Benefits Entitlement and Claim Support Officer

ABOUT US

We are National Energy Action (NEA) – and our vision is to end fuel poverty; our work to improve and promote energy efficiency brings social, environmental, housing and employment benefits. We believe everyone should be able to afford to keep their homes warm and safe, however, low incomes, high energy bills and poor energy efficiency currently deny this to millions of households across the UK. Never has this been more important than today.

NEA’s teams are friendly, knowledgeable and are dedicated to what we do. We are proud of our expertise and proud of the service we deliver to our clients.

We offer colleagues a friendly, rewarding workplace and the chance to build a worthwhile career with a not-for-profit organisation that is proud to make a genuine difference to people’s lives each and every day.

THE ROLE

We have a fantastic opportunity for someone to join us in the position of Benefits Entitlements and Claims Support Officer, to work on either a full or part time basis. Job Share applications are also welcome.

This role provides an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help the charity build its profile amongst regional stakeholders whilst delivering projects that seek to bring an end to fuel poverty and to the misery of cold homes that is experienced by over 6 million households in the UK.

NEA’s Benefits Entitlements and Claims Support Officers are empathetic, polite and have good listening skills but are also knowledgeable, assertive, and confident. The post holder will be responsible for giving comprehensive benefit entitlement advice and support to householders. The post holder will obtain relevant information about a client’s circumstances and offer accurate guidance about potential eligibility for additional benefit entitlements. This will include the completion of application forms as appropriate. Advice will be given over the phone, via online contact and in face-to-face settings where appropriate.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

You will have a good understanding of Welfare Rights, including entitlements, systems, claim processes and current legislation and practices. Demonstrable experience of providing advice via telephone and face to face.

You will need good organisational skills, excellent communication skills as well as an understanding of the needs of low income, vulnerable or disadvantaged householders.

NEA has several office locations throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and welcomes applicants from all regions. Home working and office-based locations are available depending on proximity to a NEA office. Preferences will be discussed with candidates at interview. Post holders must be resident within the UK and be able to provide their Right to Work in the UK. Hybrid working is subject to a risk assessment to ensure the working environment is appropriate under health and safety and GDPR requirements.

WE ARE OFFERING

· £28,163 – £33,205 (FTE) – Scale 5-6, Points 12-22 (plus £3,300 London Weighting if applicable). Appointments are usually made at the starting point of the scale.

· 11½% non-contributory pension.

· 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our offices close; plus, all public holidays per annum for full time staff, pro-rata for part time staff.

· Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for Hybrid working.

· Enhanced family friendly payments.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Employee benefits platform.

· 18-Month Fixed Term Post.

The closing date for all applications is 12:00 noon 13 January 2025. We anticipate interviewing the two weeks commencing 20 January 2025. Full details of the posts and an application form are available on our website.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply click 'apply via website'.

Please note CVs will not be accepted as part of the application process. No recruitment agency or advertising enquiries, please.

Please be aware that National Energy Action is not a sponsoring organisation. Therefore, the successful applicant must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure the right to work in the UK independently.

NEA aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all people with the necessary skills and experience for the post. Charity Registration No. 290511. Company Registration No: 01853927