Welfare rights adviser

As a welfare rights adviser, you could:

• work with clients to check they are claiming all the support they are entitled to
• help clients with paper and online form filling
• advise clients about appeals and support them at tribunals
• update case notes and confidential records
• train staff and volunteers
• keep up to date with welfare laws and reforms
• work with benefits agencies, local authorities and charities

Your exact duties will depend on your role and level of responsibility within your organisation.

• a desire to help people
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly

With experience and training, you could become a team leader or advice centre manager.

You may wish to specialise, for instance, working with:

• older people
• people with disabilities
• specific benefits, like Universal Credit

You might also move into policy research or business development.