At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on welfare benefits and support residents facing financial hardship.
- Company: Local Authority offering a meaningful role in community support.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving lives in London.
- Why this job: Help prevent homelessness and empower individuals through financial guidance.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of welfare benefits and experience in casework required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
5-6 months contract with a Local Authority
A skilled and knowledgeable Welfare Rights Officer is required to deliver specialist advice and casework in relation to welfare benefits, with a particular focus on Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP).
The postholder will provide expert guidance to residents facing financial hardship, ensuring they receive the support they are entitled to while maximising income and preventing homelessness. This role involves complex casework, decision-making on DHP applications, and collaborative working across housing, revenues, and support services.
Key Duties/Accountabilities:
- Assess and make informed decisions on Discretionary Housing Payment applications, ensuring fair and consistent use of the fund.
- Provide comprehensive welfare benefits advice and advocacy to residents, including support with appeals and tribunals.
- Carry out financial assessments to identify income maximisation opportunities and benefit entitlements.
- Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to support coordinated approaches to housing and income issues.
- Maintain accurate and timely case records, ensuring compliance with data protection and audit requirements.
- Monitor DHP expenditure and trends, providing reports and insights to management as required.
- Support service users at risk of eviction or homelessness through targeted benefits advice and budgeting support.
- Contribute to policy development and service improvement in relation to welfare rights and discretionary funding.
Skills/Experience:
- In-depth knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, including Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, and DHP.
- Experience managing complex benefits casework, including representation at appeal or tribunal level.
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and policy to individual cases.
- Strong understanding of Discretionary Housing Payment guidance and local authority budget management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
- Experience working within housing, advice, welfare rights, or local government settings.
- Strong IT skills, including experience with case management systems and MS Office.
- High level of numeracy and analytical skills to conduct financial assessments and manage caseloads effectively.
Additional Information:
- The closing date: 17/10/2025.
- Office location: London-based, hybrid working may be considered.
Welfare Rights Officer DHP Specialist in Matlock employer: CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
As a Welfare Rights Officer DHP Specialist with our Local Authority, you will join a supportive and collaborative work culture dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. We offer competitive benefits, including flexible hybrid working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of London.
Contact Details:
CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Rights Officer DHP Specialist in Matlock
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
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Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
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Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Rights Officer DHP Specialist in Matlock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Welfare Rights Officer DHP Specialist role at CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
