At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable residents with crisis support and welfare advice.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council, dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Fixed term role with training, development, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; commitment 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 Benefit processes.
- 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.
Benefits & Conditions
Fixed term until 31.03.2029. 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. Applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑share arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs. A Basic DBS Check is required. For roles involving children or vulnerable groups, an Enhanced DBS check (with or without barred list checks) is required. Application may close earlier due to high demand. Interviews will be scheduled as appropriate. No agencies, please.
EEO Statement
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with or without barred list checks.
Welfare Support officer employer: Bath River Line
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 values diversity and inclusion, offering robust training and development opportunities in a supportive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and flexible working arrangements, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Support 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 Bath River Line.
✨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 Bath River Line!
✨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 Bath River Line, 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 Bath River Line 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 Welfare Support 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 Bath River Line:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bath River Line! 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 Bath River Line
✨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.
