Information and Advice Worker

We are looking for an organised, self-motivated individual who will be responsible for providing advice and information on welfare rights, including debt, employment, housing and benefit advice.  Developing relationships with appropriate organisations is key, such as through health and social care, The Royal British Legion and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association).

The postholder must have an excellent track record of successfully claiming welfare benefits and an aptitude for explaining complex issues.

They will offer a person centred approach to information and advice to enable older people to remain independent, be involved in their community and experience an active and fulfilling life.

They will deliver first tier advice, welfare rights, including debt, employment, housing and benefit advice, providing information and sign posting to other services.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Providing accurate and timely advice on the rights of entitlement of benefits, debt, housing, employment issues and health/social care.

Adhering to necessary administrative and information systems in line with Age UK recommendations.

If appropriate, acting on behalf of and with permission of service users, including correspondence, filling in forms, and seeking information from third parties.

Carrying out home visits, dealing with telephone enquiries and appointments at surgeries.

Signposting and making referrals where appropriate to other organisations.

Maintaining the Charity Log database, keeping full and accurate records of work done including case records and confidential statistics, and providing statistical reports as required.

Providing information to support any QA or inspection frameworks as and when required.

Maintaining links with other relevant advice giving organisations in the City.

Essentially, the successful post holder must have:

Current knowledge of welfare benefits, debt, housing and employment issues.

Knowledge of community care services for older people.

Experience of work as an adviser, whether paid or unpaid.

An understanding of vulnerable people’s issues.

A sympathetic and helpful manner and an ability to explain complex issues patiently.

Ability to work unsupervised and manage your own caseload.

Ability to work in a busy team environment

Have complete discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times.

Be honest, reliable and trustworthy.

Be I.T. literate with experience of word processing and databases

Possess a full, clean driving licence including category D1, have access to a car for work or ability to travel.

This post is subject to DBS Enhanced Disclosure.

To request an application pack you can email enquiries@ageuksunderland.org.uk or download one directly from our website www.ageuksunderland.org.uk.  Alternatively send a large SAE for 93p to Age UK Sunderland, Bradbury Centre, Stockton Rd, Sunderland.  SR2 7AQ. Tel: 0191 5141131. CV’s are not accepted for this role.

Age UK Sunderland is an Equal opportunities Employer

Registered Charity 1086995

Closing date: Monday 28th August 2017 at 9am prompt.