Advocacy and Appeals Worker

Job Description

Job Title:                     Advocacy and Appeals Worker

Accountable to:         General Manager & Chief Executive Officer

Reports to:                 Welfare Rights Manager

Hours:                         20 hours per week

Salary:                         £12.47 per hour

Location:                    The Resource Centre Derry

Funding:                     The post is permanent subject to continuing funding

Purpose of job:           The Advocacy and Appeals worker will work as part of a small team providing

Advocacy and representation to clients living in the greater Shantallow and Outer North area.

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Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties:

• To provide advice and when necessary representation to appeal stage;

• To evaluate the cases of clients referred for representation, and to identify the appropriate course of action based on the available information;

• To prepare clients for appeals hearings, ensuring they are aware of the independence of the Appeal Service and the procedures adhered to at appeal hearings

• To manage an on-going caseload delivering effective advocacy and representation on behalf of clients, within any relevant timescales;

• To liaise with clients, generalist advice services, medical practitioners and others to ensure that individual cases are progressed appropriately;

• To maintain accurate records of work undertaken on behalf of clients, including outcomes and awards secured at hearings;

• To engage with SSA departments on behalf of clients to ensure all avenues are exhausted prior to appeal hearing stage;

• Where appropriate request statement of reasons and/or set asides on behalf of clients;

• To refer specialist cases onto appropriate agency i.e. Law Centre for advice and guidance;

• To contribute to the effective management and development of the advocacy and Tribunal Representation Service through the provision of monthly reports, case studies and other documentation on a timely basis;

• To actively contribute to the on-going development of the advocacy and Tribunal Representation Service through the improvement of processes and the sharing of information within the staff team;

• Any other duties consistent with the purpose of the post.

This job description reflects the general duties of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be inherent to position.  The Organisation may assign reasonably related additional duties to individual employees consistent with policy and agreements.

Reviewed: MARCH 2025