Various locations across Liverpool

About the Role

• Provide welfare benefits advice in person and via digital channels

• Provide outreach advice in Torus Foundation, Citizens Advice buildings and home visits

• Provide advice and case updates to Torus Foundation staff members via a staff helpline

• Attend Torus Foundation and community events as appropriate

• Research and explore options and implications so that clients can make informed decisions using Citizens Advice resources

• Act for the client where necessary using appropriate communication skills and channels.

• Complete benefits checks when appropriate and deal with benefit advice issues covering welfare benefits applications including initial claims and complete any relevant assessment forms, challenging decisions including mandatory reconsiderations, appeals up to and including representation at tribunal hearings and complaints and queries

• Assist with relevant general advice queries, referring internally or to other specialist agencies as appropriate.

• Maintain detailed case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation.

• Ensure that all work meets quality standards and the requirements of the funder

• Meet individual performance targets and engage positively in discussions with line manage to maintain required levels.

• Keep up to date with legislation, policies and procedures and undertake appropriate training

• Support our research and campaigns work through various channels including case studies, data collection and client consent

• To work as part of the Torus Foundation project team and contribute to effective service provision.

General

• Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager

• Keep up to date with Citizens Advice Aims, policies and procedures and ensure these are followed.

• Ensure that work reflects and supports the Citizens Advice service's equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.

• Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for your own health and safety and that of colleagues.

• Identify own learning and development needs and take steps to address these with your Line Manager, including engaging in team meetings and supervision sessions.

• Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.

Requirements

1. Knowledge and experience of the benefits systems, including minimum of 12 months experience of carrying out welfare benefits advice

2. Basic knowledge of multiple general enquiry areas to aid with identifying emergencies and making referrals where appropriate

3. Experience of providing multi-channel advice

4. Ability to use sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of the issues and empower clients, whilst maintaining structure and control of meetings with them

5. Ability to interpret complex information and convey it in a way that is understandable to clients.

6. Good ICT knowledge with an ability to support clients with their online claim application

7. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with a range of partnership organisations to support Torus Foundation tenants.

8. Assist with research and campaigns works by providing information about clients’ circumstances

9. Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice service and its equal opportunities policies.

10. Ability to meet high targets and excel against objectives.

11. Ability and willingness to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.

About us

Citizens Advice Liverpool in partnership with Citizens Advice St Helens and Citizens Advice Warrington are delivering a Welfare Benefits, Debt and Budgeting Advisory Service to Torus Housing tenants.

The Welfare Benefits Caseworker is responsible for delivering a comprehensive Welfare Benefits Advisory Service to individuals and families in need. The caseworker will provide support and guidance to clients in understanding and accessing welfare benefits, ensuring they receive the appropriate financial assistance and support, including support with welfare benefits mandatory considerations, and appeals. The role requires a thorough understanding of welfare benefits regulations and policies, excellent communication and advocacy skills, and a strong commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.