these.

This job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake other duties appropriate to their overall role as requested by the Senior Welfare Rights Officer, Advice Line Manager, or the CEO.

Staff Development

1. All staff undergo an induction programme that gives clear guidance of the aims and values of the organisation and acceptable standards of performance and behaviour in carrying out their role.

2. The post holder will receive regular one-to-one supervision and support in line with DSWM policy.

Disability Solutions West Midlands is looking for an experienced, compassionate Welfare Benefits Caseworkers to join our respected Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service. In this vital role, you'll support people affected by cancer to navigate the welfare benefits system, helping them access the financial support, grants and services they're entitled to at one of the most challenging times of their lives., You'll bring proven experience in welfare benefits advice, along with a strong, up-to-date working knowledge of the benefits system. Refresher training will be provided to help you hit the ground running. Above all, you'll share our values and our full commitment to the social model of disability.

We actively welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability, and we're proud to welcome applications from ex-military personnel.