Macmillan Lead Welfare Benefits Adviser/Manager

Citizens Advice Hounslow is a well-established charity operating in the London Borough of Hounslow, supporting over 15,000 clients a year. Working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, we have a new exciting opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits adviser to support to people affected by cancer and those who care for them.

Role purpose:

• The Lead Welfare Benefits Adviser will lead and work with a team of advisers to provide welfare benefits advice, advocacy and casework for people living with cancer, their families and carers.

• The post holder will undertake casework to challenge benefit decisions including appeals, acting on behalf of clients where appropriate.

• The post holder will supervise and support the team of advisers to ensure their advice and information is effective and that clients’ incomes are maximised through benefits, grants, etc.

Training

Successful post holders who are new to cancer, will be provided with Macmillan specific welfare benefits community of practice and learning opportunities once in post.

Delivery locations

A key aspect of the project is to deliver an outreach service at the West Middlesex Hospital, our offices in Hounslow and the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, with regular sessions to be covered by the team of advisers. Clients will also be seen in person at appointments at our offices, while telephone advice and video appointments can be done working remotely.

Main Responsibilities

• To provide welfare benefits advice and casework to people living with cancer, their families, and carers.

• Assist clients to challenge benefits decisions, including appeals.

• Liaise and negotiate with other statutory and voluntary organisations to progress the client’s case and ensure they receive all assistance available.

• Achieve good outcomes for clients through advocacy and negotiation.

• Lead and support a small team of advisers to ensure they work effectively

• Maintain detailed electronic case records and other data for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval and statistical monitoring and report preparation.

• Make internal referrals or signpost clients as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the Macmillan service, including housing, debt, and employment.

• Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills so that clients feel able to explain their problem(s) and empower them to set their own priorities.