Money & Benefits Advisor

Job Description

Job Title: Money & Benefits AdvisorContract Type: PermanentFull Time: 35 hours per weekWorking Pattern: Flexible workingSalary: £31,209 (£34,496 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)Location: Hybrid, HullFor your application to be considered please attach a current CV and cover letter.Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.Why RiversideAt Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewardinglives.We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.Working with us, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay & generous pension
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

The difference you will make as a Money and Benefits AdvisorProactively manage customer contact to complete welfare benefit assessments via inbound andoutbound calls, text messages, other digital channels or a face to face service, for identifiedtenants, including progressing applications, revisions and appeals onbehalf of the tenant tomaximise benefit entitlement.Identify and refer appropriate cases onto other specialist providers e.g. debt counsellors as wellas internal support services.Deliver welfare benefits advice in a proactive and targeted manner, taking account of goodpractice in the field.Assess,analyse and solve complex issues in the delivery of Welfare Rights. Prepare and presentcases to the appropriate statutory bodies, tribunals and courts where appropriateTo work closely with Income Collection Team to minimise arrears particularly due to affordabilityand budgeting issues which can include none take up of benefits, overpayments and sanctions andfocusing on priority debts.About youWe are looking for someone with at least two years’ experience in the field of Welfare Rights / Money Advice ora minimum of 2 years’ experience in housing / welfare.Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing theability to meet the needs ofa varied customer base. Proven track record of problem solving.Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlinesand manage conflicting prioritiesRole Profile

• Proactively manage customer contact to complete welfare benefit assessments via inbound andoutbound calls, text messages, other digital channels or a face to face service, for identifiedtenants, including progressing applications, revisions and appealson behalf of the tenant tomaximise benefit entitlement.
• Identify and refer appropriate cases onto other specialist providers e.g. debt counsellors as wellas internal support services.
• Deliver welfare benefits advice in a proactive and targeted manner, taking account of goodpractice in the field.
• Assess,analyse and solve complex issues in the delivery of Welfare Rights. Prepare and presentcases to the appropriate statutory bodies, tribunals and courts where appropriate
• To work closely with Income Collection Team to minimise arrears particularly due to affordabilityand budgeting issues which can include none take up of benefits, overpayments and sanctions andfocusing on priority debts.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes in Welfare law and incorporate into the running of the service.
• Develop welfare benefit take-up campaigns to target areas of need
• Develop links with other service providers, voluntary and statutory, and maintain good workingrelationships, maximise income, cover costs and extend provision actively promoting Riverside
• Use a casemanagement system to maintain full and accurate case management records andprovide monitoring information as required
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to developing services to meet tenants needs
• Undertake personal development and training to keep abreast with developments in the fields ofhousing and welfare to deliver best practice.
• Respond flexibly to any necessary changes in work priorities and undertake other duties whenrequired to support the effective operation of the service.
• Ensure that all Data Protection requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy,procedures and statutory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and ExperienceEssential

• At least two years’ experience in the field of Welfare Rights / Money Advice or a minimum of 2 years’ experience in housing / welfare
• Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing the ability to meet the needs of a varied customer base.
• Proven track record of problem solving.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities
• Ability to remain calm in a pressurised environment
• Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements

Desirable

• NVQ Advice Level 3 or equivalent
• Experience of working in a housing environment.