Welfare Benefits Advisor

North Paddington Foodbank (NPFB) is the UK’s first and only full cash-first foodbank, pioneering a transformative approach by providing customers with emergency cash grants alongside advice and support services. We’re looking for a dedicated and passionate Welfare Benefits Advisor to help deliver life-changing financial support to individuals in Westminster who may be missing out on benefits or are struggling with debt.

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with those in need, offering tailored guidance on welfare benefits, income maximisation, and budgeting. You will have the chance to make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable people, ensuring they receive the financial assistance and advice they deserve.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and driven Welfare Benefits Advisor to join our team and make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. This position is vital in ensuring that underserved communities in Westminster access the financial support they deserve. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment and embodies a positive, solution-oriented mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Casework Support: Provide comprehensive casework support to NPFB service users, assisting with welfare benefit claims (PIP, ESA, Universal Credit) and addressing independent reviews.
• Debt Support: Offer basic debt advice, focusing on priority debts, applying for Local Housing Allowance, and facilitating referrals to specialists for complex cases.
• Financial Capability: Help clients create realistic budgets and develop essential financial skills to foster independence.
• Income Maximization: Deliver tailored advice to maximize household income through benefit checks, applications, and challenges to ensure clients receive their rightful support.
• Outreach Coordination: Manage outreach clinics and community events, collaborating with partners to enhance service delivery.
• Client Engagement: Provide advice across various settings, including the NPFB office, community outreach, and digital platforms.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate case records and ensure timely completion of funding reports and evaluations.
• Training: Stay updated on welfare legislation and provide training sessions for staff and volunteers on welfare rights issues.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in delivering social welfare advice. 
• Ability to empower clients facing welfare benefits and debt challenges through empathetic support.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage challenging situations effectively.
• Proficient in managing a caseload and meeting deadlines to ensure timely client support.

Personal Attributes:

• Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and excellence in service delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and emotional intelligence.
• Passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a willingness to challenge discrimination.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel across Westminster and work occasional weekends or evenings.
• Right to work in the UK and willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, are driven to create positive change, and want to work with an innovative team that believes in the power of cash-first interventions, we’d love to hear from you!