At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert welfare benefits advice and support clients in securing their entitlements.
- Company: Join Central England Law Centre, a leader in community legal services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them navigate welfare benefits.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits advice and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28459 - 32158 £ per year.
Central England Law Centre. Closing Date: Monday 23rd November.
- Department / Team : Welfare Benefits
- Work Location : Coventry Office
Salary : Caseworker £28,459 - £32,158, Senior Caseworker £33,067 - £34,655 (Depending on experience)
About the Role
To provide high-quality specialist welfare benefits advice, casework and representation to people referred to the Law Centre through CELC’s projects and trusted community and voluntary sector partners.
The role will help clients understand and secure their entitlements, challenge incorrect decisions and resolve problems as early as possible, reducing the risk that financial hardship leads to wider difficulties in their lives.
Working as part of CELC’s wider multidisciplinary team, the postholder will contribute to projects designed to reach people who may otherwise struggle to access advice and ensure that welfare benefits issues are addressed alongside other legal and social welfare needs.
Learning and evidence from casework will be used to support CELC’s work to improve policy, practice and systems, helping to prevent problems, strengthen access to rights and achieve lasting change for individuals and communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide in-depth welfare benefits advice and manage cases from start to finish through face-to-face appointments, phone calls, and home visits when needed.
- Prepare appeal papers, gather medical and financial evidence, and represent clients at First-tier Social Security Appeal Tribunals.
Identify when a decision should be appealed to the Upper Tribunal.
- Help clients resolve benefit problems early through casework and dedicated projects-focusing on issues like the benefit cap, sanctions, bedroom tax, deductions, and right-to-reside rules.
- Maintain high standards of case management, recording and client care in accordance with CELC’s quality requirements, Lexcel and Legal Aid Agency requirements.
- Depending on experience you may also be expected to undertake the following
- To support colleagues within the welfare benefits team and the wider organisation.
- Provide training and support to frontline staff and stakeholders on key welfare benefits policy and its implementation.
- Prepare and present policy briefs, reports, and position papers to influence decision-making.
- Attend and actively participate in key forums and networks in support of the policy objectives.
- Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, voluntary sector partners and community groups.
- Review colleagues' files and carry out internal quality audits to make sure work meets Lexcel standards.
- Help less experienced advisers with technical questions, case planning, and difficult appeals.
- Draft applications for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal, and spot cases that may need judicial review.
- Help assess new enquiries and decide how cases are shared out across the team.
- Help track project targets and report case outcomes to funders.
- What We Are Looking For
- Have a strong understanding of welfare benefits systems and related legislation.
- Possess experience in providing welfare benefits advice and casework, with proven success in challenging incorrect decisions.
- Can demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality and empathetic client service.
- Are able to work collaboratively with teams and stakeholders to support clients effectively.
- Are organised, proactive, and capable of managing their own caseload efficiently.
We warmly welcome applications from diverse and lived-experience backgrounds.
Welfare Benefits Caseworker in Coventry employer: BVSC EDI Group
SIFA Fireside is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Birmingham community. As a Peer Support Worker, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, offering 28 days of annual leave, regular check-ins with management, and access to extensive training opportunities. Join a compassionate team that values lived experience and fosters personal growth while empowering individuals facing homelessness to rebuild their lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Benefits Caseworker in Coventry
✨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 BVSC EDI Group.
✨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 BVSC EDI Group!
✨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 BVSC EDI Group, 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 BVSC EDI Group 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 Benefits Caseworker in Coventry
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 BVSC EDI Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BVSC EDI Group! 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 BVSC EDI Group
✨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.
