Welfare Benefits Advisor – Tenancy Support

SBHA; Selkirk; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Flexible working pattern

Generous annual leave

Good pension scheme

Job summary

SBHA is seeking an experienced Welfare Benefits Officer to help tenants maximise their income, reduce financial hardship and sustain tenancies. You will provide clear, confidential advice and advocacy, manage complex casework and work closely with colleagues and partner organisations to achieve positive customer outcomes.

A current driving licence and access to transport are required. The role is 35 hours per week, full-time on a fixed-term contract for 6 months, based in Selkirk with travel

Qualifications

• At least three years' experience in welfare benefits or welfare rights work.
• Educated to HND level or able to demonstrate equivalent experience.
• Experience of working with the public and external agencies.
• Experience of case management and maintaining accurate records.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with tenants and stakeholders.
• Strong written, numeracy and IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to analyse information, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• A customer-focused approach and commitment to delivering high-quality services.
• Resilience, problem-solving ability and experience dealing with sensitive and complex situations.
• Ability to work effectively in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• A current driving licence and access to your own transport.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, confidential welfare benefits advice and guidance to tenants.
• Support tenants with benefit claims, changes in circumstances, overpayments, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals.
• Manage welfare benefits casework from initial assessment through to resolution.
• Work proactively with Neighbourhood Housing Officers on complex rent arrears cases to support tenancy sustainment and maximise rental income.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with statutory, voluntary and community organisations.
• Analyse service information to identify trends, unmet need and opportunities for targeted support.
• Maintain accurate records using the Association's systems and ensure compliance with data protection requirements.
• Contribute to performance monitoring, service improvement initiatives and continuous improvement activities.
• Provide professional advice and support to tenants and other customers by phone, in writing and face to face.
• Promote inclusive, accessible housing services and support vulnerable tenants where required.

Job description

SBHA is seeking an experienced Welfare Benefits Officer to help tenants maximise their income, reduce financial hardship and sustain tenancies. You will provide clear, confidential advice and advocacy, manage complex casework and work closely with colleagues and partner organisations to achieve positive customer outcomes.

A current driving licence and access to transport are required. The role is 35 hours per week, full-time on a fixed-term contract for 6 months, based in Selkirk with travel