At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on welfare benefits and support older people in maximising their income.
- Company: Age UK Sunderland, dedicated to improving lives of older individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension, and ongoing personal development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a supportive environment with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of welfare benefits, strong communication skills, and empathy for older adults.
The predicted salary is between 25935 - 25935 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Type: Employment
Hours: Full time
Application deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 09:00
Based: Sunderland
Salary: £25,935 Per Annum
Location: Tyne and Wear
About The Role
We are looking for a highly organised, self-motivated Welfare Benefits Advisor with excellent communication skills and strong knowledge and experience of welfare benefits. You will help people aged 50 and over to maximise their income and access the support to which they are entitled.
What You Will Do
- Provide timely, accurate advice on welfare benefits by telephone, during home visits and at welfare benefit drop-in sessions.
- Support claimants through the DWP application and verification process, as Age UK Sunderland is an Alternative Office for the DWP.
- Manage a busy caseload, working both autonomously and collaboratively.
- Build effective partnerships and links with information and advice services across the City of Sunderland.
What We Are Looking For
- Current knowledge of welfare benefits and experience of supporting income maximisation.
- A good standard of education, strong IT skills and a willingness to learn new software packages.
- A sound understanding of GDPR and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
- Professionalism, flexibility and empathy for the needs and aspirations of older people.
- A full driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.
What We Offer
A competitive salary, generous annual leave and pension entitlement, ongoing personal development, and the opportunity to work alongside people who are passionate about helping individuals achieve good mental and physical wellbeing and live life to the full.
Welfare Benefits Advisor in Sunderland employer: VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
VONNE is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional development, and a focus on employee growth, working as a Dementia Care Navigator in Sunderland offers the chance to contribute to vital services while enjoying a fulfilling career. The organisation values innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role.
Contact Details:
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Benefits Advisor in Sunderland
✨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 VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East).
✨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 VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)!
✨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 VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East), 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 VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) 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 Welfare Benefits Advisor in Sunderland
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 VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East):Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)! 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 VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
✨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.
