Welfare Benefits Advisor

VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East); Sunderland; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension entitlement

Personal development

Job summary

VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) is seeking a Welfare Benefits Advisor in Sunderland. You will provide timely, accurate welfare benefits advice by telephone, during home visits and at benefit drop-in sessions, and support claimants through the DWP process.

You will manage a busy caseload, work both autonomously and with colleagues, and build strong links with services across the City of Sunderland to promote wellbeing and access to support.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of welfare benefits and income maximisation.
• Good IT skills and ability to learn new software.
• Understanding of GDPR and ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Professionalism, flexibility and empathy for older people.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, accurate welfare benefits advice by phone, home visits and drop-ins.
• Support claimants through the DWP application and verification process.
• Manage a busy caseload autonomously and collaboratively.
• Build partnerships with information and advice services across the City of Sunderland.

Skills

Welfare benefits knowledge

Income maximisation experience

IT skills

Willingness to learn software

GDPR understanding

Clear communication

Empathy for older people

Driving licence

Education

Good standard of education

Tools

None

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Full time

Application deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026 - 09:00

Based: Sunderland

Salary: £25,935 Per Annum

Salary Type: Fixed Salary

Location: Tyne and Wear

Role description: Project Support

Welfare Benefits Advisor

What You Will Do

• Provide timely, accurate advice on welfare benefits by telephone, during home visits and at welfare benefit drop-in sessions.
• Support claimants through the DWP application and verification process, as Age UK Sunderland is an Alternative Office for the DWP.
• Manage a busy caseload, working both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Build effective partnerships and links with information and advice services across the City of Sunderland.

What We Are Looking For

• Current knowledge of welfare benefits and experience of supporting income maximisation.
• A good standard of education, strong IT skills and a willingness to learn new software packages.
• A sound understanding of GDPR and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Professionalism, flexibility and empathy for the needs and aspirations of older people.
• A full driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.

What We Offer

A competitive salary, generous annual leave and pension entitlement, ongoing personal development, and the opportunity to work alongside people who are passionate about helping individuals achieve good mental and physical wellbeing and live life to the full.