At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist welfare rights services to vulnerable residents and represent them at appeals.
- Company: Join the dedicated Welfare Rights Team at Midlothian Council.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fixed term position with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Help those in need while gaining valuable experience in welfare rights and legislation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Sciences, Law, or equivalent; experience in welfare rights is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 20250 £ per year.
We are pleased to share this opportunity to join the well-established Welfare Rights Team in Midlothian Council. We are seeking applications from a motivated welfare rights officer to provide specialist welfare rights services to some of the most vulnerable residents in Midlothian.
The successful candidate will be a committed and enthusiastic individual, with up-to-date experience of welfare benefits and advice services and will have the skills and knowledge to provide representation at appeal level. The successful candidate will join a small team delivering high quality, efficient and effective Welfare Rights services in Midlothian. He/she/they will have excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
In addition to this, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate up to date knowledge of DWP & Social Security Scotland benefits and the complexities between the two. Please note this is a one-year fixed term post.
Jobholders must hold a degree level qualification in Social Sciences, Law, or an equivalent qualification in a relevant field, e.g.; SVQ4, or HND is desirable, with previous experience in welfare rights activity and a sound knowledge of accompanying legislation along with experience of working with the general public and carrying out oral appeal representation.
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 12th July 2026
INTERVIEW DATE: Monday 20th July PM & Friday 24th July AM & PM
This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children and/or protected adults. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations.
Thank you for your patience in this matter. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Welfare Rights Officer - MID07581 in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Midlothian Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while serving the community's most vulnerable residents. As a Welfare Rights Officer, you will benefit from flexible working hours, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in people's lives. Join a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality welfare rights services in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and employee growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Rights Officer - MID07581 in Dalkeith
✨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!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
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.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
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 Midlothian Council, 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 - MID07581 in Dalkeith
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 Midlothian Council. 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 Midlothian Council. 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 Midlothian Council
✨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 Midlothian Council.
✨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 - MID07581 role at Midlothian Council, 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 Midlothian Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
