Welfare Rights Worker

Job Description

Job Title: Welfare Rights Worker

Salary: SO2 £36,124 – £37,938 pro rata

Hours: 37 hours per week (Job Share / Part-Time options available)

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House, 1st Floor West, 110 Merrion Centre, LS2 8BB with Hybrid Working available

As a Welfare Rights Worker, you will have the rewarding opportunity to make a real impact on people’s lives by offering expert advice and support on Welfare Benefits. At Leeds City Council, we are one of the region’s largest employers, with over 14,000 staff, and we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce aligned with our council values and ambitions.

About You:

To excel in this role, you will have:

Strong listening and communication skills

Exceptional attention to detail

A proactive approach to learning

The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks

A solid understanding of Welfare Benefits

About the Role:

As a Welfare Rights Worker, you will play a key role in ensuring that the citizens of Leeds can maximise their income through comprehensive welfare benefits advice. You will mainly deliver advice by telephone, but some face-to-face consultations across various city locations will also be part of your responsibilities.

You will assist clients with benefit applications, ensuring accuracy and clarity to reflect their circumstances. Additionally, you will support clients with benefit appeals, reading and interpreting complex benefit legislation and producing written submissions to advocate for their cases.

Your work is essential to the Welfare Rights team’s efforts in providing free and impartial advice to Leeds residents.

What We Offer:

Leeds City Council is committed to providing an excellent employee experience, which includes:

Competitive salary and generous annual leave entitlement, plus statutory holidays

Membership in the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, with excellent employer contributions

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (subject to service requirements)

Clear career progression and ongoing professional development

A range of staff benefits to enhance your wellbeing and financial security

How to Apply:

To apply, please complete the online application form. For more guidance, refer to our application instructions. Ensure all sections of the form are complete before submitting your application.

For any queries or to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Diane Coombes, Section Manager, at 0113 3788394 or email diane.coombes@leeds.gov.uk.

Leeds City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We value diversity and aim to reflect the community we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024 and is an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer, and a Disability Confident Leader.

Please note: All appointments are subject to a six-month probationary period.

Eligibility Requirements:

This role is based in the UK, and candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK prior to employment. Those who do not have the right to work in the UK should review their eligibility for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose:
The Welfare Rights Unit provides essential welfare benefits information and advice to clients across Leeds. We are looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic Welfare Rights Worker who is passionate about helping people access the benefits they deserve.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver confidential, impartial, and non-judgmental welfare benefits advice

Simplify complex benefit legislation for clients to ensure they understand their entitlements

Provide advice via telephone, face-to-face consultations, home visits, and digital platforms (email, web chat)

Assist clients with benefit appeals, preparing submissions, and representing them at hearings when needed

Promote benefit take-up and support clients in navigating the benefits system

Help create publicity materials (e.g., leaflets, posters) and deliver presentations to raise awareness

Develop strong working relationships with other Council departments and external agencies to ensure effective referrals and information sharing

Manage a caseload efficiently, ensuring proper case recording and follow-up

Mentor new team members and assist in their development

Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate flexibility to meet the service’s evolving needs

Qualifications:

A minimum of GCSE grade C in Maths and English

Essential Requirements:

Skills:

Ability to record cases effectively and manage detailed calculations

Sensitivity and respect when handling a variety of inquiries

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure and prioritize tasks

Ability to interpret and apply complex welfare benefits legislation

Capacity to remain calm in challenging situations

Experience delivering presentations or talks to groups

Knowledge:

In-depth understanding of welfare rights issues and benefit legislation

Knowledge of public sector services and processes

Experience:

Experience in customer service, ideally in a welfare rights setting

Proven experience in advising clients directly

Experience in appeal work and working to tight deadlines

Personal Attributes:

Team player with a commitment to excellent customer service

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and show initiative

Ability to adapt to change and embrace continuous learning

Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding policies

Desirable Requirements:

Experience in outreach work, including home visits

Leeds City Council is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.