Benefit and Employment Adviser

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK, we want to reach as many people as possible so we can improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. We are looking for people to join our network, make genuine connections, and be part of a larger team that works together to support the Parkinson’s community. 

People living with Parkinson's value the services and opportunities Parkinson’s UK provides, delivered by committed and skilled colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations. Following an investment of 1.5 million we have the opportunity to build on the quality and reach of our community services. 

About the role 

You’ll provide information and direct support to people with Parkinson’s and their families on welfare benefits and employment issues through specific case work and advice.

You’ll support Parkinson’s UK Advisers with issues relating to welfare benefits and employment and you’ll take a lead role in ensuring knowledge and resources in this area are up to date and relevant.

What you’ll do:  

• Provide accurate information on all aspects relating to welfare benefits and employment issues.

• Work as part of a specialist team, take a lead role in keeping abreast of developments in the field.

• Provide direct support to people affected with Parkinson’s and their families on welfare benefits and employment issues in line with service guidelines.

• Provide information, support and training on welfare benefits and employment issues relating to those with Parkinson’s to Parkinson’s UK colleagues.

• Ensure that the responses made to enquiries and referrals are delivered within agreed protocols and procedures and provide a professional service at all times. Including maintaining accurate and timely records in line with service procedures.

What you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in an information and advisory setting benefits and employment related 

• Substantial proven experience in working with people on resolving benefits and employment related issues (at least 1 year of experience within the last three years) 

• Experience of supporting people within a tribunal setting 

• Excellent knowledge of welfare benefits, universal credit and current welfare reforms and experience of carrying out benefit calculations 

• Ability to cope with challenging or emotional enquiries and clients and to work in an empathetic way with a strong customer-orientated approach 

• Experience of operating in a modern digital workplace with experience of online case management systems and an understanding of the importance of data quality 

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!

Interviews for this role will be held on 1st May 2025.

The successful candidate will be required to: 

• provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb 

• have a confidential space in which to work

• provide occasional cover on Saturdays and/or Bank holidays

This role will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You’ll be required to apply for one; refusal to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn. 

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.