18 August 2023

Welfare Rights Officer 

EVH Grade 7: £36,860 - £40,475

Permanent/Full-Time (35 hours per week)

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Tenancy Services Team on a full-time, permanent basis.  The post holder will actively assist and support the delivery of successful tenancies and neighbourhoods, with a focus on tenancy sustainment, management, and inclusion.  The successful candidate will have Welfare Rights experience, including providing advice and assisting with claims to maximise household income.  Housing experience and appropriate knowledge and specialism of the sector, its wider environment, and the changing role of RSLs would be advantageous.  

The ideal candidate will be driven, with excellent organisational and planning skills and the ability to work effectively on their own, as well as part of a team.  They will have proficient IT skills and the ability to accurately analyse and interpret data.  This is a demanding role, where the commitment to delivering standards of performance is essential.  Proven ability to multitask and demonstrate flexibility to the role and tasks are necessary.

Reporting to the Tenancy Services Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

Key Tasks:

1. Providing courteous and efficient front-line customer service, being the first point of contact for enquiries relating to welfare benefits. Assisting in the provision of effective welfare rights advice and interventions on behalf of GWHA customers and contributing to the sustainment of GWHA tenancies. 

2. Maintaining and updating records/systems and leading preparation and submission of statistical information to the Tenancy Services Manager for reporting purposes.

3. Assisting in provision of effective welfare rights advice for new tenancies at point of offer. Including advice regarding Housing Benefit/Universal Credit and knowledge of schemes available such as Scottish Welfare Fund. 

4. Assisting in the completion of benefits claims, and case management through to conclusion.

5. Confident and assertive liaison with external agencies in relation to benefit claims and appeals. 

6. Ethical, effective, and pro-active representation of clients with high degree of confidentiality.

7. Representing GWHA at residential surgeries and at external meetings when required.

8. Comprehensive understanding of the welfare benefits system, with specific reference to Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.

9. Supervision and development of other Welfare Rights colleagues within team.

10. Providing support, training, and information to internal colleagues on matters relating to welfare benefits.

11. Assist the Tenancy Services Manager in identifying funding opportunities, application submission, design and distribution and post-fund reporting

12. Supporting the tenancy services team in the administration of policies and procedures, and in the delivery of team plans, objectives, and performance indicators.

13. Assisting with the production and delivery of publications such as newsletters, invitations and display/information boards for conferences and other events.

GWHA offer generous EVH Terms and Conditions including 25 days annual leave and 15 public holidays, defined contribution pension scheme, cycle to work scheme and ongoing continuous professional development opportunities. 

Post subject to satisfactory Disclosure Check. 

Closing Date: Monday 11th September 2023, 12noon

Interview Date: Wednesday 27th September 2023 

Application Pack

Covering Letter & Guidance Notes (for information)

Application Form (for completion)

Person Specification (for completion)

Equalities Monitoring (for completion) 

Role Profile (for information)

Privacy Notice (for information)

Promoting Equality          

Registered as a Scottish Charity NO. SCO01667