Welfare Advice Coordinator, Bathgate Partnerships Centre, 484.06 - WEL08548

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We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds

The role of the Welfare Advice Co-Ordinator be to assist with the annual planning, development and evaluation of the delivery of the operational aspect of the council’s Welfare Advice Service by:

• Supporting the provision of an information, advocacy and welfare rights advice service
• Increase access to advice provision across West Lothian through a co-location approach and outreach
• Responsible for advocacy and representation at HM Courts and Tribunal Service

• Work in partnership to provide targeted support to key vulnerable groups

• Lead responsibility for income maximisation training and development
• Support vulnerable customer access affordable food/fuel

This role will ensure that the most vulnerable households have access to advice and support to increase and maximise customers income and increase take up of advice including debt advice. 

This role will also involve supporting the delivery of key aspects of the Community Planning Partnerships Tackling Poverty Strategy as well as supporting the service to maximise external funding opportunities including monitoring the service performance through development and ongoing monitoring of key performance indicators.

The postholder will ensure that the work undertaken by the Advice Shop will be that of a customer centred approach.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as having the ability to talk confidently to internal and external partners about the service is essential and have the ability to explain complex information to or with various levels of authority.

The Welfare Advice Co-Ordinator must be educated to degree level in a relevant professional discipline, or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge, experience and expertise. 

It is essential that the post holder has detailed knowledge of the relevant legislation, council policies and procedures related to local government benefit schemes. With the ability to interpret and explain the impact of legislation and advice issues