At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable residents with crisis support and welfare advice.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Training, development opportunities, and a strong values-led culture.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer-facing roles and knowledge of welfare benefits.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives. We are seeking a committed and empathetic Welfare Support Officer to join our Welfare Support service. This frontline role supports vulnerable residents across Bath and North East Somerset to access timely crisis support and receive appropriate advice and signposting during periods of financial hardship.
About The Role
You will assess welfare support applications, administer Housing Payments and Crisis Support funds, and communicate decisions clearly and sensitively to customers often in challenging circumstances. The role involves speaking to customers by telephone, reviewing supporting evidence, and maintaining accurate and confidential records. You will identify and appropriately escalate safeguarding concerns and work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure customers receive timely and effective support. You will also carry out quality checks and contribute to ongoing service improvement.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll bring experience in customer‑facing or welfare support roles, with strong knowledge of welfare benefits and processes. The essential skills and qualifications include:
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) or the ability to work at this level
- IRRV Technician qualification (or willingness to work towards it)
- Good understanding of relevant legislation, including data protection
- Strong organisational, communication and IT skills
- The ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically
- Resilience and confidence in managing challenging situations
Fixed term until 31.03.2029
Benefits
You’ll be part of a supportive service that makes a real difference to people’s lives. We offer training, development opportunities and a strong values‑led culture. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Application Process
Please contact Angela Hucker or Robert John for more information. Interview date: TBC and we do not accept agency applicants. We operate a policy of prior consideration for council employees on the at‑risk register who meet the essential criteria. Note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. All applicants shall be invited to provide the basic DBS check as part of the recruitment process.
Safeguarding
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees to share this commitment. Anyone working with vulnerable groups will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
Welfare Support officer in Keynsham employer: BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
Bath & North East Somerset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of its residents. As a Welfare Support Officer, you will be part of a compassionate team that provides vital support to vulnerable individuals during challenging times, with ample opportunities for professional development and a strong commitment to equality and inclusion. Our supportive work culture fosters resilience and collaboration, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in the community while growing your skills in a rewarding environment.
Contact Detail:
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Support officer in Keynsham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Bath & North East Somerset Council and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves sensitive conversations, try role-playing with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate complex information clearly and empathetically, which is key for a Welfare Support Officer.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees of the council on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process or what to expect in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Bath & North East Somerset Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Support officer in Keynsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in customer-facing or welfare support roles. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Welfare Support Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant knowledge and qualifications!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when explaining complex information. Remember, you’ll need to communicate sensitively with customers, so show us you can do that in your written application too!
Show Your Empathy:This role is all about supporting vulnerable residents, so let your compassionate side shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations with empathy and resilience, as this will resonate with us at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so why not get started right away?
How to prepare for a job interview at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of welfare benefits and processes. Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation, especially around data protection. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Empathy is Key
As a Welfare Support Officer, you'll be dealing with vulnerable residents. Practice how to communicate complex information clearly and sensitively. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and understanding in challenging situations.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage your workload and keep accurate records. Bring examples of how you've successfully handled multiple tasks or cases at once, as this will demonstrate your organisational abilities and attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about potential safeguarding concerns you might encounter and how you would escalate them. This shows that you can think on your feet and prioritise the well-being of customers.
