At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with mental health challenges by providing benefits and debt advice.
- Company: Join a local charity dedicated to empowering individuals from all backgrounds.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that transforms lives through compassionate support and expert advice.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits or debt advice is preferred; trainee roles available for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 30600 - 37400 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Debt and Benefits Advisor to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges by providing specialist welfare benefits and debt advice.
Contract type: Fixed Term contract - 12 months
Hours: Part-time, 22.5 per week
Location: Crawley office and co-located with Heads On housing support services
Salary: £28,000 FTE depending on experience.
Closing date: 20th September 2026
Interview dates: w/c 30 September 2026
About the Role
You will support clients to maximise their income, address debt issues, improve financial wellbeing, and overcome barriers that impact their recovery and quality of life. Working closely in West Sussex with healthcare professionals, community services, and partner organisations, you will provide a holistic advice service tailored to individual needs.
As a Mental Health Debt and Benefits Advisor, you will:
- Provide specialist benefits advice and debt casework to individuals affected by mental health problems.
- Take an income maximisation approach by identifying grants, charitable funding opportunities, and other sources of financial support.
- Complete benefit application forms and assist clients with mandatory reconsiderations, appeals, and challenges to benefit decisions.
- Deliver timely, accurate, and person-centred advice, ensuring clients receive a holistic service that addresses wider support needs.
- Provide advice across a variety of settings, including hospitals, healthcare outreach locations, community venues, and office environments.
- Develop strong working relationships with healthcare professionals, referral partners, and internal teams to manage referrals and progress client cases effectively.
- Support clients through multiple communication channels, including face-to-face appointments, telephone, email, video conferencing, and written correspondence.
- Ensure compliance with Advice Quality Standard (AQS) requirements, organisational policies, and quality assurance procedures.
- Maintain accurate case records, client outcomes, monitoring information, and funder reporting requirements using case management systems.
- Meet personal and team performance targets while contributing positively to service development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate actively in team meetings, supervision, training, and professional development activities.
About You
We are looking for someone who has:
- Experience of providing welfare benefits advice and/or debt advice.
- Knowledge of the UK benefits system, including disability and means-tested benefits.
- Understanding of debt advice processes, budgeting, and income maximisation.
- Experience supporting vulnerable clients with complex needs.
- Strong interviewing, communication, and advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise competing demands effectively.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and using case management systems.
- Ability to work collaboratively with external agencies and multidisciplinary professionals.
- Commitment to equality, inclusion, client confidentiality, and safeguarding principles.
A Trainee post may be considered for the right candidate. A DBS will be required for this role.
How to apply: You will need to fill in an application form, addressing the person specification. We reserve the right to close the advert early so don't wait, apply now so you become part of this growing team.
About the Organisation
Join a local charity helping people of all ages and backgrounds with the support of amazing volunteers. The mission is to provide accessible and reliable information that empowers people to make informed decisions and achieve their goals.
We're Hiring: Mental Health Debt and Benefits Advisor in Chichester employer: NFP People
As a leading employer in the Midlands and South East, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our Service Delivery Administration Manager role offers competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and opportunities for career advancement, all while allowing for flexible home-based working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land We're Hiring: Mental Health Debt and Benefits Advisor in Chichester
✨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 NFP People, 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 NFP People. 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 NFP People's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace We're Hiring: Mental Health Debt and Benefits Advisor in Chichester
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 NFP People. 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 NFP People.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨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 NFP People.
✨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 We're Hiring: Mental Health Debt and Benefits Advisor at NFP People.
✨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 NFP People that you're ready to hit the ground running in the We're Hiring: Mental Health Debt and Benefits Advisor role.
