Reporting to: General Services Co-ordinator
Role Purpose: The Trainee Caseworker will provide advice and information (money advice and benefits) service to
people in East Lothian. Full training will be given.
Contractual Conditions: The post will necessitate travel throughout East Lothian. There will be a balance of home
working and being office based.
Staff Managed: None
Responsibilities:
- Conduct welfare benefit assessments with clients to determine eligibility.
- Explain benefits entitlements
to clients in a clear and concise manner.
- Advise clients on suitable benefit entitlements and assist in
completing necessary forms.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits regulations and any
changes coming up.
- Ensure accurate records are kept of each client interviewed and their benefits
applications.
- Assist clients in challenging benefit decisions, including representing them in appeal
tribunals where necessary.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality when dealing with sensitive personal
and financial information.
- Conduct money advice interviews with clients.
- Assess client income
and expenditure to provide a clear picture of their financial situation.
- Identify a client's level
of debt and create a plan for paying it off.
- Provide support to clients who need assistance in
completing debt management plans or other repayment plans.
- Advise clients about statutory debt
solutions, such as bankruptcy, when necessary.
- Keep detailed and accurate records of each client's
situation and progress.
Requirements:
- Experience (or training to be given) in casework and/or welfare benefit assessment and money advice services.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements and eligibility criteria for welfare benefits.
- In-depth knowledge of debt advice and experience in assessing clients' income and expenditure.
- Strong communication skills to explain complex and sensitive information clearly to clients.
- Good attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
- Ability to work well under pressure, manage a high workload, and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
- Empathy and patience in dealing with clients who may be vulnerable or in distress.