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Welfare Rights Adviser - Senior Constituency Caseworker

Job Description

The post holder will provide advice, help and support on a wide and varied range of issues. The successful applicant will have had at least two years’ experience providing advice services in a paid or voluntary capacity in areas such as: housing, welfare and benefits, immigration, fuel and food poverty to level two or three under the Scottish National Standards. Applicants should also have experience of providing informal coaching or support to other team members.

Personal attributes

Applicants should have the ability to communicate effectively with a range of clients  and the ability to adapt their style to suit their audience. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, responsible and able to work under their own direction and as part of a small team.

Working pattern

Office-based 139 Dundee Street, Edinburgh.

Hours of work: 5 days per week, 9am – 5pm with very occasional weekend working on rotation.

Potential for limited travel within Edinburgh and possible overnight travel to London on occasion.

Salary and contract

Starting £30,000, permanent contract
10% employer pension contribution

Key responsibilities

  • Provide welfare and general advice to level two and three under the Scottish National Standards for Welfare Advice

  • Manage and progress a portfolio of casework appropriately

  • Work with a small team of caseworkers; providing help and assistance to less experienced colleagues, a first line of escalation and quality checking

  • Respond to routine correspondence and enquiries from constituents, lobbyists and interest groups

  • Gather relevant information to resolve or progress cases

  • Liaise with members of the public face-to-face and by telephone

  • Liaise with Government agencies, the voluntary sector and others to resolve issues

  • Ensure all cases are logged; monitor progress and ensure all identified actions are taken

  • Ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially and in line with GDPR

  • Attend surgeries and meetings as appropriate

  • Develop knowledge in specialist areas

  • Research local, regional or national issues to support Ms Cherry’s work

  • Analyse, evaluate and interpret data to ensure Ms Cherry is accurately informed on key issues and aware of trends affecting Edinburgh South West constituency

  • Provide briefings for Ms Cherry on matters affecting constituents

How to apply

To apply please download and read the person specification first and complete an application form.

Person Specification

Application Form

Completed applications should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before 9am on Thursday 10 November. Applications received after this time will not be considered. CVs cannot be accepted, please complete the application form.