Join #TeamDISH as our Benefits Caseworker in Huntingdonshire.
| Job title: | Benefits Caseworker Huntingdonshire |
| Hours: | 20 hours per week |
| Accountable to: | Senior Benefits Caseworker Lead |
| Salary: | £12,561.48 (actual) |
| Location: | The Maple Centre/home working as arranged |
| Contract: | Fixed-term contract until 30th September 2027 |
This post is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and will end on 30th September 2027.
Purpose
You will be supporting people with disabilities to claim disability-related welfare benefits and help to challenge unfavourable benefit decisions in preparation for appeals. Working with your colleagues to identify wider services and signpost/refer people with disabilities to teams and services that can support them.
This post holder is responsible for
- Enabling the client to complete the benefit application form ensuring they have all the relevant information to make a complete application.
- Conducting the appointment in the office, over the phone or visiting clients at their homes if they are housebound.
- Answering clients’ questions and providing advice on welfare benefits.
- Signposting clients to the relevant agencies for issues/services that DISH is unable to support.
- Assisting claimants with the 1st stage of the appeal process against decisions to refuse or stop benefits.
- Developing relationships with agencies and organisations on behalf of clients.
- Keeping confidential and up-to-date records using Charitylog database.
- To support carers of clients by signposting them to services which can support their needs.
- Researching information using reference material and relevant websites.
- To work collectively with colleagues to ensure the best possible service and outcome for our clients.
- Organising publicity to encourage the public to claim benefits they are entitled to.
- Work pro-actively with GP surgeries and other community/voluntary organisations that support the community from the area as determined by the terms of the grant.
About you
- You will be passionate about your work.
- You will have empathy and an understanding of DISH and our values.
- You will not be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions.
- You will be comfortable working on your own initiative but love being part of a great team.
- You will want to learn and develop your skills.
General Responsibilities
- Comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
- To be available for support sessions and contribute to the activities of DISH.
- Create and maintain positive and supportive relationships with staff, volunteers, clients and other stakeholders.
- To engage with appropriate training opportunities to promote professional effectiveness in this role.
- Be aware of and comply with requirements in relation to data management and confidentiality, under data protection legislation.
- Be aware of and comply with safeguarding policies and procedures aimed at the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Reporting all concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Adhere to all health and safety processes and procedures, reporting any concerns as per the policy.
- Be aware and comply with the code of conduct, regulations and policies of DISH and its commitment to equal opportunities.
Person specification
Essential:
- The ability to deal sensitively with people who have issues that prohibit them from claiming disability benefits.
- The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, especially with challenging clients
- Ability to respond sensitively to clients from a variety of backgrounds who are under pressure and negotiate with third parties to minimise conflict.
- The ability to cope with challenging situations, manage own time and deal with competing demands.
- Proven ability to undertake casework and record effectively and appropriately, both the case itself and supporting data as may be required by the project
- A commitment to self-development, and the ability to work alone.
- IT literate with a working knowledge of outlook, Microsoft and software programmes although full training will be given on our client system.
- Hold a current valid driving licence and have unrestricted use of private transport.
Desirable:
- At least a year’s experience in this field either in a paid or voluntary capacity.
- Excellent understanding and knowledge of welfare benefit law and related subjects.
- An understanding of local organisations that can support clients with benefits, housing and money/debt-related enquiries and casework.
Closing date: 5pm on 1st December 2024.
Download the application pack for more information and application form from the links below. Completed application forms should be sent to apply@dish.org.uk.
Benefits-Caseworker-Huntingdonshire-Application-Pack
