Welfare Benefits Advisor

The Welfare Benefits Adviser will provide an up to date and comprehensive welfare benefits advice and income maximisation service for single parent families in our Glasgow and South Lanarkshire Service. The successful candidate will also provide advocacy service for single parents undergoing appeals or attending tribunals and roll out training or updates to staff to ensure they are kept informed of changes in the Welfare Benefit system. The postholder will be expected to operate in line with our values which are: Justice, Equity, Trust, Collaboration and Compassion., The job description is a broad picture of the post at the time of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties, as jobs change and evolve over time. Specific duties

• To provide benefit advice, Type 1, 11,111 to single parents on all benefits and casework.
• Provide representation for clients by preparing and presenting cases at benefit appeal hearings.
• Deliver regular confidential, holistic advice sessions for single parents in a variety of locations.
• Develop working links with Clyde Gateway Supporting Families Project, South Lanarkshire, nurseries, schools, and other key agencies in Glasgow.
• To organise in-house training on welfare benefits for appropriate OPFS staff.
• Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and reporting.
• Recording client cases using Case Management Systems as required to enable the service to be monitored and evaluated.
• To adhere to all requirements of the organisations systems and processes in accordance with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers and comply with the Financial Conduct Authority Regulations pertaining to Money Advice.
• Provide regular reports to the Project Manager on activities against targets.
• Undertake any other work, consistent with the purpose of the post, as directed by the project.
  Proven experience in advice work and representation at benefit appeals
• In-depth current knowledge of the benefits system
• Experience of managing a complex caseload and maintain up to date recording
• Able to understand needs of service users and advocate on their behalf.
• Good knowledge of single parent issues and the effect of Welfare Reform on single parent families.
• Fully competent in using Microsoft Office 365 and custom database packages,
• Ability to work under pressure, on your own initiative, but also to be part of a team
• Commitment to working to the organisation's policies and procedures
• Ability to work in an organised manner
• Excellent organisational, communication and report writing skills
• An ability to deal with clients and other professionals in a sensitive manner
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills., Clean driving licence and access to a vehicle
Terms & conditions
• Confirmation of Appointment: Contract until 31^st March 2024 initially with the possibility of extending (dependent on funding). Confirmation of appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a 3-month probationary period, satisfactory references and Standard Disclosure check.
  All roles at OPFS contribute to our mission of working with and for single parent families, providing support services that enable them to achieve their potential and help create lasting solutions to the poverty and barriers facing many single parents and their children.
  Salary: Point 13-17 £23,218 - £28,379
• Hours of work: Hours of work will be 35 hours per week, worked flexibly to meet the demands of the job.
• Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is 37 days pro rata for part time. After 5 years' service, staff receive an extra 5 days leave per year pro rata for part time.
• Pension: You will be auto-enrolled from your start date. OPFS pays 7% of your salary and you pay a minimum of 3%.
• Training and support and supervision: You will receive induction training and frequent support in the first three months. Thereafter you will receive monthly individual support and supervision and annual appraisals. Regular team meetings will be held and staff have access to internal and external training.