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Closing date: Friday 10 April 2026
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Hours: 16 hours per week
Salary: £12,704.64 per year
Contract: fixed term 12 months
Interview date: w/c 13th April 2026

Job Description

Role Purpose

To provide specialist benefits advice, casework, and advocacy for people living with a visual impairment, supporting them to apply for, maintain, and challenge Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits and other related entitlements.

The role aims to maximise income, reduce financial hardship, and ensure service users can access support in an accessible, dignified, and person-centred way.

Key Responsibilities

1) Benefits Advice and Casework (DWP)

• Provide accurate advice and support with DWP benefits including (but not limited to):
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Universal Credit (UC)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Attendance Allowance (AA)
  • Carer’s Allowance (where relevant)
• Support service users to understand eligibility, processes, timescales, and what evidence is needed.
• Assist with completing benefit applications, ensuring forms reflect the functional impact of sight loss.
• Assist with the application of other associated benefits including (but not limited to) TV licence and Blue Badge.
• Help prepare individuals for:
  • telephone/video/in-person assessments
  • work capability assessments
  • PIP/UC reviews and renewals

2) Mandatory Reconsiderations, Appeals and Tribunals

• Support people to challenge decisions through:
  • Mandatory Reconsiderations (MRs)
  • Formal appeals
  • Tribunal preparation and support (where appropriate)
• Assist with gathering evidence, writing supporting statements, and presenting relevant information clearly.
• Support individuals to understand outcomes and next steps following decisions.

3) Income Maximisation and Holistic Support

• Identify additional financial entitlements and support, including:
  • Disability premiums/elements (where applicable)
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Housing support
  • Blue Badge guidance/signposting
  • Access to Work signposting
  • Grants and charitable support where available
• Provide budgeting/signposting support and referrals to debt advice services if needed.

4) Advocacy and Liaison

• Act as an advocate for service users with DWP and related agencies, with consent.
• Liaise with health professionals, social care, employers, and family members (where appropriate) to support benefit claims.
• Support service users to request reasonable adjustments such as:
  • accessible communication formats
  • longer appointment times
  • telephone or home visit requests (where appropriate)

5) Accessibility and Visual Impairment Expertise

• Ensure advice and documentation is provided in accessible formats (large print, audio, email, braille-ready, etc.).
• Understand how visual impairment impacts daily living and mobility, and how this relates to benefit descriptors.
• Use a strengths-based approach which supports independence and dignity.

6) Record Keeping, Data, and Outcomes

• Maintain clear, accurate, confidential case notes and case management records.
• Track outcomes such as:
  • successful awards
  • backdated payments
  • appeal outcomes
  • financial gains (where required for monitoring)
• Contribute to reports and service evaluation as required.

7) Safeguarding, Professional Standards and Confidentiality

• Work within safeguarding policies and raise concerns appropriately.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Work in line with VSBD’s policies, GDPR, and data handling requirements.

8) Service Development and Partnership Working

• Keep up to date with changes in benefits legislation and DWP procedures.
• Contribute to improving service resources (factsheets, templates, workshops).
• Build positive working relationships with partner organisations and referral routes.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications / Training

• Experience in benefits advice, welfare rights, or casework support (paid or significant voluntary experience).
• Commitment to ongoing learning due to frequent changes in benefits rules and guidance.

Experience

• Supporting people to apply for DWP benefits.
• Assisting clients with form-filling, evidence gathering, and explaining complex processes clearly.
• Managing a caseload and prioritising deadlines effectively.
• Working with vulnerable adults and/or people facing barriers to accessing services.

Knowledge

• Good knowledge of the benefits system, including DWP processes and decision-making stages.
• Understanding of the impact of disability and long-term health conditions on daily life and work capability.
• Knowledge of confidentiality, GDPR principles, and safe information sharing.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to explain complex information in a clear, supportive, and accessible way.
• Strong written skills for drafting submissions, supporting statements, and appeal documents.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with empathy and a non-judgemental approach.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and support people who may be anxious or distressed.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good IT skills including email, document writing, and case recording systems.

Values and Approach

• Commitment to person-centred, rights-based support.
• Awareness of accessibility and inclusive practice.
• Respect for lived experience and the importance of independence and dignity.

Other Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check.
• Ability to travel locally as required.