At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Shared Lives Carers with funding and welfare benefits, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and communication.
- Company: Join an award-winning charity dedicated to providing care and support services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible hours, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits and strong organisational skills required.
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’re now looking for a passionate individual to join us as a Funding & 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 Funding & 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 Funding & 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 Funding & Benefits Officer, supporting people throughout the South West, select the apply button today.
Funding & Benefits Officer in Newton Abbot employer: Shared Lives
Shared Lives South West is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they support. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, benefits such as hybrid working, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth are just a few reasons why joining our team as a Funding & Benefits Officer in Kingsteignton is a rewarding choice. Our values-led culture fosters trust and autonomy, ensuring that every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute to our outstanding service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Funding & Benefits Officer in Newton Abbot
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those who work in funding and benefits. Attend local events or online webinars to make connections and learn more about the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Shared Lives South West. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a passionate candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Funding & Benefits Officer, you'll need to explain complex information clearly. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing welfare benefits and financial processes.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Shared Lives South West.
We think you need these skills to ace Funding & Benefits Officer in Newton Abbot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Funding & Benefits Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting Shared Lives Carers and the people we help. Share a personal story or experience that demonstrates your commitment to making a difference in the community.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Proofread Before You Submit:Take a moment to review your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial for the Funding & Benefits Officer role. And remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shared Lives
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on welfare benefits systems and processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific funding and benefit support that Shared Lives South West provides. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in welfare benefits or financial support. Think of specific examples where you've successfully helped individuals navigate their financial situations, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Be Person-Centred
Remember, this role is all about supporting people. Be ready to talk about how you would approach working with Shared Lives Carers and the individuals they support. Highlight your communication skills and your ability to manage sensitive information with care.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
