Oxfordshire Welfare Rights (OWR) was originally formed in 1984 to provide a second-tier countywide welfare rights service based in the centre of Barton, which is in the top 20% of areas of deprivation nationally. We are experts in social security law and provide specialist advice, casework and representation in welfare benefits and representation at Tribunal. Clients can access this service through referral from another advice or support agency. Over the last 10 years OWR has generated an average income of £2.7 million per year for Oxfordshire residents.

Our team also provide a specialist debt service which has an authorised intermediary for Debt Relief orders. They give generalist advice in consumer, family law, housing and employment. We offer telephone consultancy for other advice and support organisations throughout Oxfordshire.

Our team can also provide training throughout the UK on a remote basis.

Position
Location: Barton, Oxford
Salary: Starting salary £30,281 dependent on experience plus 5% contribution to the NEST pension
Hours: 35 hours per week (days negotiable)
Contract Term: Permanent

Following a successful application to the Access to Justice Foundation Oxfordshire Welfare Rights are seeking a Welfare Benefits Caseworker to join our small experienced team providing telephone and face to face advice and casework and tribunal representation to eligible clients, delivering training on welfare benefits to service providers across the County of Oxfordshire and providing technical support to the regional benefits advisers on legal, statutory and best practice matters through our consultancy telephone service.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help clients in a constructive way when they are often feeling most vulnerable and would suit someone who has a passion for positivity and resolution.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities
· Provide welfare benefits advice, casework and representation face to face, by telephone or digitally
· Represent clients or support clients/other advisers to represent at Tribunal
· To provide welfare benefit advice throughout Oxfordshire through the consultancy line
· To contribute to the development of systems and processes to maintain/improve/develop quality of advice provision
· Ensure that file reviews and quality checks on your own cases are carried out on a regular basis and that any training needs are identified.

The ability to travel is essential as the role will include some external meetings, training and tribunal representation.

Training will be given to the right candidate.

Requirements
Person Specification
Essential
¨ A minimum of 3 years extensive and current welfare benefits knowledge which may include tribunal representation
¨ Ability to prioritise work effectively and work to deadlines
¨ Good organisational skills and attention to detail
¨ Good communication and problem-solving skills
¨ Flexible attitude to duties
¨ Ability to work independently and as a supportive member of a team
¨ Experience of working with disabilities and an understanding of how care and support services
¨ Ability to use IT systems; Word, Excel, Databases/MIS, internet and email
¨ Ability to travel

Desirable: A full clean drivers licence.

Other information
For an application pack please contact Sarah Darby on 01865 744165
or email at
sdarby@oxfordshirewelfarerights.org.uk