The Welfare Rights Service is charged with seeking to ensure that the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the city are receiving the benefits to which they are entitled.  The Service has four main service areas.  There is the Benefits and Assessment team which works with people within Adult Social Care who are receiving care and support.  We have Welfare Rights Officers based in the various different social work teams who provide technical advice and support to social workers.  We also have a Specialist Support team who deliver training to local groups and organisations and who undertake high volume appeals work surrounding disability benefits.  In addition to this we have a Macmillan project who provide benefits information and advice to those affected by cancer.  More recently as a response to the pandemic we also offer a Covid-19 Benefits Helpline for people living in Wolverhampton.   

The post holder's responsibilities will involve providing benefits information and advice to people within Adult Social Care who are either getting Care and Support for Residential Care services.  The post holder will also be expected to undertake financially assessments relating to people receiving Adult Social Care non-residential care and support (including those living in Extra Care and Supported Living arrangements), and people receiving residential care and support, where this is necessary, according to the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Contributions and Charging Policies and in line with Regulations and Statutory Guidance under the Care Act 2014 to ensure they have maximum income/benefits entitlements and are accurately contributing towards the cost of their care and support.   

The post holder will have experience in providing high quality benefits information and advice.  They should have extensive knowledge of the Social Security Benefits System particularly in regard to Universal Credit, Pension Credit and the benefits that may be available to those who have physical and/or mental disablement.  The post holder will be experience in providing practical assistance with benefit claims and  mandatory reconsiderations.  They should also have experience of providing representation at the First-Tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal. 

The post holder will also have experience of undertaking financial assessments on those receiving care and support and those who are residing in residential care settings ensuring that they are financially contributing appropriately towards the cost of their care and support/residential care fees.  

The post holder will have excellent written and oral communication skills.  They will possess the ability to communicate effectively with people from a variety of different back grounds.  They will have the ability to understand complex legislation and case law.  They will also possess the ability to work under pressure, on their own initiative and as part of a team. 

The post holder will have experience at providing Social Security benefits information and advice to vulnerable groups.  They will have experience in helping people claim the benefits they are entitled to whilst dealing with disputes and appeals.  They will be experienced in representing at First Tier Tribunal hearings.  They will be experienced in using IT Systems and case recording.

Previous applicants need not apply.

We are looking for somebody who is committed to ensuring that benefit claimants receive the benefits that they are entitled to whilst ensuring that people are making the relevant contributions needed towards the cost of their care and support/the cost of their residential care.

Diversity

We are committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We want to attract the best applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups because we strongly believe in adding value through diversity, inclusion, and equality. Our employees enable us to deliver services that are accessible, inclusive, and reflective of Wolverhampton residents.

We encourage, inspire and value an inclusive culture here at the council where employees can flourish, thrive and be themselves. We have four staff equality forums for employees to join. These help to ensure our workforce has a voice, employees feel empowered to speak up and where everyone is treated with respect - Learn more here

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders

We are committed to the fair treatment of all our employees, potential employees, or users of our service regardless of offending background. The Council uses the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for any vacancies that require a DBS check to obtain information about applicants to assess their suitability for employment in positions of trust. We do not discriminate unfairly against any individual on the basis of a conviction or any other information revealed as a result of a DBS disclosure - Learn more here

Employment Information Workshops

If you are considering applying for an apprenticeship or a role where the salary is £18,333 to £27,514 (Grades 2-5), and would like to visit us to learn about the application process and what it is like to work for us, please book onto one of our monthly briefings - Learn more here  

Working for us

For more information about working for our organisation including the culture of the Council, the Council plan and vision, staff equality forums, core HR policies and much more please click here.

Supporting documents
CFSJD.Benefits and Assessments Officer (General).Sept2021.pdf
CFSPS.Benefits and Assessment Officer (General).Sept2021.pdf