Welfare Support Officer

Overview:

• To address welfare and benefits issues arisen as a result of injuries sustained as a result of the Troubles being impacted through welfare reform issues.
• To acknowledge and address the welfare needs of victims and survivors of the troubles and veterans of the security forces in the specified catchment area;
• To assist The Ely Centre and our project partners in providing opportunities for those who have suffered from, and continue to live with, the effects of the Troubles, by providing an outreach welfare support service for victims and survivors of the Troubles.
• To advance the education of the wider community in the catchment area and elsewhere on the economic and financial effects of the conflict and address issues associated the welfare reform bill 

Purpose of the Role

• To increase the take up of welfare and other benefits amongst the membership of the Ely Centre and our partner organisations
• Promotion and implementation of established outputs of the welfare and advice project identified through project partners for victims and survivors and veterans of the security forces who have suffered as a result of the Troubles in Northern Ireland 
• Regular service review and client monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective and efficient service uptake and delivery;
• Regular policy and procedures review to ensure best practice and compliance with service standards delivery practices;
• To provide information and advice on welfare benefits and unmet needs to the Ely Centre membership
• To facilitate an in house welfare clinic
• To deliver outreach clinics to victims and survivors in Co. Tyrone
• Maintain an ongoing caseload associated with the position
• Welfare benefits advice
• Visit in appropriate cases the homes of persons seeking Welfare Rights Advice
• Provide clients with Appeal Tribunal Representation
• Mediate and negotiate with appropriate agencies in the preparation and presentation of welfare benefits appeals
• Participate in training programmes for Welfare Rights.
• Provide regular reports on Client Financial Gains and Tribunal Representation for Board of Directors and funding authority.
• Promotion and expansion of service throughout the service area. .
• Promote and develop partnership working to increase the service.
• Recording, collation and provision of statistical data and reports.
• Meet or exceed all outcomes set for the project by due dates.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Management.
• To provide information, guidance and support to families on a wide range of issues
• To carryout regular analysis of needs and promote opportunities throughout the local community
• To build appropriate relationships with relevant voluntary and statutory organisations
• To ensure that the relevant Health and Safety procedures are implemented and monitored effectively
• To comply with such Policies / Procedures, Guidelines and Codes of Practice as laid down by the Ely Centre and other public bodies
• To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and as mutually agreed