Benefits Advisor

Job Description

Job Title: Benefits AdvisorContract Type: Permanent Salary: £33,508.43 Per Annum (£36,867.92 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role) Per AnnumWorking Hours: 35 hours per weekWorking Pattern: Monday to Friday, HybridLocation: LiverpoolIf you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description. 
Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates. The difference you will make as a Benefits Advisor
Provide and develop a Welfare Rights Service to maximise benefits entitlement of residents and prospective residents of the Group. Support residents to budget, reduce their rent arrears and access specialised support services as required.About you 
We are looking for someone with:
• At least two years’ experience in the field of Welfare Rights / Money Advice OR a minimum of 2 years’ experience in housing / welfare
• Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing the ability to meet the needs of a varied customer base. 
• Proven track record of problem solving. Why Riverside? 
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.  
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us. 
Working with us, you’ll enjoy: 
• Competitive pay & generous pension  
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays 
• Flexible working options available 
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology 
• A wide range of benefits Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:  
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.  
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered.  Role Profile 
• Proactively manage customer contact to complete welfare benefit assessments via inbound and outbound calls, text messages, other digital channels or a face to face service, for identified tenants, including progressing applications, revisions and appeals on behalf of the tenant to maximise benefit entitlement.
• Identify and refer appropriate cases onto other specialist providers e.g. debt counsellors as well as internal support services. 
• Deliver welfare benefits advice in a proactive and targeted manner, taking account of good practice in the field. 
• Assess, analyse and solve complex issues in the delivery of Welfare Rights. Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies, tribunals and courts where appropriate 
• To work closely with Income Collection Team to minimise arrears particularly due to affordability and budgeting issues which can include none take up of benefits, overpayments and sanctions and focusing on priority debts. 
• Stay abreast of legislative changes in Welfare law and incorporate into the running of the service. 
• Develop welfare benefit take-up campaigns to target areas of need 
• Develop links with other service providers, voluntary and statutory, and maintain good working relationships, maximise income, cover costs and extend provision actively promoting Riverside 
• Use a case management system to maintain full and accurate case management records and provide monitoring information as required 
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to developing services to meet tenants needs 
• Undertake personal development and training to keep abreast with developments in the fields of housing and welfare to deliver best practice. 
• Respond flexibly to any necessary changes in work priorities and undertake other duties when required to support the effective operation of the service. 
• Ensure that all Data Protection requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements. Other DutiesAdditional Information
• The Group has offices across the UK and on this basis, there may be the requirement to travel to other locations to effectively perform this role, albeit that regular support will be required to teams in Camden and Dartford 
• The role will be exposed to sensitive information; therefore, the role holder is expected to maintain levels of confidentiality at all times.
• In order to fulfil the requirements of this role, you will be required to work flexibly during the hours of operation. 
• The role holder is expected to be committed to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken.  Person specification Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential 
• At least two years’ experience in the field of Welfare Rights / Money Advice OR a minimum of 2 years’ experience in housing / welfare
• Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing the ability to meet the needs of a varied customer base. 
• Proven track record of problem solving. 
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities 
• Ability to remain calm in a pressurised environment 
• Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirementsDesirable 
• NVQ Advice Level 3 or equivalent 
• Experience of working in a housing environment