Welfare Benefits Officer in Devon, Exeter

Shared Lives South West is an award-winning charity that provides long-term and short break care and support services throughout Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. We are now looking for a passionate individual to join us as a Welfare Benefits Officer on a part-time, permanent basis, working 30 hours per week, with flexibility to extend to 37.5. Your working days must include Fridays.

As a Welfare Benefits Officer, you will provide efficient and effective funding and benefit support to Shared Lives Carers and the people we support. Working closely with carers, supported individuals, colleagues and external agencies, you will support a wide range of funding and welfare benefit matters, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, effective communication and timely support. You will bring strong organisational and communication skills, alongside a practical and supportive approach to working with people and managing sensitive financial information.

What You’ll Get From Us:

• Salary of £28,858.74 per annum (pro rata)
• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 27 days with service)
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Additional day off to mark your birthday
• Wellbeing Hour (one hour per week)
• Paid dependant and Carer leave
• Volunteer days (two per year)
• 24/7 access to GP telephone service
• Accident and Injury Insurance
• Mindful Employer Support
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card Eligibility

This is a varied and detail-focused role where you will support Shared Lives Carers and the people we support with funding, welfare benefits and financial processes, helping to ensure individuals receive the financial support and entitlements available to them. Supporting people at the point of entry into the service, ensuring they have sufficient finances and/or benefits in place to fund their contribution to costs, and that the correct appointee or deputy arrangements are established where required. You will also conduct financial assessments, apply relevant charging policies and support the management of more complex benefit issues in collaboration with the Funding & Benefits Team Leader. Alongside this, you will maintain accurate records across a range of systems, monitor changes to benefits and payments, and support payment processes for Shared Lives Carers providing long-term services.

Additionally, you will:

• Ensure that the people supported receive their maximum benefit entitlements
• Liaise with the Finance team regarding payments, reconciliations and money management queries
• Monitor and report potential bad debts to the Funding & Benefits Team Leader
• Audit accounts, savings and spending activity
• Deliver funding and benefits training for Shared Lives Carers and staff

Who Are We Looking For?

To be considered as a Welfare Benefits Officer, you will need:

• At least one year’s experience of welfare benefits working within welfare benefits, financial support, money advice or a related field
• Experience of supporting applications for welfare benefits, particularly for adults with support needs
• Experience of working with benefits agencies, local authorities, and other external organisations
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and managing confidential information appropriately
• Experience of working within a health or social care environment
• A good understanding of welfare benefits systems and processes, including benefit applications, reviews and changes in circumstances
• GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 or above in Maths and English, or equivalent
• Relevant training in welfare benefits, money advice or financial administration
• A full, valid driving licence and the ability to travel according to the needs of the role

Please note, appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks. The closing date for this role is 29th June 2026 at 9am. Interviews will be held on 6th July 2026.

About Shared Lives South West: Shared Lives South West recruits, trains, and supports carers who share their homes and lives with people who have care and support needs. This enables people to experience real relationships, be part of family and community life, develop skills, and maintain their independence. We are a values-led social care charity, rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality, person-centred support. Our work is underpinned by a clear vision and values, and a culture built on trust, autonomy, and genuine relationships. We take pride not just in what we do, but in how we do it. We have created a supportive, inclusive workplace where people are trusted to lead their work, encouraged to be themselves, and empowered to make a real difference.

So, if you’re ready to step into a meaningful role as a Welfare Benefits Officer, supporting people throughout the South West, select the apply button today.