Benefits Advisor - West London (Hiring Immediately)

As Benefits Advisor, you will advise and assist people to access available benefits and other sources of financial help.

This support may be provided on a ‘drop in’ basis and through a programme of booked appointments.

You will be responsible for liaising with other statutory and voluntary bodies as required.

You will also have responsibility for creating the conditions for maintaining ongoing relationships with people accessing the centre, and in collaboration with colleagues for enabling people to access all aspects of Maggie’s programme to ensure ongoing and effective cancer support.

Interviews will take place on 20 November.

Key responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive advice on benefits using a variety of different mechanisms.
• Assist in the completion of benefits claims, maximising an individual’s income.
• Promote and develop benefits advice as a component of Maggie’s programme including participation in teaching and training programmes.
• Recording and maintaining up to date records and reporting of activity data in relation to own activity as required by Maggie’s policies and procedures.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant external agencies, signposting where appropriate and being able to develop beneficial working relationships.
• Responsible for recording data in relation to their own work in accordance with Maggie’s policies and procedures, and will contribute to Maggie’s programme of annual audit, centre review and triennial review.
• Follow up claims for disability benefits and any further benefits triggered by
  an award.
• Negotiate with statutory bodies, ensuring that people are supported through this process.
• Ensure that centre visitors feel welcome and valued as individuals, and that they feel their concerns have been heard and understood; creating the conditions for ongoing relationships with other members of the team facilitating exploration of what Maggie’s programme may have to offer.
• Contribute to raising awareness of and enabling access to Maggie’s Centres.
• Contribute to centre specific or other specific audits as required.
• Support Maggies Centre Head in ensuring that Maggie’s environment is maintained as a welcoming atmosphere.
• Participate in staff support sessions, meetings with the Centre Head and supervision meetings, and staff training as required.
• Maintenance of statistical information and accurate case records.
• Administration and follow up to benefits advice and the submission of claims.
• Assist Maggie’s Centre Head with centre administration as required.
• Occasional overnight stays and some travel will be required along with some evening and unsociable hours working

Skills, knowledge and expertise

• Degree educated in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 year’s experience in providing welfare benefits and money advice.
• The ability to think about and understand health related concerns within the wider context of an individual‘s life experience, family and social context.
• A warm, empathetic manner with excellent communication and listening skills.
• Able to write clear and concise reports.

Job benefits

• You’ll spend time at one of our incredible centres to experience our programme of support and see first-hand the difference we can make.
• A structured orientation week will cover everything you need to get settled in your new role.
• Holiday entitlement that helps you create a manageable work life balance.
• Generous sick leave cover.
• A supportive and friendly working environment.
• Tailored learning and development opportunities.
• Kitchen facilities with free tea, coffee and fruit bowl.
• Workplace pension and free financial advice from an independent financial advisor to help you plan for your future.
• Option to keep a pre-existing NHS pension if eligible.
• Travel and cycle loans.
• Eye test expenses and money towards glasses.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• Our buddy system links you with a colleague to give you extra support in your first few months.
• Facilitated stress management courses and access to our clinical psychologists for support.