Welfare Benefits Caseworker

Hackney Community Law Centre

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title:

Welfare Benefits Caseworker

Reporting to:  Manager

Salary:

£32,000-36,000 (according to experience)

Contract:

Permanent

Purpose of the Post:

The postholder will provide a high quality welfare benefits casework service to residents
living in the London Borough of Hackney.

This post is suitable for graduates with a strong academic background who are seeking
to develop a career in social welfare law.

Duties and responsibilities:

1.  To provide specialist advice and casework to users of the Hackney Community
Law Centre on all areas of welfare benefits including Universal Credit and any
outreach sessions as required.

2.  To provide a weekly advice line service and outreach sessions at partner

agencies’ premises as required.

3.  To provide representation to clients at Benefit Appeal Tribunals and other

relevant hearings, where appropriate.

4.  To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant changes in law and policy and

undertake training as required.

5.  To undertake non-complex casework on housing cases where Housing Benefit

is a core issue.

6.  To carry out regular file reviews and provide casework supervision and in turn,

and participate in being supervised and appraised.

7.  Ensure that all casework complies with the standards and policies of HCLC,

Lexcel and the Legal Aid Agency and Hackney Council requirements.

8.  To ensure casework complies with funder requirements.

9.  To carry out regular file reviews and provide casework supervision and in turn,

participate in being supervised and appraised.

10. To keep accurate case records and use the appropriate case management

systems.

Reviewed: Sep-25

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11. Liaise with other voluntary and statutory bodies as necessary to maximise the

reach and effectiveness of the service.

12. To provide advice and assistance to staff across the rand of welfare benefits

issues.

13. To work as part of a team.

14. To participate in staff and team meetings and contribute to HCLC activities as

appropriate.

15. To meet agreed targets, manage own workload and provide reports on work as

required.

16. Work within the policies of the Centre.

Skills & Abilities

Qualification, knowledge
& experience

Character and personal
qualities

Ability to manage
assigned tasks in an
assertive, efficient and
timely manner.

A high standard of
academic achievement and
preferably a 2:1 or better at
degree level.

Team player with intellect
to solve problems, use
judgment, reasoning and
respond to a challenge.

Adaptable and able to
work in a busy
environment, along with
good I, strong written &
verbal skills.

Works well under
pressure

Works in an organised and
methodical manner and has
a positive attitude.

Ability to deal sensitively
with clients and experts.

Effective communicator

Enthusiasm for and
commitment to the type of
work we do.

Must have proven
experience of welfare
benefits work in an advice
agency within the last 12
months.

Knowledge/experience of
public law/judicial review is
desirable

Reviewed: Sep-25

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