At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals affected by ME, fibromyalgia, and long Covid with welfare benefits advice.
- Company: Sheffield ME & Fibromyalgia Group, dedicated to helping those in need.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, 28 days annual leave, and a supportive hybrid team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits casework and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on improving lives and raising awareness.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Responsibilities include providing a full welfare benefits casework service for people affected by ME, fibromyalgia and long Covid, including disability benefits and other sources of financial support, such as grants. This will cover benefits check, first claims, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals; supporting clients to understand their options and making informed choices.
Act for the client where necessary; drafting letters, obtaining medical evidence and researching case law as appropriate. Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, and information retrieval, using the IT software provided.
Liaise and negotiate with other statutory and voluntary organisations to progress the client’s case and ensure they receive all assistance available (DWP, NHS, local authorities, other charities). Form effective working relationships with outreach agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that good service is being provided and awareness of the illnesses is raised.
Refer clients to colleagues or other agencies as appropriate for specialist help with major issues that fall outside the remit of the service, including debt and employment. Support the promotion and marketing of the advice services of Sheffield ME & Fibromyalgia Group. Collect feedback from members for service improvement and for our funders.
Contribute to team meetings, reflective practice sessions and work with colleagues to ensure members access support from across our offering (befriending, activities, support groups). Any other duties within the scope of the post as deemed appropriate.
Location: Sheffield
Type of Contract: Contract
Hours: 15 - 20 per week - flexible working days available
28 days annual leave plus statutory days (FTE)
Flexible hours
Hybrid working
Working Arrangements: You will be well supported as part of a hybrid team based in modern offices just off Division Street. We offer a competitive salary and 5% employer pension contribution. Training will be provided, assessed against the needs of the successful applicant.
Closing Date: 12-01-2026
How to Apply: To apply for this role please provide: A personal statement (max 2 sides of A4) that demonstrates how you meet the experience requirements set out in the Person Specification. An up to date, detailed CV including all relevant employment history and expertise. A completed Equality Monitoring form (found online).
Welfare Benefits Adviser in Sheffield employer: Voluntary Action Sheffield
Contact Detail:
Voluntary Action Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Benefits Adviser in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the welfare benefits sector, especially those who work with ME, fibromyalgia, and long Covid. Attend local events or online webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Mock interviews can help us nail down our responses to common questions. Focus on how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Welfare Benefits Adviser role, especially around casework and client support.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping others! When we get the chance to speak with hiring managers, let them know why you care about supporting clients with disabilities and financial challenges. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Benefits Adviser in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the role of Welfare Benefits Adviser. Use specific examples to show how you've helped clients in similar situations, and don’t forget to keep it within the two sides of A4.
Tailor Your CV: When it comes to your CV, we want to see all the relevant bits that make you a great fit for this role. Highlight your experience with welfare benefits, casework, and any relevant organisations you've worked with. Remember, a tailored CV stands out!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Welfare Benefits Adviser, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and other organisations. In your application, highlight instances where you've successfully liaised or negotiated on behalf of clients. This will show us you’ve got the skills we’re looking for!
Don’t Skip the Equality Monitoring Form: It might seem like a small detail, but filling out the Equality Monitoring form is important to us. It helps us understand our applicants better and ensures we're promoting diversity. So, make sure you complete it when you apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Action Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Welfare Benefits Adviser. Brush up on disability benefits, financial support options, and the specific illnesses mentioned in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to handle casework, liaise with organisations, and support clients effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how success is measured in this role. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the organisation's goals.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you’ll fit into their team culture. Be genuine, and don’t hesitate to share your passion for helping others, especially those affected by ME, fibromyalgia, and long Covid.