At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert welfare benefits advice and support clients in complex cases.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Trafford Council focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible perks, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying hybrid working options.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years' experience in welfare benefits case work and tribunal representation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Full time. Working Arrangement: 36.25 hours per week. This is a hybrid role so there will also be the opportunity for home working. Fixed Term End Date: 31st March 2029. Interview Date/Type: Face to face / 23rd / 24th July 2026.
Smart Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working – giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
About the Role: We have an exciting opportunity for two new Benefit Advice Officers to join our existing Welfare Rights team. The role will work within the LiveWell hubs offering expert welfare benefits advice to members of the public and will also work collaboratively with colleagues in other departments and organisations to support clients in often complex cases. The team specialises in legal challenge and represents at appeal hearings and other formal hearings. The post holder will also offer benefit advice to the wider public via the advice line on a rota basis.
About You: Your style and approach will reflect our values and behaviours: you will be committed to continually learning & improving the way you do things to ensure effective outcomes; you will work together to deliver service; you will enjoy taking personal responsibility to resolve issues and change what you do and how you do it to make a difference. You’ll also have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of welfare benefits case work including tribunal representation and a comprehensive and up to date knowledge of legislation, case law and procedures in relation to welfare benefits. You will have experience of excellent record keeping and case management and experience of working collaboratively with a multi‑agency approach to problem solving.
Additional Information: This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible. You will have flexibility in terms of hybrid working at home and in the office. You will be required to drive in this role.
What you'll love about working with us:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working.
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and "Tea and Talk" sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let's Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers' scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information: Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we'll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council.
Make an Impact. Apply Today: If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you. We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us.
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a short interview to learn more about your skills and experience.
Benefits Advice Officer employer: Trafford Council
As a Benefits Advice Officer with Trafford Council, you will thrive in a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for continuous development through leadership programmes, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance through hybrid working options. Join us in shaping a better Trafford and be celebrated for your contributions in a culture that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Advice Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Trafford Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Trafford Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Trafford Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Trafford Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Advice Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Trafford Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Trafford Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
