Disability Benefits Adviser

Hours: variable, as and when work, depends on when clients request appointment.

*Please note that interview will be via Zoom only*

Nature of the job role

It is essential for this position that you are self-employed or willing to register as self-employed.

It is also vital to be able to communicate with clients, dependent on their needs. Sometimes this may include having captions on videocall, occasionally clients may have their camera off and type, as well as Deaf BSL signers. It would be useful, although not essential, to be able to sign. Being flexible, creative and inclusive towards a variety of access needs is essential.

We highly encourage applicants from Deaf, disabled and LGBT+ backgrounds to apply.

This is a position for as and when work, depending on workload, number of clients, and client availability. Sometimes this may be no work some weeks, and other times up to 6 hours per week. Flexible working is therefore key. The pay starts at £20 per hour. It is not essential for the role to be fluent in British Sign Language, as there are other advisers fluent in BSL available, but it is important to be willing to learn the basics of BSL.

The benefit advice will mostly be the disability UK benefit Personal Independence Payment, so it is essential you have a strong understanding of the PIP benefit system. This includes understanding the criteria, the benefit questions, and each stage of the process, including Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeals.

A lot of clients are from LGBT+ and trans backgrounds, so it is extremely important to be understanding around pronouns, names and family/relationships.

You will be required to:

• Provide remote advice to Deaf and disabled people who need guidance on disability benefits options based on their circumstances and location.
• Support Deaf and disabled people applying for their disability benefits application by helping them write the form, proofreading the application, explaining medical jargon, and creatively thinking about evidence options.
• Help Deaf and disabled people to challenge benefit decisions.
• Prepare Deaf and disabled people for disability benefit assessments at every stage of the benefit, including new claims, appeals and award reviews.
• Write and keep confidential records of clients after every meeting.
• Provide templates to help clients with their applications.
• When it is appropriate and required, refer people to other services.

To be a Disability Benefits Advisor, you should:

• Have a positive attitude towards disabled people
• Have worked or have lived experience within the disabled community
• Have a strong understanding towards Autistic and neurodiverse people
• Have compassion and understanding towards LGBT+ and trans people
• Be willing to understand about BSL and Deaf culture.
• Have a strong understanding of the PIP benefits system and criteria.
• Be able to communicate with clients, dependent on their needs.
• Be flexible, creative and inclusive towards a variety of access needs.
• Be reliable, punctual, as well as patient and understanding
• Be able to write notes before and after sessions on clients
• Have a strong understanding of GDPR and confidentiality
• Be willing to work under my direction and instruction

An enhanced DBS check will be carried out for the successful applicant if required. All posts are subject to a three-month probation period.

Job Type: Freelance

Salary: £20.00-£60.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Flexitime
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Work from home/remote work and have COVID-19 policy.

Application question(s):

• Please provide a cover letter or explain here why you would be a good disability benefits adviser.

Experience:

• Disabled community: 1 year (required)
• Benefits advice: 1 year (required)

Language:

• British Sign Language (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Reference ID: PIP adviser