At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital advice and support to those in need across East Lancashire.
- Company: Maundy Relief, a grassroots charity dedicated to tackling poverty.
- Benefits: Earn £20 per hour with flexible hours and potential for home working.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to inclusivity and social change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits advice and strong interpersonal skills.
Maundy Relief works on the frontline in the community by responding immediately to need. We are recruiting a sessional Welfare Benefits Adviser based in Accrington to help provide an effective advice and support service to people in East Lancashire. Our aim is to provide an immediate response to poverty and need in the local community. Our service users are diverse, but many are socially marginalised and vulnerable adults who face a range of challenges including substance misuse, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system, family breakdown, and poverty. We are committed to providing an inclusive service, free to access and open to all who need it.
Role: Welfare Benefits Adviser
Hours: 20 hours a week, sessional; 1 year with possible funding extension
Location: Accrington - onsite, with some home working possible
Deadline: 7 September, 2026
Purpose of the role: To help provide an effective advice and support service to people in East Lancashire.
Duties include:
- Interviewing clients, letting the client explain their enquiry and helping them to set their own priorities
- Finding, interpreting and communicating the relevant information and exploring options and implications in order that the client can come to a decision
- Acting, where necessary, on behalf of the client, negotiating, drafting or writing letters or making appropriate referrals
- Providing advice in clients' own homes when necessary
- Completing clear and accurate case records
- Recognising the root causes of problems and participating in taking appropriate action
- Keeping up to date on important issues by attending the appropriate training and essential reading
Skills and qualities needed for this role:
- A commitment to our aims - an immediate response to poverty and need
- Experience of one to one working with clients
- Experience of providing welfare benefits advice including completing benefits checks, completing applications and challenging decisions
- Being open and approachable
- Ability to sift through information and extract what is relevant
- Literacy, numeracy and IT skills
- Respect for views, values and cultures that are different to their own
- An understanding of why confidentiality is important
- A commitment to own learning and development
Welfare Benefits Adviser in Accrington employer: Maundy Relief
Maundy Relief is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in East Lancashire. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and community support, we offer a collaborative work culture that values personal growth and development, alongside flexible working arrangements. Joining our team as a Welfare Benefits Adviser means being part of a grassroots charity that prioritises immediate responses to poverty and need, providing you with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Benefits Adviser in Accrington
✨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 Maundy Relief, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
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 Maundy Relief. 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!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Maundy Relief's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Benefits Adviser in Accrington
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 Maundy Relief. 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 Maundy Relief.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maundy Relief
✨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 Maundy Relief.
✨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 Welfare Benefits Adviser at Maundy Relief.
✨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 Maundy Relief that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Welfare Benefits Adviser role.
