At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with funding and welfare benefits, ensuring they receive their entitlements.
- Company: Join an award-winning charity making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping others navigate financial support systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in welfare benefits and a passion for supporting those in need.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25989 £ per year.
Shared Lives South West is an award‑winning charity that provides long‑term and short‑break care and support services throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. We’re now looking for a passionate individual to join us as a Funding & Benefits Officer on a part‑time, permanent basis, working 30 hours per week, with flexibility to extend to 37.5. Your working days must include Fridays.
As a Funding & Benefits Officer, you will provide efficient and effective funding and benefit support to Shared Lives Carers and the people we support. Working closely with carers, supported individuals, colleagues and external agencies, you will support a wide range of funding and welfare benefit matters, ensuring accurate record‑keeping, effective communication and timely support.
What You’ll Get From Us:
- Salary of £28,858.74 per annum (pro rata)
- Hybrid working
- 25 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 27 days with service)
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Additional day off to mark your birthday
- Wellbeing Hour (one hour per week)
- Paid dependant and Carer leave
- Volunteer days (two per year)
- 24/7 access to GP telephone service
- Accident and injury insurance
- Mindful Employer Support
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Blue Light Card Eligibility
A Bit More About The Role:
This is a varied and detail-focused role where you will support Shared Lives Carers and the people we support with funding, welfare benefits and financial processes, helping to ensure individuals receive the financial support and entitlements available to them. Supporting people at the point of entry into the service, ensuring they have sufficient finances and/or benefits in place to fund their contribution to costs, and that the correct appointee or deputy arrangements are established where required. You will also conduct financial assessments, apply relevant charging policies and support the management of more complex benefit issues in collaboration with the Funding & Benefits Team Leader. Alongside this, you will maintain accurate records across a range of systems, monitor changes to benefits and payments, and support payment processes for Shared Lives Carers providing long-term services.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Ensure that the people supported receive their maximum benefit entitlements
- Liaise with the Finance team regarding payments, reconciliations and money management queries
- Monitor and report potential bad debts to the Funding & Benefits Team Leader
- Audit accounts, savings and running these services completely with the family and stay safe and accessible to approval for enhanced skills as caring to co-housing membership security rewards.
- Deliver funding and benefits training for Shared Lives Carers and staff.
Who Are We Looking For?
To be considered as a Funding & Benefits Officer, you will need:
- At least one year’s experience of welfare benefits working within welfare benefits, financial support, money advice or a related field.
- Experience of supporting applications for welfare benefits, particularly for adults with support needs.
- Experience of working with benefits agencies, local authorities, and other external organisations.
- Experience of maintaining accurate records and managing confidential information appropriately.
- Experience of working within a health or social care environment.
- A good understanding of welfare benefits systems and processes, including benefit applications, reviews and changes in circumstances.
- GCSEs at Grade C/Level 4 or above in Maths and English, or equivalent.
- Relevant training in welfare benefits, money advice or financial administration.
- A full, valid driving licence and the ability to travel according to the needs of the role.
Please note, appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and pre‑employment checks.
Welfare Benefits Officer in Kingsteignton employer: Webrecruit
Shared Lives South West is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for the Welfare Benefits Officer role in Kingsteignton, Devon. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including hybrid working, additional leave for personal milestones, and opportunities for professional growth within our award-winning charity. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a culture that values collaboration and community support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welfare Benefits Officer in Kingsteignton
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Webrecruit, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Webrecruit. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Webrecruit's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Welfare Benefits Officer in Kingsteignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Webrecruit. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Webrecruit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Webrecruit.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Welfare Benefits Officer at Webrecruit.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Webrecruit that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Welfare Benefits Officer role.
