At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital welfare benefits advice and support clients in crisis.
- Company: Join Shelter, a passionate organisation fighting for housing rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, family-friendly policies, and more.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to combating social injustice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and advocate for social justice.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits advice and strong communication skills required.
Salary: £32,585 per annum pro rata for part time.
Contract: Fixed term Contract until 30th June 2027.
Hours: Part time – 28 per week.
Location: Blackburn Central Library.
Closing date: Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at 11.30pm.
Do you have experience of providing welfare benefits advice and advocacy? Then join Shelter as a Welfare Benefits Adviser and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping our clients get the support they need.
About the role
Your role will be to deliver a specialist advice service, supporting clients with a wide range of issues from benefit entitlement checks and supporting with claims, to providing representation at appeal tribunals. You will use legislation and your own experience to complete submissions and manage a varied caseload. Working in partnership with colleagues in the Hub, you will support clients in crisis to maximise their income and secure accommodation.
About you
You will need experience of providing welfare benefits advice and advocacy with the ability to progress to specialist level knowledge. You will be able to carry out casework related interviews, maintain detailed case records and deliver group workshops and presentations. The role will also involve effective communication with all stakeholders, particularly those with lived experience of homelessness and collaborate with people from other teams and organisations.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency. We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything. We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
How to apply
Please click ‘Apply for Job’. You are required to submit your work history and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should include your responses to the first four points in the ‘About You’ section of the job description of no more than 1000 words in total. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviours below in your responses: We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset. Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
Welfare Benefits Adviser in Blackburn employer: Shelter
Shelter is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being. As a Welfare Benefits Adviser in Blackburn Central Library, you will benefit from generous annual leave, enhanced family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the community by helping clients navigate welfare benefits. Join us in our mission to defend the right to a safe home and be part of a passionate team dedicated to social justice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Benefits Adviser in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Shelter and their mission. Understanding their values and the work they do will help you connect your experience with what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to welfare benefits advice. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, showcasing your skills and experiences clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. Talk about why you care about welfare benefits and how you can make a difference in clients' lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Benefits Adviser in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what they’re looking for in a Welfare Benefits Adviser and think about how your experience matches up. This will help you tailor your application to show that you’re the perfect fit!
Craft Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to respond to the first four points in the 'About You' section. Use the STAR format to structure your examples – it’ll make your achievements stand out and show how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value diversity and an inclusive mindset, so share your unique experiences and perspectives. It’s all about showing us who you are and why you’re passionate about helping others!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Remember, applications without a supporting statement won’t be considered, so double-check that you’ve included everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shelter
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on welfare benefits legislation and common issues clients face. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples from your experience will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about helping others.
✨Practice the STAR Method
When preparing for your interview, think of situations where you've demonstrated the skills mentioned in the job description. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role involves working with vulnerable clients, be ready to discuss how you’ve supported individuals in crisis before. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and sensitively, as this is crucial for building trust and rapport.
✨Engage with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with Shelter’s mission and values. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work there and how you align with their commitment to social justice and inclusivity. Showing genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
