Welfare Benefits Adviser/Welfare Rights Caseworker

Welfare benefits advisers and welfare rights caseworkers advise clients on employment rights and benefits, including housing benefits and tax credits, to make sure they receive their full entitlement. Welfare benefits advisers usually work directly with the public and their work may include making an assessment of a client's situation, answering questions and giving advice on social security and tax credits and helping people to fill in forms to apply for benefits and/or tax or pension credits. A welfare rights caseworker represents people at appeal tribunals and other hearings, advises less experienced benefits advisers and trains staff.

Working mainly in the voluntary sector and in local authorities, their working hours are typically 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, but there may be meetings or advice sessions at other hours. They are normally based in an advice centre where the public can visit for information and help. Sometimes they may have to visit people in their homes and provide advice sessions in the community.

Salaries range from around £18,000 a year to £30,000 or more.

Welfare benefits advisers and welfare rights caseworkers need to:

• have an up-to-date knowledge of the benefits and tax credits system
• be able to explain social security legislation and tax credits clearly to clients
• have strong communication and interviewing skills
• be non-judgemental and deal empathetically with clients.

Employers include voluntary and charitable organisations, independent advice centres, local authorities, health services, law centres and housing associations. There are jobs within college and university welfare offices, trade unions and in community-based organisations. There is a higher concentration of posts in large cities, but there are also opportunities in many small towns and rural areas.

Entrants do not always need formal qualifications but a good command of English and basic maths skills are required. Subjects that are relevant to the job include law, social science, social administration and sociology. It is possible to take a degree or foundation degree in advice work.

Most welfare benefits advisers and welfare rights caseworkers begin by doing part-time voluntary work in an organisation such as a Citizens Advice Bureau or community advice centre where they will receive on-the-job training and supervision. They may study for NVQs in legal advice or advice and guidance.

Welfare benefits advisers can progress to become welfare rights caseworkers. With experience welfare rights caseworkers can become team leaders or managers. Opportunities are usually greater for those working in larger organisations such as local authorities.

Further details