At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide face-to-face advice on welfare benefits and financial help to those in need.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to social justice and community welfare.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and perks like discounts and volunteering leave.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of welfare benefits and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
Working hours: 2 × 35 hours per week. Contract type: Permanent, full‑time. Working style: Onsite – employees carry out their job primarily from a physical workplace, such as an office. Additional payments: Essential Car User Allowance. Closing date: 11.59pm, 10 July 2026. Interview method: Face to face. Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Legal right to work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. References: 2 references – where possible 3 years' history. Essential car documentation: this post is a designated Essential Car User, requiring you to hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. DBS clearance – this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates must apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service check. The policy on the Employment of Ex‑Offenders is available upon request.
Role Overview
The role provides frontline face‑to‑face advice on welfare benefits and other sources of financial help to citizens assessed as requiring a care package. It works 35 hours a week, based at Harpurhey District office with city‑wide remit. You will assist clients to navigate all stages of the process from benefit checks, form‑filling to mandatory reconsiderations and lodging appeals, which are passed to our Appeals Team for representation at First‑tier Tribunal hearings. The post holder works as part of Retained Advice, ensuring citizens can access social justice by securing entitlement to the welfare benefits they need and deserve. The service is preventative, with both quantitative and qualitative positive impacts on residents’ lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver accessible and appropriate advice services, mainly by home visits and telephone advice, to meet the diverse needs of service users and comply with relevant quality assurance standards.
- Work collaboratively alongside referrers from the city‑wide Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and our Charging Team.
- Conduct a robust analysis of a range of information including Liquid Logic records, take instructions and commission medical evidence to support the client’s case.
- Maintain statistical and confidential case records to document all actions and interventions, facilitating continuity and expedient progression of the case.
- Provide high‑quality technical support and consultancy to a range of stakeholders.
About the Candidate
- Thorough knowledge of the different benefits affecting working‑age and state‑pension age individuals, including mixed‑age couples.
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation containing rules for social security benefits and administration.
- Ability to keep abreast of changes in the benefits system and precedent case law.
- Interpersonal and communication skills to persuade and influence as well as advise and guide people.
- Great analytical skills with a proven ability to understand and summarise complex issues.
- Skill to exercise initiative and take independent actions while dealing with a high caseload that can present unanticipated problems.
- Ability to think about and understand health‑related concerns within the wider context of an individual’s life experience, family, and social context.
- Sufficient resilience to cope with a role that can be emotionally intense and demanding.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays; increasing to 31 days after five years; option to purchase up to two additional weeks during the annual leave purchase period.
- Buzzing pension – enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with various top‑up options; includes life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave – extensive family leave options to bond with newborn or support family during critical life events.
- Perks – discounts on weekly shop, holidays, MCR+, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learning and development – diverse learning opportunities including workshops, training, apprenticeships, and qualifications; comprehensive onboarding.
- Good Employment Charter member – secure, flexible work; fairness embedded in everything; annual pay review; support from three trade unions.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave – pro‑rate paid volunteering leave added to existing benefits.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We actively welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds, especially from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people, and young people. We guarantee assessments for applicants meeting the minimum shortlisting requirement who identify with at least one of the following: Armed Forces members or veterans, current or former care leavers, people with a disability or long‑term condition, or those who have completed the GM Elevate Leadership Development programme or any MCC positive action programme. We are a Disability Confident Employer, offering a workplace adjustment hub, disabled staff networks, neurodiversity and mental health staff networks, and a commitment to accessibility standards.
Application Process
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This role does not qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are successful, pre‑employment checks will include references, driving licence checks, DBS clearance, and other role‑specific verifications. For any adjustments to the interview or to discuss the role, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
Advice Worker (Take-Up) in Manchester employer: Old Moat
As an Advice Worker at our Harpurhey District office, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. We offer generous benefits including up to 31 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and extensive learning opportunities to foster your professional growth. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all employees, making us an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in social justice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advice Worker (Take-Up) in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Old Moat.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Old Moat!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Old Moat, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Old Moat or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Advice Worker (Take-Up) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Old Moat:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Old Moat! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
