Job summary
The Welfare Benefits Team, based in Tooting at Springfield Hospital is part of South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust and provides benefits advice and assistance to service users.
We are a team of 4 and currently seek an experienced adviser to join us in delivering a high quality client focussed service. The role is for 37.5 hours per week.
This is an opportunity to join an innovative, forward thinking Trust in a role that can be extremely rewarding; by making a real, positive difference in people's lives and playing a part in their recovery from mental health issues.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a positive, committed individual, with a passion for supporting people and ability to use their initiative. We are constantly looking to improve so encourage innovation within team. Experience of and understanding, the welfare benefits system is essential.
You will need good analytical skills, the ability to communicate a wide range of information and forge and maintain strong relationships including those with our clients to cultivate a caring, respectful and supportive relationship.
You will be expected to have a demonstrable understanding of the Welfare Reform Act and specifically how the changes to the Welfare Benefits System have impacted claimants.
About us
Benefits:
We offer a number of excellent staff benefits and understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. Some of our benefits are highlighted here:
- Generous pay, pensions and leave, we offer a comprehensive pay, pensions and leave package which is dependent on the role and length of service.
- Work life balance, we support a range of flexible options, such as: part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, compressed hours and working from home.
- Career development, there are plenty of opportunities to progress your career and we support your development through a number of programmes such as mentoring, coaching, positive people management, collective leadership and other talent programmes
- Subsidised car parking - You can park at any of our sites at a reduced rate of £20/month.
- NHS discounts, with discounts up to 10% from a variety of well-known retail brands though Health Service Discounts website.
Other benefits include:
- Eye examinations
- Looking after your health
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car lease scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Childcare vouchers
- Staff restaurants
Job description
Job responsibilities
At South West London St Georges Mental Health Trust we are committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer; we welcome applications from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics. We are Members of Stonewall Diversity Champions and also a member of the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.
As part of the Trust's commitment to Equalities and Diversity, the Trust supports the establishment of Staff Networks groups to promote diversity in the workplace:
- BME (Evolve) Staff Network
- Christian Staff Network
- Disability Staff Network
- Deaf Staff Network
- Deaf Staff Forum
- Mental Health Staff Forum
- Women's Staff Network
- LGBT Network
We provide reasonable adjustments to the interview process for any candidates with a disability.
Please note:
- That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received. We advise that you submit your application as early as possible.
- That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not successful.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At South West London St Georges Mental Health Trust we are committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer; we welcome applications from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics. We are Members of Stonewall Diversity Champions and also a member of the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.
As part of the Trust's commitment to Equalities and Diversity, the Trust supports the establishment of Staff Networks groups to promote diversity in the workplace:
- BME (Evolve) Staff Network
- Christian Staff Network
- Disability Staff Network
- Deaf Staff Network
- Deaf Staff Forum
- Mental Health Staff Forum
- Women's Staff Network
- LGBT Network
We provide reasonable adjustments to the interview process for any candidates with a disability.
Please note:
- That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received. We advise that you submit your application as early as possible.
- That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not successful.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Two years paid/unpaid welfare benefits.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Desirable
- Experience working in the field of mental health
Experience
Essential
- Experience supervising and training staff
- Experience of devising and providing training to a wide range of audiences.
- Ability to identify potential issues of policy.
Desirable
- Experience of developing policy work.
- Experience of putting together information materials, eg leaflets and guides.
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Detailed knowledge of all Welfare benefits, particularly those most relevant to patients with mental health issues.
- Detailed knowledge of Personal Independence Payments and how people with mental health issues may be entitled.
- Detailed knowledge of Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Work Capability Assessment.
- Detailed knowledge of the system of revisions, supersessions, Mandatory Reconsiderations, appeals and appealing to the Upper
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Two years paid/unpaid welfare benefits.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Desirable
- Experience working in the field of mental health
Experience
Essential
- Experience supervising and training staff
- Experience of devising and providing training to a wide range of audiences.
- Ability to identify potential issues of policy.
Desirable
- Experience of developing policy work.
- Experience of putting together information materials, eg leaflets and guides.
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Detailed knowledge of all Welfare benefits, particularly those most relevant to patients with mental health issues.
- Detailed knowledge of Personal Independence Payments and how people with mental health issues may be entitled.
- Detailed knowledge of Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Work Capability Assessment.
- Detailed knowledge of the system of revisions, supersessions, Mandatory Reconsiderations, appeals and appealing to the Upper
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
