Income Maximisation Benefits Adviser
Location: Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch Foodbanks
Purpose of the Role
The role is to provide advice and the implementation of income maximisation activities within the Financial Inclusion Money Matters programme, largely funded through The National Lottery Community Fund. The role includes providing detailed advice and casework to guests of the Foodbank network alongside foodbank volunteers.
The aim is to assist clients in accessing eligible income and look at ways to reduce their expenditure to increase financial resiliency. The successful individual will be part of a wider team that will based within a BCP wide setting of Bournemouth & Faithworks Foodbanks.
Key Responsibilities
Advice and Casework
- To have, grow and maintain a comprehensive welfare benefits knowledge to support a range of low, medium and high complexity cases.
- Provide advice to clients who need support claiming the relevant benefits in order to maximise their income
- To look at opportunities to increase income through other ways
- Identify ways in which expenditure could be reduced and help implement them
- Be a point of contact to support foodbank volunteers who are offering information, advice and signposting to guests of the foodbank.
- Assist clients where necessary by navigating journals, writing letters, emails and telephoning third parties by advocating appropriately.
- Maintain thorough records to aid ongoing casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
- Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies such as DWP and Tribunal Service.
- Evidence effective casework for clients who may wish to appeal their benefits decision.
- Follow the relevant safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
- Act in line with the values of Bournemouth Foodbank and the Trussell Trust, including dignity, compassion, inclusion, and justice.
Professional Development
- Undertake appropriate training that maintains and grows skills and knowledge
- Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to welfare benefits.
- Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager.
- Be involved in service initiatives for the improvement of other foodbank services which may involve occasional evening or weekend contributions.
Person Specification
Essential
- Working knowledge of the Welfare Benefits System and welfare reforms.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with particular emphasis on negotiating, representing, case recording and reporting.
- Be able to adopt a person centred approach to best understand the issues presented by clients.
- Be able to effectively prioritise case load and meet deadlines in relation to client needs.
- Ability to work effectively and safely by yourself as well as part of a team.
- Proficient use of technology to assist in day to day case management and preparation of reports and benefit submissions.
- Ability to provide support to volunteer(s) and oversee the overall quality of their work.
- Self motivated with an organised approach to managing and recording casework
- A self starter who has the ability and willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures
Desirable
- Experience in challenging Welfare Benefits decisions including appeals.
- Understanding of the issues surrounding poverty, food insecurity, or social inequality.
- Knowledge of case management systems such as AdvicePro and/or Charity Log
- Demonstrate an understanding of social trends and their implications for clients and service provision
- Ability and experience in maintaining good relationships with stakeholders.
DBS Screening
In accordance with the Bournemouth Foodbank policy, the successful candidate may be screened by the DBS.
Terms and Conditions
Salary: £14-£14.60 (equivalent £27,300-£28,470 pro-rata) based on experience
Hours: Part Time, 15-22.5 hours per week. This is initially a 3-year fixed-term contract with potential scope to increase hours over time.
Role Locations and initial hours are as follows:
- 1 Poole Based – 12-15 hours per week. Tuesday to Friday
- Up to 3 Bournemouth & Christchurch based – 15-22.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday
Pay: £14.00-£14.60 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- You are asked to provide a written cover letter along with your application explaining why you're applying and how your skills and experience make you suitable for this role.
Without a cover letter, your application may not be considered.
Have you provided a cover letter ?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
