Introduction

Man cannot live by bread alone, but he would have a hard time without it. And for some people who do not have enough money to exist at the most basic level, who are in a ‘vulnerable group’ (single mothers, the disabled, unemployed etc) or have fallen into a level of debt which they find crippling, state benefits are their only hope. At one time they would end up in the workhouse but now there is a welfare system for those in need.

Welfare rights officers work in all types of authority and give advice and information about entitlement to social security benefits, other allowances and grants. There are also posts outside of local government.

Work Environment

The base is the office but local travel to people’s homes, to tribunals and meetings is required if outreach work is included in the post. Sometimes the weather can be a factor in making tasks more difficult than they might be. Also, there is always the chance of conflict if people think they are not getting what they are entitled to, and the conditions in which some claimants live is sometimes unpleasant. Officers usually work 37 hours per week. No shift work is required but advice sessions may take place in the evenings or on Saturdays. Flexitime and part time work is available with some posts.

Daily Activities

The central objective of the officer’s job is helping individuals to maximize their income and give them advice about dealing with debt and general money difficulties. There may be issues to do with housing benefit, disabled living allowances, help for single parents with child benefits, council tax, employment benefit, sick pay, rent support, bereavement benefits, industrial injuries claims and so on. They may also deal with exemptions from certain charges (for prescriptions for example), concessions, free or low cost services and free aids, appliances and facilities. Their job is to advise: explaining regulations, suggesting courses of action, helping with form filling or letter writing and to write or telephone on behalf of clients. Welfare Rights Officers have a number of specific duties:

• to represent claimants at tribunals and similar bodies
• to help administer their centre (which could be a non local government agency)
• to give advice and support to various agencies, both statutory and voluntary: community associations, the Benefits Agency, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) etc.
• to produce publicity material and information about welfare rights and make it available to the public.

They are also involved in education and training including:

• teaching on the welfare rights training programme and encouraging the creation of local self help groups
• ‘on site’ supervision of students on placement and staff apprentices giving them ongoing professional guidance
• taking part in special projects when targeting specific service user groups.

There is a fair degree of independence in planning and organising daily schedules but teamwork is important. In the course of a day’s work welfare officers will meet with colleagues in social services, legal officers, various statutory and voluntary agencies, councillors, clients and the general public.

Skills & Interests

To do the job well you would need to have:

• administrative ability
• a head for figures
• the ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and cultures
• an understanding of the social security system and legislation
• written and verbal communication skills
• a systematic and analytical nature and ability to handle complex matters
• an ability to manage conflict and deal calmly but objectively with people under stress
• negotiating skills
• understanding of the effects of poverty and discrimination on people’s lives and how this may limit expectations
• the ability to use information technology.

Entry Requirements

There are no minimum requirements and there is no directly related further educational equivalent or course of training to prepare people for this career.

NVQs/SVQs at levels 3 and 4 in Advice and Guidance and work as a volunteer in other areas of community, youth work or counseling can be helpful. Knowledge of an ethnic minority language is valuable in some posts.

However, a degree in social sciences or a legal background is useful. You may be expected to hold a diploma or degree in social work for local authority posts.

No matter what formal qualifications you have, ‘experience of life’ and knowledge of local government work and other public services are valuable assets for adult entry.

This is a fairly limited field in fulltime, paid professional terms. But there is ample opportunity to make progress in informal ways initially. Many welfare rights officers are unpaid volunteers with external agencies who receive on the job training and attend courses to improve their qualifications leading to a full time post with a local authority. The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB), Shelter and the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) run short courses.

There are opportunities at centres that provide legal, consumer, housing and neighbourhood advice, young peoples’centres and disablement information and advice lines (DIAL). Many major charities employ welfare rights officers.

Estimated salary range

Around £18,000 – £22,000

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Welfare Rights Manager is the next step up but there is no further promotion possibility within the specific terms of the job brief, though promotion across the whole range of social services is attainable with the relevant qualifications.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Community Care journal

Institute of Welfare Officers tel: 0121 454 8883

Social Care Association www.socialcareassociation.co.uk

National Training Organisation for Social Work/Social Care www.topssengland.net

General Social Care Council www.gscc.org.uk

Care Council for Wales www.ccwales.org.uk

Northern Ireland Social Care Council www.niscc.info

Scottish Social Services Council www.sssc.uk.com

National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux www.nacab.org.uk

Shelter www.shelter.org.uk

Child Poverty Action Group www.cpag.org.uk

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Rightsnet www.rightsnet.org.uk

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under V.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Welfare Rights Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.