Recruitment enquiries: 0330 303 0124
Benefits Assistant
This post will be based at Link’s Edinburgh office. Hybrid working is available and flexible working arrangements can be considered.
The Role
At Link, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our people have made our award-winning social enterprise the success it is today and as it continues to grow, we want them to be the best they can be and to reach their potential.
As part of a multi-skilled team, the postholder will contribute to the provision of a high-quality benefits advice service to our tenants. The focus of the post will be to maximise income and reduce rent arrears.
The Benefits Assistant will work closely with the Welfare Rights Officers and Housing Officers to ensure referrals are managed and progressed appropriately. The post holder will work in collaboration with housing and money advice staff to provide tenants with budgeting support to minimise rent arrears and maximise rent collection.
This role involves assisting tenants who are digitally challenged to manage their benefit and other claims. The Benefits Assistant will provide advice to tenants on UC and related legacy benefits e.g. HB, IS, ESA, JSA, Tax Credits by telephone and in their homes.
The postholder will be based in Edinburgh. A significant proportion of work is required out-with the office environment, therefore the postholder must hold a current driver licence and have their own transport during business hours.
About You
As Benefits Assistant, you will have National 5 in English and Maths (or equivalent). You will have knowledge of the Social Security benefits system and Welfare Law and will have extensive experience of using a range of I.T systems including MS Office, Housing Management Systems and Databases.
This role requires knowledge of and a commitment to excellent customer care and equal opportunities. The successful postholder will have excellent organisational and time management skills. Experience of working in fast paced administrative role dealing with a range of duties and customers is essential to this role.
As Benefits Assistant, you will have the ability to work as part of a close-knit team. This role requires strong communication skills, both oral and written and good negotiation, mediation and listening skills.
In return you will be offered the opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge through employee training and development. You can expect to work in a supportive, trusting and transparent working environment, with the autonomy to offer creative and innovative solutions whilst maintaining Link’ s values; Responsibility, Empathy, Social Impact, Participate, Equality, Challenge and Transparency.
For further information on the main position accountabilities and a comprehensive list of the essential and desirable criteria required for this post, please refer to the Job Specification in the Job information Pack above.
What’s in it for you?
As an Investor in People, we strive for continuous improvement through the management and growth of our staff, offering a wide range of training and development opportunities.
As a Link employee, you'll likely benefit from the following:
You will work with colleagues who offer support to ensure our customers' expectations are met. In return, we are looking for applications from people who will contribute to our aims and work to the highest professional standards.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure check.
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 12 February 2023.
Interview Date: Interviews are being held on Tuesday 21 February 2023 at Link’s Falkirk Office where social distancing will be observed.
How to Apply
Our online application method is the most efficient way to apply and can be started by clicking the “Apply Now” button below.
You must complete an application form to be considered for any of our vacancies but you don’t need a CV to apply for our positions. Also, if you aren’t sure about how long you have to fill in the form, you will be able to save it and return to it by clicking on the ‘My Applications’ tab of the vacancy search page and entering your username and password.
We can offer suitable alternative methods to apply if requested including although not exclusively; hard copy, Braille and audio. You can request these by emailing our Resourcing Team at jobs@linkhaltd.co.uk and detailing which format you would require.
Please note that CV's will not be considered.
Please note should an internal applicant be successful in applying for this position on either a seconded or permanent basis, they will move to the terms and conditions associated with the role for the duration of the time they are in post. The terms and conditions are outlined in the advert above, and in the job description.
Link is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community. Our offices are fully accessible to wheelchair users and we will interview all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria.
