Benefits Advice Officer in Trafford

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 at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk.

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.