Welfare Rights Team Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the West Midlands is seeking an experienced Welfare Rights Team Leader to manage a team delivering high-quality welfare benefits advice and advocacy. You will play a crucial role in ensuring residents receive accurate support while leading on household income maximisation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in welfare benefits advice and excellent leadership skills. This position offers a great opportunity for growth in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level, Grades A to C including English Language and Mathematics.
• Substantial experience delivering Welfare Benefits Advice across a range of benefits.
• Strong working knowledge of social security law and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and support a team of Welfare Rights Advisors.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality welfare benefits advice.
• Oversee complex cases including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals.
• Monitor performances and caseloads to meet service targets.
• Provide coaching and quality assurance to develop staff skills.

Skills

Team leadership

Welfare benefits advice

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of social security law

Education

GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics

Professional qualification in Management or Welfare Advice Provision

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Welfare Rights Team Leader to support the Operations Manager to lead develop and support a large team delivering high quality welfare benefits advice and advocacy.

You will play a key role in ensuring residents/clients receive accurate, timely and effective support to maximise income and challenge incorrect decisions.

You will proactively work in partnership with relevant Council Services and external partners, agencies, including the voluntary sector with the aim to deliver sustainable outcomes for residents by supporting the Council’s Financial and Digital Inclusion, Anti-Poverty, Sustainability, Early Help, Safeguarding priorities and strategies. To lead on household income maximisation and employability initiatives on behalf of the residents and the Council.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Welfare Rights Officer who is ready to take the next step to leadership, or for an existing team leader seeking a new challenge.

You will be expected to:

• Lead, supervise and support a team of Welfare Rights Advisors
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality welfare benefits advice, casework and representation
• Oversee complex cases, including mandatory reconsiderations, appeals and tribunals
• Monitor performances, caseloads and outcomes to meet service targets
• Provide coaching, training, mentoring and quality assurance to develop staff skills
• Have substantial experience delivering Welfare Benefits Advice across a range of benefits and keep up to date with welfare benefits legislation
• Strong working knowledge of social security law and procedures
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills

You will need to be:

• Educated to GCSE level, Grades A to C, must include English Language and Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification.
• An appropriate professional qualification in Management, Welfare Advice Provision, Budgeting Skills would be an advantage but is not essential.

Closing date: Friday 6th February 2026

Samantha Creary on [e-mail]

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.