Advice work

The main focus of the role is Welfare Benefits advice including:

·        Provide full benefits checks and better off calculations

·        Mandatory reconsideration and appeal rights and time limits

·        Identify income maximisation opportunities

·        Explain eligibility rules for all benefits including the habitual residence test and EU co-ordination rules

·        Calculate means tested benefits and tax credits

·        Explain the decision making process

·        Advice on potential backdating of claims

·        Complete benefit claims forms

·        Overpayment recovery issues

• Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning third parties
• Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation
• Ensure that all work conforms to the Citizens Advice systems and procedures

Research and Campaigns

• Provide statistical information on the number of clients and nature of cases and provide regular reports to bureau management

Professional development

• Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to Welfare Benefits and undertake appropriate training
• Read relevant publications
• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager
• Prepare for and attend supervision sessions, appraisals and team meetings as appropriate

Administration

• Use IT for statistical recording, record keeping and document production
• Keep up to date with policies and procedures relevant to Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove and undertake appropriate training
• Attend internal and external meetings as agreed with the manager

Public relations

• Liaise with partner organisations and represent the service externally
• Monitor service provision to ensure that it reaches the widest possible client group.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service
• Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the Citizens Advice service
• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues

Person specification

1.      Knowledge and experience of Welfare Benefits advice work

2.      Good interpersonal skills, in particular tact and sensitivity in dealing with clients & working with partner agencies

3.      Ordered approach to casework and an ability to work to advice quality standard

4.      Ability to prioritise workload, work under pressure and meet targets

5.      Experience of working with socially excluded / vulnerable groups

6.      Ability to use IT in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions

7.      Flexible approach and willingness to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative

8.      Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively

9.      Ability to work at outreach locations

10.    Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and its equal opportunities policies 

Interviews: W/C 23rd October 2017

Closing date Monday, October 16th 2017

Community Base do not take part in the recruitment process. If you wish to apply for any of the opportunities advertised, please contact the organisation direct.