Welfare Rights Specialist – Universal Credit Help to Claim (full time, fixed term) Citizens Advice Edinburgh

A unique opportunity has arisen to join the team at Citizens Advice Edinburgh (CAE) and help us deliver our Universal Credit – Help to Claim Service.

This project is being delivered with funding from Citizens Advice Scotland in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions (UK Government).

Applicants must a solid background in welfare rights advice, including demonstrable experience in dealing with complex welfare rights cases, including a knowledge and understanding of the Tribunal and Appeals Process. 

Applicants must also have experience in debt management and income maximisation and an ability to help clients with basic budgeting and negotiating with others to resolve debt and maximise their income.

Applicants must also have knowledge and skills in designing and delivering training and coaching, as this role will include engaging staff, volunteers, partner organisations, elected members and the public in practical training and advice workshops.

Applicants must also have knowledge and skills in supporting and developing a team of specialist volunteer advisers.

Background:

Citizens Advice Edinburgh is an independent charity delivering free, confidential and impartial advice and support to people living and working in Edinburgh.  Every year, we deal with over 25,000 enquiries for advice, from over 13,000 individual clients.  Around 75% of that relates primarily to Welfare Rights and Income Maximisation.

Universal Credit is one of the most significant changes to the welfare system in the UK in recent years and Citizens Advice is where the majority of clients turn to for advice and support to help them understand, gain access to and manage their applications for Universal Credit.  In addition to helping applicants to understand and access their welfare entitlement, Citizens Advice plays a pivotal role in collating facts and evidence about the impact of Universal Credit and using that knowledge and understanding to help make improvements and changes to the welfare system where required.  Applicants must have an understanding of the social and policy context surrounding the welfare system and be an advocate in campaigning for social justice.