Welfare Rights Officer, Jim Walker Partnership Centre - Bathgate, 491.22

West Lothian Council; Bathgate; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job description

Location: Bathgate Partnership South Bridge Street Bathgate, EH48 1TS

Salary: £38,141 - £41,764 per year

Contract Type: Temporary

Position Type: Full Time

Hours: 36 hours per week

Work From Home: Hybrid

Job Advert

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

West Lothian Council is committed to far-reaching changes in the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include providing the support and environment necessary for you to excel in your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council's achievement of the Investors in People Standard, always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.

This post is based within the Advice Shop as part of a project funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The post holder will contribute to the People and Skills priority of the Shared Prosperity Fund by promoting financial inclusion and alleviating poverty through advice, advocacy, and representation, particularly focusing on supporting long-term unemployed people.

The successful candidate will support the Anti-Poverty Management Team in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, effective, and efficient Anti-Poverty Service in accordance with relevant legislation, guidance, council policy, and standards.

Responsibilities include:

1. Line management of a team of advisers, which may include Money Advisers, Information Advice Officers, Campaign Development Officer, Link Workers, and Volunteers.
2. Leading the development and delivery of an ongoing project, assisting in the formulation and implementation of policy and procedures, and the specification and development of relevant IT systems and processes.
3. Ongoing monitoring and reporting of progress against outcomes and outputs.
4. Providing information, advice, and representation in the area of welfare benefits and linking with wider areas of advice, including money and debt, energy, financial capability, and housing to support clients in achieving financial security.
5. Working in partnership with other council services and partners to develop and deliver targeted interventions in line with the Shared Prosperity Fund investment priorities.
6. Maintaining detailed and up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and tax credit legislation to support service delivery through the provision of specialist knowledge in specific areas of advice.