Welfare Benefits Adviser

Description:

The London Borough of Lambeth is seeking a Welfare Benefits Adviser to join its established Welfare Rights Team, ‘Every Pound Counts’, providing essential benefits advice and support to ill and disabled vulnerable adults who are unable to access mainstream services. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while working within a collaborative and forward-thinking council committed to equity, ambition, kindness, and accountability.

About the Role:
As a Welfare Benefits Adviser, you will be responsible for carrying out benefit checks, supporting residents throughout the entire benefits process, and providing detailed guidance tailored to their circumstances. Many clients have significant health issues, and home visits are often required, making empathy, patience, and resilience critical to success in this role.

The role also involves close partnership working with statutory services that refer clients to the team. You will handle a diverse and complex caseload, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive accurate advice and maximum support in accessing their entitlements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver accurate benefits advice and undertake comprehensive benefit checks.

• Support clients with applications, appeals, and reviews for welfare benefits.

• Provide tailored advice to clients with complex needs, often relating to physical and mental health challenges.

• Conduct home visits to vulnerable clients who are unable to attend in person.

• Prepare high-quality written submissions for reviews and appeals.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organizations to deliver effective outcomes.

About You:

• Extensive and up-to-date knowledge of welfare rights, benefits rules, and relevant legislation.

• Strong understanding of the impact of health conditions on daily living and benefits entitlement.

• Demonstrated experience providing detailed benefits advice, including Universal Credit and disability benefits.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to manage deadlines, prioritise workload, and operate independently.

• Empathy, patience, and a commitment to supporting vulnerable residents.

• Must be able to pass an Enhanced DBS check (post exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).

About Lambeth:
Lambeth is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs, home to over 317,600 residents. It is known for its cultural richness, including the Windrush generation, the city’s largest LGBTQ+ community, and thriving Portuguese-speaking population. With excellent schools, parks, cultural landmarks, and community networks, Lambeth offers an enriching working and living environment.

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days and rising with service.

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Participation in staff networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic; LGBTQ+; Disability; Young Professionals; and Women’s.

• Hybrid working arrangements.

• Employee Assistance Programme.

• Occupational sick pay based on service.

• Discounts at local restaurants and Active Lambeth Gyms.

• Learning and development opportunities including apprenticeships.

• Cycle to Work Scheme and secure bike storage facilities.

• Trade union membership support.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Application Deadline: 11:59 pm on Sunday, 12 October 2025

• Interviews: Week commencing 20 October 2025