We’re on the lookout for a Welfare Benefits Advisor to join the believe housing team on a permanent basis.
This is an exciting opportunity if you want to make a real difference. We believe in life without barriers. If you aren’t sure you meet 100% of the criteria but think you would be great in this role, don’t let that stop you; we would love to hear from you. We’re interested in your skills, knowledge and experience, as well as your personal values. We’re committed to supporting everyone here at believe housing and being an inclusive organisation.
Although this role is advertised as full-time, we will consider part-time, job share and alternative working pattern proposals where possible.
We’re a family-friendly, flexible employer, and we encourage everyone to ‘work the believe way’. For us, this means keeping things simple, doing more of what matters, and removing tasks and processes that don’t add value.
Where and when you work is flexible depending on the demands of your role, our customers’ needs and your individual work preference (as agreed with your manager).
Our offices are based in Seaham and Bishop Auckland and although we work flexibly, it is envisaged that this role will require both an offsite and onsite presence as per business need when required.
about the role
If you like keeping up with legislative changes around Welfare Benefits and be dynamic in the way you provide support to customers, then this could be the role for you.
We are looking for someone with a working knowledge of Welfare Benefits that includes applications, identifying gaps in income and appeals.
At believe housing we aim to maximise income and minimise expenditure by providing proactive money management methods, that enable our customers to pay their rent on time and protect their tenancy. So, it’s also important that you are experienced in participating in campaigns that actively support customers to sustain and afford their homes.
We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, has a passion for supporting customers and is wanting to work in a culture of continual improvement.
Be part of a team who in 2023/24 supported over 3,000 customers in receiving £1,628,950 in financial gains and assisted 557 customers to reduce their rent arrears by a total off £209, 750.97.
The successful candidate will:
Assist the Money Matters and Tenancy Sustainment team leader to provide an in-depth quality welfare benefit and money guidance service.
You will support and advocate for our customers by exploring options and implications so that those accessing our service can make informed decisions. You will ensure income maximization for the customer through the appropriate take up of income, including those relating to welfare benefits.
Maintain detailed case records.
Referring customers for additional services such as employability, money advice specialists, and partners services.
Support and advocate for customers with appeals against unfair welfare benefit rulings.
Contribute to the development and delivery of money management and budgeting courses and campaigns for both staff and customers to publicise welfare benefit reforms and wider financial inclusion themes including bank accounts, credit unions and direct debits and implement them.
The post holder will be required to work across all believe housing locations.
For more information, please read the full job description.
what’s on offer?
Our people are our greatest asset which is why we value you, encourage you, look after you, and empower you.
As well as a competitive salary of £33,079 – £34,351 per annum some of our top benefits and rewards include:
• 31-33 days of annual leave
• working the believe way allows us to be more agile in the ways we work and creates a great work-life balance
• believe housing is committed to providing a first class pension offer with employer contributions into the local government pension scheme (LGPS), which is currently equivalent to 27.1% of your gross salary
• up to four days paid volunteering leave each year.
apply now
If you believe that you demonstrate our values and can bring something special to this role, then apply now. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Here at believe housing we are a disability co
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .