At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise and assist individuals in accessing financial benefits and support.
- Company: Maggie's Centres, a supportive environment for cancer care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous leave, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a friendly team with opportunities for growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in welfare benefits and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30648 - 36644 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 10 July 2026
Department: Programme
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Part Time
Location: Manchester Centre
Reporting To: Robin Muir
Compensation: £30,648 - £36,644 / year
The closing date for this vacancy may be brought forward if a strong applicant is identified, so early applications are encouraged. Please note that this is a part time position and the salary will be pro rata to reflect the number of hours.
As Benefits Advisor, you will advise and assist people to access available benefits and other sources of financial help. This support may be provided on a 'drop in' basis and through a programme of booked appointments. You will be responsible for liaising with other statutory and voluntary bodies as required. You will also have responsibility for creating the conditions for maintaining ongoing relationships with people accessing the centre, and in collaboration with colleagues for enabling people to access all aspects of Maggie's programme to ensure ongoing and effective cancer support.
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive advice on benefits using a variety of different mechanisms.
- Assist in the completion of benefits claims, maximising an individual's income.
- Promote and develop benefits advice as a component of Maggie's programme including participation in teaching and training programmes.
- Recording and maintaining up to date records and reporting of activity data in relation to own activity as required by Maggie's policies and procedures.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant external agencies, signposting where appropriate and being able to develop beneficial working relationships.
- Responsible for recording data in relation to their own work in accordance with Maggie's policies and procedures, and will contribute to Maggie's programme of annual audit, centre review and triennial review.
- Follow up claims for disability benefits and any further benefits triggered by an award.
- Negotiate with statutory bodies, ensuring that people are supported through this process.
- Ensure that centre visitors feel welcome and valued as individuals, and that they feel their concerns have been heard and understood; creating the conditions for ongoing relationships with other members of the team facilitating exploration of what Maggie's programme may have to offer.
- Contribute to raising awareness of and enabling access to Maggie's Centres.
- Contribute to centre specific or other specific audits as required.
- Support Maggie's Centre Head in ensuring that Maggie's environment is maintained as a welcoming atmosphere.
- Participate in staff support sessions, meetings with the Centre Head and supervision meetings, and staff training as required.
- Maintenance of statistical information and accurate case records.
- Administration and follow up to benefits advice and the submission of claims.
- Assist Maggie's Centre Head with centre administration as required.
- Occasional overnight stays and some travel will be required along with some evening and unsociable hours working.
Qualifications
- Degree educated in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
- At least 2 year's experience in providing welfare benefits and money advice.
- The ability to think about and understand health related concerns within the wider context of an individual's life experience, family and social context.
- A warm, empathetic manner with excellent communication and listening skills.
- Able to write clear and concise reports.
Benefits
- You will spend time at one of our incredible centres to experience our programme of support and see first hand the difference we can make.
- A structured orientation week will cover everything you need to get settled in your new role.
- Holiday entitlement that helps you create a manageable work life balance.
- Generous sick leave cover.
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
- Tailored learning and development opportunities.
- Kitchen facilities with free tea, coffee and fruit bowl.
- Workplace pension and free financial advice from an independent financial advisor to help you plan for your future.
- Option to keep a pre-existing NHS pension if eligible.
- Travel and cycle loans.
- Eye test expenses and money towards glasses.
- Enhanced maternity pay.
- Our buddy system links you with a colleague to give you extra support in your first few months.
- Facilitated stress management courses and access to our clinical psychologists for support.
Benefits Advisor- Manchester 0.8 FTE (Maternity Cover) employer: Job Search Place Limited
Maggie's is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment in Manchester where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing cancer. With tailored learning and development opportunities, generous benefits including enhanced maternity pay, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to a vital cause. The unique atmosphere of our centres fosters a sense of community, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Advisor- Manchester 0.8 FTE (Maternity Cover)
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Job Search Place Limited, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
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Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Job Search Place Limited. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
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We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Advisor- Manchester 0.8 FTE (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Job Search Place Limited. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Job Search Place Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Job Search Place Limited.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Benefits Advisor- Manchester 0.8 FTE (Maternity Cover) at Job Search Place Limited.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Job Search Place Limited that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Benefits Advisor- Manchester 0.8 FTE (Maternity Cover) role.
