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Welfare rights officer

Welfare rights officers give support and free advice to the public.

Average annual salary

£21,000 to £29,000

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could complete a revenues and welfare benefits practitioner higher apprenticeship if you're working for a local authority or advice organisation.

This apprenticeship will typically take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
  • experience in related work

Work

You could start as an admin assistant with an advice organisation and work your way up with further training in welfare rights.

You'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent qualifications, in English and maths.

Volunteering

Many people start by volunteering in an advice centre.

As a volunteer you would receive training in interviewing skills and advice topics like welfare benefits and housing. It can take between 6 and 12 months to get enough experience to apply for jobs.

You can search for volunteering opportunities through Do It .

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs if you have experience of supporting people facing difficult situations, for example, those with money, family or housing problems.

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:
  • customer service skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of psychology
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • a desire to help people
  • knowledge of English language
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
  • the ability to read English
  • excellent written communication skills
  • concentration skills
  • a good memory
  • maths skills
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What you'll do:

Welfare rights officers give support and free advice to the public.

In this role you could:

  • check clients are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to
  • help people fill in forms
  • help clients get ready for appeals
  • speak on behalf of clients at appeal tribunals
  • work with benefits agencies and other organisations
  • refer clients to other services
  • keep confidential records
  • learn about relevant laws and welfare reforms
  • publicise your service or welfare campaigns
  • train staff and volunteers

Location : You could work in the community, at a client's home, in a court, in an NHS or private hospital or at an outreach centre.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

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Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £29,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

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Career Path:

With experience, you could move into specialist advice and casework, or be promoted to a team leader or management post.

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