Welfare Rights Officer
Company: Sunderland City Council
Salary: £30,001 to £40,000 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Sunderland, SR1 3AA
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 12 Nov 2026
Closing date: 30 Nov 2026
Sunderland City Council's Welfare Rights Service is seeking an experienced and motivated Welfare Rights Officer to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity to support some of the city's most vulnerable residents to maximise their income, access welfare benefits, receive basic employment rights advice, and challenge incorrect benefit decisions.
Our award-winning service provides specialist welfare benefits advice, casework, representation, advocacy, and related support to residents across Sunderland. We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to tackling poverty, reducing financial hardship, and improving outcomes for local people.
The Role
- Provide specialist welfare benefits advice and casework across a range of social security benefits.
- Assist residents to make and maintain benefit claims.
- Prepare written submissions and represent clients at First-tier Tribunal appeals.
- Provide basic employment rights advice and information, including issues relating to pay, sickness absence, dismissal, redundancy, and employment status, referring complex matters to specialist agencies where appropriate.
- Support residents affected by disability, illness, unemployment, low income, and other financial challenges.
- Work closely with council services, partner organisations, voluntary sector agencies, and community groups.
- Contribute to the achievement of service performance targets and service outcomes.
- Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
About You
- Recent experience of providing welfare benefits advice and casework.
- A thorough knowledge of the UK social security system, including Universal Credit and disability benefits.
- Experience of preparing appeals and representing clients at tribunal hearings.
- An understanding of basic employment rights and the ability to provide general employment-related advice.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
- The ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise competing demands.
- A commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused services.
- A recognised advice qualification (such as Wiseradviser or equivalent) would be desirable.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to a DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident
Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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Welfare Rights Officer in Sunderland employer: Sunderland City Council
Sunderland City Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a real impact on the community through strategic financial management. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, you will have opportunities to grow your skills while contributing to significant regeneration projects that enhance the lives of residents. The supportive culture and commitment to governance ensure that your work is both meaningful and rewarding.
