Welfare Rights Officer in Edinburgh

Welfare Rights Officer in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 43690 - 43690 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide expert welfare benefits advice and support to tenants, maximising their income.
  • Company: Harbour Homes, a leading social landlord in Edinburgh dedicated to community impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in welfare rights advice and knowledge of welfare benefits.

The predicted salary is between 43690 - 43690 £ per year.

About Harbour: Harbour Homes is Leith and north Edinburgh's biggest social landlord, providing thousands of affordable homes from Portobello to Granton and everywhere in between. We’ve been contributing to the regeneration of local areas since 1975, and it’s our mission to: 'To make a positive impact on people's lives from our home in Leith by providing affordable homes, services and helping to support resilient communities'.

About The Role: This is a brilliant opportunity to join our Tenant Advice Team. In this role you will provide high quality specialist welfare benefits advice and advocacy to our tenants to ensure that income is maximised and tenancies sustained. You will be promoting the service and working in partnership to resolve customers' issues.

About You:

  • Have at least 2 years' experience of working in a welfare rights and benefits advice role
  • Have thorough knowledge of welfare benefits, welfare reform and best practice in welfare benefits advice
  • Be educated to Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6

Disclosure: A level 1 disclosure check is required. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

How to apply: If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit an online application via Job profile. Please refer to our applicant guidance which you will find here – Careers – Harbour Homes. You will find more information about this role and working for Harbour Homes in the job description and summary of the main Harbour Homes Rewards and Benefits.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 8th April 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 13th April 2026.

We have an Investors in Diversity Silver award and as an accredited Disability Confident employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Full salary & employment details: Salary: £43,690 per annum. Contract: Permanent. Hours: 35 hours per week. Location: Edinburgh, hybrid working. Job Type: Full Time.

Welfare Rights Officer in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Harbour Homes is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the Edinburgh community by providing affordable housing and support services. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer our staff meaningful opportunities to grow while contributing to the well-being of our tenants. Join us in our mission to create resilient communities and enjoy the benefits of a supportive workplace that values your expertise and passion for welfare rights.

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Contact Details:

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Welfare Rights Officer in Edinburgh

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the welfare rights sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Harbour Homes and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of supporting resilient communities and maximising tenant income.

Tip Number 3

Practice your advocacy skills! Role-play common scenarios you might face as a Welfare Rights Officer. This will help you articulate your approach to resolving customer issues during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Harbour Homes team.

We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Rights Officer in Edinburgh

Welfare Benefits Knowledge
Welfare Reform Understanding
Advocacy Skills
Customer Service Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Communication Skills
Partnership Working

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in welfare rights and benefits advice. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Harbour Homes, so don’t hold back!

Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your thorough understanding of welfare benefits and reforms in your application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so include specific examples of your expertise.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure you get straight to the important bits without unnecessary fluff.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Harbour Homes.

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of welfare benefits and recent reforms. Being able to discuss specific policies and how they impact tenants will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely passionate about the role.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully helped clients navigate welfare rights issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.

Understand Harbour's Mission

Familiarise yourself with Harbour Homes' mission and values. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of making a positive impact in the community.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the challenges the Tenant Advice Team faces or how success is measured in this role. It shows your interest and helps you gauge if the job is the right fit for you.