VOLUNTEER - WELFARE RIGHTS ADVISOR

Introduction to Role

The Type of Tasks / Activities you could be involved with:

• To gather information from clients to assist in determining eligibility for welfare benefits.
• To assist in the completion of forms and applications for benefits
• Advocate on behalf of clients by letter, phone, email and face-to-face to doctors and other health and social care professionals to gain clients supporting evidence for their claim form
• To support clients at levels beyond first claim e.g. ‘Mandatory Reconsideration’ and Appeal.
• Understand the limitations and boundaries of the service and signpost and refer appropriately
• Proactively engage in advancing your understanding of welfare rights
• Maintain client and volunteer computer-based records confidentially
• To be a good, dependable source of information
• General administration support to the Living Well team.

Desirable Skills / Experience Sought:

• An understanding of the benefits system
• An interest or experience in advocacy, advice and justice
• An interest in understanding physical and mental health problems that affect people with HIV
• Ability to work as a team but to be self-motivated in day-to-day work
• Ability to work to time scales
• Be proficient in the use of computers with experience of Word, Outlook and databases
• Methodical with an eye for detail
• Good communication skills, ability to be non-judgemental and maintain confidentiality
• Commitment to representing THT in a positive and constructive way

Benefits:

• Full training provided – internal and external training
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses where possible
• Support and supervision
• References given subject to THT policy
• Opportunity to develop and update skills and gain new experiences
• Making a real difference to the lives of service users, gaining solid outcomes as well as ‘softer’ outcomes for clients and yourself
• Gaining skills that are likely to support you into employment in a related field fairly quickly