At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide welfare benefits advice and support to clients affected by cancer.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Hounslow, a charity helping over 15,000 clients annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including remote work and outreach at local hospitals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in welfare support.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; training provided for those new to cancer support.
- Other info: Opportunity for a lead role available for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Macmillan Welfare Benefits Adviser x 1.6FTE
Apply before 11.59pm on 23 February 2025.
Citizens Advice Hounslow is a well-established charity operating in the London Borough of Hounslow, supporting over 15,000 clients a year. We have an exciting new opportunity in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide welfare advice to support to people affected by cancer and those who care for them.
These posts are funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and are aimed at assisting clients on the phone and in person from our offices and outreach venues including local hospitals.
Role Purpose
To provide welfare benefits advice, casework, and assistance in accessing other financial sources, to maximise the income of those living with cancer, their families and carers. This may include disability benefits and other sources of financial support such as grants and help with health and travel costs.
Training
Successful post holders who are new to cancer will be provided with Macmillan specific welfare benefits community of practice and learning opportunities once in post.
Delivery locations
A key aspect of the project is to deliver an outreach service at the West Middlesex Hospital and at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, with regular sessions to be covered by the team of advisers. You will also see clients in person on appointment at our offices in Hounslow, while telephone advice and video appointments can be done working remotely.
Main responsibilities
- Provide welfare benefits advice and casework support, to maximise the income of those living with cancer, their families, and carers.
- Assist clients to challenge benefits decisions.
- Assist clients to access other financial sources.
- Liaise and negotiate with other statutory and voluntary organisations to progress the client’s case and ensure they receive all assistance available.
- Achieve good outcomes for clients by effectively helping them access benefits, grants, discretionary payments, schemes and discounts.
- Maintain detailed electronic case records and other data for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
- Make internal referrals or signpost clients to other organisations as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the Macmillan service, including housing, debt, and employment.
- Interview clients using sensitive listening and questioning skills so that clients feel able to explain their problem(s) and empower them to set their own priorities.
- Collaborate with managers and colleagues to ensure the promotion, development and good working of the Macmillan project.
NB: Opportunity to work in a Lead role for the right candidate.
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Macmillan Welfare Benefits Adviser x 1.6FTE employer: Citizens Advice BANES
Contact Detail:
Citizens Advice BANES Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Macmillan Welfare Benefits Adviser x 1.6FTE
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific welfare benefits related to cancer support. Understanding the nuances of disability benefits and financial assistance options will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in welfare advice or casework, especially if it involves vulnerable populations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations and provide effective support.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills, particularly in how you can engage with clients over the phone and in person. Being able to convey complex information clearly is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasize your ability to collaborate with other organizations. The role requires liaising with various statutory and voluntary bodies, so demonstrating your teamwork skills will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Macmillan Welfare Benefits Adviser x 1.6FTE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Macmillan Welfare Benefits Adviser position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially those related to providing welfare benefits advice and casework support.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in welfare benefits advice, casework, and any previous roles that involved supporting clients, particularly those affected by cancer or similar challenges.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for helping individuals affected by cancer. Mention specific experiences that showcase your ability to provide sensitive and effective support.
Highlight Communication Skills: Emphasize your communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. The role requires sensitive listening and questioning skills, so provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients in challenging situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice BANES
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Macmillan Welfare Benefits Adviser. Familiarize yourself with the types of welfare benefits and financial support available to clients affected by cancer, as well as the specific challenges they face.
✨Show Empathy and Sensitivity
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to listen sensitively and ask thoughtful questions. This role requires a compassionate approach, so be prepared to discuss how you would handle difficult conversations with clients who are going through challenging times.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Share any previous experience you have in welfare advice, casework, or working with vulnerable populations. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to maximizing income for clients, as this will show your capability in the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewers about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the outreach services at local hospitals. This shows your interest in the position and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.