Welfare Rights Adviser, Edinburgh

Salary: £29,000 per annum

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 1st November 2024

About the role

The Stafford Centre is the central place where we support people with their mental health in Edinburgh. This drop-in enables you to relax in the company of others in a safe environment and begin to build supportive networks. We want to help you as soon as you walk through the door and ensure you are directed towards the best activity or support for your recovery. We have many welcoming and supportive groups where you can feel valued. We deliver change at The Stafford Centre by building resilience to improve your skills, confidence and enable you to take a step forward in your life. There are many creative and wellbeing activities, from art sessions to our outdoor walking group, and a main café area where you can chat and feel welcomed by building supportive networks.

The Welfare Rights Advisor is a specialist role, providing one to one support to clients, managing a case load and structured face to face appointments. This role is based at the Stafford Centre in Edinburgh, and in this Thrive funded post you will support people experiencing or impacted by mental illness, providing specialist advice, advocacy and representation. Assisting to maximise client’s disposable income by ensuring they receive all appropriate benefits and services, liaising with statutory bodies when required.

Who are we looking for?

The ideal candidate should have experience in mental health and advice settings, along with recognised professional money/welfare advice training or qualifications like Wiser Adviser or CPAG. Direct experience providing welfare advice face-to-face is crucial. They excel in both team and independent work, maintaining a client-centred approach and demonstrating strong analytical and communication skills. Their value base aligns with Change Mental Health’s objectives, and they are dedicated to continuous development through training and professional support. They possess proficient IT skills and are familiar with electronic case management systems (Advice Pro, CASTLE).

You will adhere to rigorous guidelines and regulations ensuring that people receive the highest quality service possible and are committed to working to Type 3 SNSIAP.

The Welfare Rights Advisor will work with a degree of autonomy and is a team player and will play a role in developing and promoting the service. The role supports the relevant Service Managers to meet national and funder criteria, contributing to analysis, reviews and consultations to gather evidence and highlight the issues that our client base face.

Benefits

• Professional development including funded opportunities.
• A generous 37 days’ holiday.
• A 35-hour working week, enhanced sick pay & season ticket loan.
• A great work life balance with flexible and blended working environment.
• 24/7 access to an award-winning Employee Assistance Programme providing free legal, financial and medical advice as well as support with life’s challenges.
• Enhanced sick pay and leave entitlements
• Paid Mental Wellbeing Days
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light discount card