Welfare Rights Officer | Hybrid Work & Appeals Expertise

Northumberland County Council Jobs; Blyth; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Northumberland County Council is seeking a Welfare Rights Officer for a full-time, permanent role based in Blyth. You will manage a caseload of complex welfare benefit matters and provide expert advice to Adult Social Care staff, residents and partner organisations, guiding claims from enquiry to appeal.

You will deliver training, interpret complex legislation and contribute to service improvement while supporting residents across Northumberland. Hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience and/or qualification.
• Significant welfare rights work experience, including appeals to Tribunal.
• Up-to-date knowledge of social security legislation and case law.
• Experience interviewing and supporting clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly and accessibly.
• Good organisational skills with ability to manage workload.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and maintaining case records.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused services.
• Experience delivering training sessions would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of social care charging and policy would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of complex welfare benefit enquiries, claims, disputes and appeals.
• Providing specialist advice and support to residents, council staff and partner organisations.
• Representing clients at appeal tribunals and preparing evidence.
• Interpreting social security legislation and communicating it clearly.
• Delivering welfare rights training, briefings and awareness sessions.
• Producing and maintaining up-to-date information materials and guidance.
• Working with statutory, voluntary and community organisations across Northumberland.
• Supporting targeted benefit uptake initiatives to maximise residents' incomes.
• Visiting clients in their homes or community settings where required.
• Contributing to policy development and service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Welfare rights experience

Appeals to Tribunal

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Training delivery

Problem solving

Education

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Northumberland County Council is seeking a Welfare Rights Officer for a full-time, permanent role based in Blyth. You will manage a caseload of complex welfare benefit matters and provide expert advice to Adult Social Care staff, residents and partner organisations, guiding claims from enquiry to appeal.

You will deliver training, interpret complex legislation and contribute to service improvement while supporting residents across Northumberland. Hybrid working is available.