Welfare Benefits Advisor in North East

We’re on the lookout for a Welfare Benefits Advisor to join the believe housing team on a 12-month fixed term basis. This is an exciting opportunity if you want to make a real difference. We believe in life without barriers. If you aren’t sure you meet 100% of the criteria but think you would be great in this role, don’t let that stop you; we would love to hear from you. We’re interested in your skills, knowledge and experience, as well as your personal values. We’re committed to supporting everyone here at believe housing and being an inclusive organisation.

Although this role is advertised as full-time, we will consider part-time, job share and alternative working pattern proposals where possible. We’re a family-friendly, flexible employer, and we encourage everyone to ‘work the believe way’. For us, this means keeping things simple, doing more of what matters, and removing tasks and processes that don’t add value. Where and when you work is flexible depending on the demands of your role, our customers’ needs and your individual work preference (as agreed with your manager). Our offices are based in Seaham and Bishop Auckland and although we work flexibly, it is envisaged that this role will require both an offsite and onsite presence as per business need when required.

About the role: If you like keeping up with legislative changes around Welfare Benefits and be dynamic in the way you provide support to customers, then this could be the role for you. We are looking for someone with a working knowledge of Welfare Benefits that includes supporting customers through Universal Credit Managed Migration process and welfare benefit reforms, identifying benefit entitlements and gaps in income and how to challenge and appeal welfare benefit decisions. You would also need experience in supporting campaigns and promoting to customers and internal and external stakeholders.

At believe housing we aim to maximise income and minimise expenditure that enable our customers to pay their rent on time and protect their tenancy. So, it’s also important that you are experienced in participating in campaigns that actively support customers to sustain and afford their homes. We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, has a passion for supporting customers and is wanting to work in a culture of continual improvement.

Be part of a team who in 2024/25 supported over 3,300 customers in receiving £1,894,099 in financial gains and assisted 720 customers to reduce their rent arrears by a total of £306,677.75.

The successful candidate will:

• Assist the Money Matters and Tenancy Sustainment team leader to provide an in-depth quality welfare benefit and money guidance service.
• Support and advocate for our customers by exploring options and implications so that those accessing our service can make informed decisions.
• Ensure income maximization for the customer through the appropriate take up of income, including those relating to welfare benefits.
• Refer customers for additional services such as employability, money advice specialists, and partners services.
• Support and advocate for customers with appeals against unfair welfare benefit rulings.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of money management and budgeting courses and campaigns for both staff and customers to publicise welfare benefit reforms and wider financial inclusion themes including bank accounts, credit unions and direct debits and implement them.
• The post holder will be required to work across all believe housing locations.

What’s on offer? Our people are our greatest asset which is why we value you, encourage you, look after you, and empower you. As well as a competitive salary of £33,906 - £35,210 per annum, some of our top benefits and rewards include: From our annual leave entitlement (up to 33 days, plus four volunteering days per year) and competitive pension scheme, to our flexible 'working the believe way' patterns that put your wellbeing front and centre, there’s really a lot on offer. Our culture is second to none. We put our customers at the heart of everything we do, and developing our colleagues to support them is key to our success. So we’re committed to your growth, encouraging you to progress and enhance your skills in a rewarding career.

Apply now: If you believe that you demonstrate our values and can bring something special to this role, then apply now. We’re looking forward to hearing from you. Here at believe housing we are a disability confident employer, if you require any adjustments or support throughout our recruitment process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you wish to find out more about this opportunity contact Gavin Coleman Money Matters & Tenancy Sustainment Team Leader at gavin.coleman@believehousing.co.uk. Closing date for applications is 23.59pm on Sunday 8 March 2026. All applicants must go through our website.