At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide welfare advice and advocacy to support torture survivors in realising their rights.
- Company: Join Freedom from Torture, a leading human rights organisation dedicated to healing survivors.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a competitive salary, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to human rights and social justice.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by helping vulnerable individuals navigate complex welfare systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare advocacy and knowledge of benefits for asylum seekers and refugees.
The predicted salary is between 26972 - 33715 £ per year.
Contract: Full Time (35 hours per week), Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Manchester
Starting salary: £34,220 per annum
Closing date: 16.08.2026
Expected date of interviews: w/c 31.08.2026
Job ref:VA795
We have an exciting opportunity for a welfare advisor based within our Legal Advice and Welfare Services (LAWS) team.
About the role
Do you want to use your extensive welfare benefits and/or asylum support experience to help torture survivors realise their welfare rights and entitlements?
Freedom from Torture is a human rights organisation that provides rehabilitation to survivors of torture. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for human rights to join our team in Manchester.
The Welfare Advisor works within the holistic rehabilitation model of Freedom from Torture and provides welfare advice and advocacy to our clients, forming part of a multi-disciplinary team. You will receive, process and manage welfare referrals, and act as a point of contact on welfare issues primarily for the Manchester centre, and to a smaller degree, theScotlandCentre.
This role requires careful and sensitive delivery of complex welfare information and advice, often to very vulnerable clients. You must have in- depth knowledge of the welfare rights and benefits available to asylum seekers and/or refugees. This may include completing Section 4 applications, or appealing negative benefits decisions on health or vulnerability grounds.
About you
The ideal candidate for the role will have the following:
Experience of working within a similar role providing advocacy on a range of welfare issues to include housing, welfare benefits and Asylum Support
Extensive experience of working within the benefits system, including the application, assessment and appeals procedures
Experience working with refugees and asylum seekers and an understanding of the needs of this group and the associated support services and mechanisms available
Experience of liaising with external agencies and government bodies to ensure that service users are given access to their available welfare rights and entitlements.
At interview you will need to demonstrate your ability to identify welfare needs and provide appropriate advice and recommendations. You will be given a case study to work through and you will be asked to share your analysis and plan with us.
In return, we offer a competitive package, with a generous 30-day annual leave entitlement, and 6% employer pension contribution (minimum 1% employee contribution).
Freedom from Torture is committed to showing the salary for all advertised roles and not negotiating salaries for roles, in light of evidence that this contributes to structural inequality.
Our policy is that all appointments will be at the start of the salary range but successful candidates will have the opportunity to move up the scale over time. The progression up the salary range is reviewed on an annual basis and subject to affordability. For this role, the salary range is £34,220 - £39,696.
Freedom from Torture is dedicated to healing and protecting people who have survived torture. We provide therapies to improve physical and mental health, we medically document torture, and we provide legal and welfare help. We expose torture globally, we fight to hold torturing states to account and we campaign for fairer treatment of torture survivors in the UK.
We campaign for national and global change, using evidence from our services and survivor voices to protect and promote survivors' rights and hold torturing states to account. We are proud to play a significant role in the global anti-torture movement. Survivors, active and empowered, are at the centre of all of our work.
Freedom from Torture is committed to its responsibilities under safeguarding and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory DBS disclosure, as well as a need for full employment history and up to date employment references.
Freedom from Torture is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of torture or asylum, from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Welfare Advisor employer: FREEDOM FROM TORTURE
Freedom from Torture is an award-winning charity dedicated to supporting survivors of torture, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises wellbeing and employee engagement. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and flexible working opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful change in the lives of those affected by human rights abuses. Located in Finsbury Park, London, this role provides a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team driving impactful initiatives within the refugee sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research Freedom from Torture, their mission, and the specific challenges faced by torture survivors. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the case study you'll be given at the interview. Think about how you would approach welfare needs and what advice you'd offer. We recommend running through some mock scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees of Freedom from Torture on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and the role itself, which can give you an edge in your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience in your cover letter to make a strong impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with welfare benefits and advocacy, and show us how your passion for human rights aligns with our mission at Freedom from Torture.
Showcase Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on your previous roles that relate to welfare advice and support for vulnerable clients. We want to see your experience with asylum seekers and refugees, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at FREEDOM FROM TORTURE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of welfare rights and benefits, especially those relevant to asylum seekers and refugees. Familiarise yourself with the application and appeals processes, as well as any recent changes in legislation that could affect your clients.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Since you'll be given a case study during the interview, it’s a good idea to practice analysing similar scenarios beforehand. Think about how you would approach identifying welfare needs and what advice you would give. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your analysis with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion
Freedom from Torture is all about human rights, so make sure to convey your passion for this cause during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping vulnerable individuals and your understanding of their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might want to ask about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they measure success in the Welfare Advisor role.
