Post: Welfare Rights Adviser
Location: Edinburgh
Salary: £29,000 per annum
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 1st November 2024

How to apply

Apply on our BreatheHR portal by completing the online application with your CV and cover letter by 1st November 2024.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

If you consider yourself to have a disability, please complete the relevant section within the application pack to inform us of any arrangements that we may make to the interview process.

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier or later than stated, so please don’t delay your application to avoid any disappointment.

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).