Benefits Adviser 

Job description

Role purpose
To provide Benefits and Generalist Advice to the residents of Watford.
Context of role
This is a one year fixed term role.
Casework
•	Provide casework covering the full range of benefits advice issues 
•	Act for the client where necessary by calculating, negotiating, drafting or writing letters and telephoning
•	Negotiate with third parties as appropriate
•	Ensure income maximisation through the take up of appropriate benefits.
•	Assist clients with other related problems where they are an integral part of their case and refer to other advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate.
•	Prepare and present cases to the appropriate statutory bodies, tribunals and courts as appropriate.
•	Ensure that all casework conforms the Advice Quality Standard and/or the Specialist Quality Mark
•	Maintain case records for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and report preparation
•	Ensure that all work conforms to the bureau's systems and procedures 

Research and campaigns

•	Assist with research and campaigns work by providing information about clients' circumstances. 
•	Alert other staff to local and national issues

Professional development

•	Keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to benefits advice and undertake appropriate training
•	Read relevant publications
•	Attend relevant internal and external meetings as agreed with the line manager
•	Prepare for and attend supervision sessions/team meetings/management team meetings as appropriate 
•	Assist with Service initiatives for the improvement of services

Administration

•	Use IT for statistical recording, record keeping and document production 
•	Keep up to date with policies and procedures relevant to bureau work and undertake appropriate training
•	Maintain close liaison with relevant external agencies

Other duties and responsibilities

•	Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service. 
•	Demonstrate commitment to the aims and policies of the CAB service. 
•	Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues

Person specification

(1)	Knowledge and experience of generalist issues & benefit advice issues.

(2)	Effective oral and writing communication skills with particular emphasis on negotiating and preparing correspondence. 

(3)	Ordered approach to casework and an ability and willingness to follow and develop agreed procedures. 

(4)	Understand the issues involved in interviewing clients. 

(5)	Numerate to the level required in the tasks. 

(6)	Ability to prioritise own work, meet deadlines and manage caseload. 

(7)	Ability to use IT in the provision of advice and the preparation of reports and submissions. 

(8)	Ability to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively and a willingness to challenge constructively. 

(9)	Ability and willingness to work as part of a team. 

(10)	Ability to monitor and maintain own standards.
 
(11)	Demonstrate understanding of social trends and their implications for clients and service provision. 

(12)	Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of the CAB service and its equality and diversity policies. 

Signed job holder___________________________  Date____________

Manger               ____________________________   Date ___________