Welfare Benefits Officer

Derbyshire County Council Welfare Rights Service is committed to maximising the benefits of Derbyshire residents. In the financial year 2023/24 the Welfare Rights Service supported over 25,000 Derbyshire residents with benefit enquiries, providing information, advice, casework, and appeal representation.

This position sits on our Advice Line and Appeals Team. As postholder, you will be on a regular rota supporting the Advice Line, taking live calls and call backs to provide information and advice on benefit enquiries to Derbyshire residents. The post holder will be allocated a range of benefit appeals to provide representation at the first-tier tribunal in person at HMCTS venues or remotely via telephone and video calls. You will support the wider work of the team to progress appeals, such as reviewing medical evidence, triaging appeal cases, and responding to directions notices.

All colleagues across the Welfare Rights Service will support the work of the wider service providing benefits advice across a range of different workstreams, including providing training to partners or attending events and briefings to raise awareness of the Service. The posts will require travel across the county.

The successful candidate will have a broad range of benefits advice knowledge and practice, alongside strong advocacy skills for effective practice in tribunals.

Employees have access to a range of benefits and discounts including:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave per year (rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous service) plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata).
• Training and development opportunities
• Paid travel expenses if required to travel to other sites
• Smarter travel scheme including access to the cycle to work scheme
• Supportive management and team
• Access to our in-house occupational services which also includes free eye tests, physiotherapy and counselling
• Derbyshire rewards - offering hundreds of discounts and cashback

More details on the benefits of working for the council can be found on our reward and recognition page here

Provisional Interview Date: 21 January 2025

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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