At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in financial hardship by administering welfare assistance schemes.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to extend your contract.
- Other info: Immediate start available with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on vulnerable residents while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits and strong decision-making skills required.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 29 £ per hour.
- Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer
- Working Pattern: Hybrid Working, 2 days office / 3 days remote
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for a Local Welfare Assistance Officer to support residents experiencing financial hardship through the administration of discretionary support schemes.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits professional to make a genuine difference within the community by assessing applications, providing welfare advice, and helping vulnerable residents access financial assistance and support services.
Key Responsibilities
- Process and assess applications for the Crisis Resilience Fund, including housing-related support payments.
• Administer applications for
- Local Welfare Provision (LWP)
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
- Discretionary Council Tax Support / Hardship Schemes
- Make fair, accurate and evidence-based decisions in line with legislation and local policy.
- Provide welfare benefits advice and guidance to residents facing financial difficulties.
- Support residents in maximising income, reducing expenditure and addressing debt issues.
- Conduct home visits where required.
- Liaise with external organisations including charities, housing providers, landlords and the DWP.
- Maintain accurate case records and performance data.
- Identify and accelerate potentially fraudulent claims.
- Process awards, payments and case updates using council systems.
Essential Experience
- Local Welfare Provision / Household Support Fund
- Assessing emergency financial support and crisis fund applications.
- Reviewing evidence and determining eligibility.
- Making decisions in accordance with policy and guidance.
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
- Assessing housing affordability and financial hardship.
- Processing DHP applications and calculating awards.
- Applying DHP regulations and local criteria.
- Discretionary Council Tax Support Schemes
- Assessing Council Tax Hardship Fund applications.
- Applying local scheme criteria and calculating discretionary awards.
- Making accurate and consistent funding decisions.
What We're Looking For
- Strong knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
- Experience making decisions on discretionary payments and welfare support schemes.
- Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to strict deadlines.
- Experience supporting vulnerable residents with professionalism and empathy.
- Confident using Microsoft Office and case management systems.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Why Apply?
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Competitive hourly rates.
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on residents facing financial hardship.
- Immediate start available.
- Potential contract extension.
If you have recent experience administering Local Welfare Provision, Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Hardship Schemes, we'd love to hear from you.
The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer employer: Adecco
Our client in Worthing is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. With competitive pay and flexible hours, employees enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic while having access to growth opportunities within the manufacturing sector. This role as a Kitting Operative not only provides meaningful work but also allows you to be part of a respected organisation committed to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Adecco.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Adecco!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Adecco, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Adecco or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Adecco:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Adecco! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
