Benefit Support Worker

Derbyshire County Council Welfare Rights Service is committed to maximising the benefits of Derbyshire residents. In the financial year 2025/26 the Welfare Rights Service supported over 22,000 Derbyshire residents with benefit enquiries, providing information, advice, casework, and appeal representation generating a confirmed £22.7 million in annualised gains and arrears.

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate individual to join our Welfare Rights Service as a Benefits Support Worker. This is a key frontline role, providing one-to-one support to residents over pension age to help them maximise their income through accurate benefit advice and casework.

You will work flexibly across several workflow streams, delivering services in line with best practice and organisational procedures. The role involves direct client contact, including home visits, and requires the ability to communicate complex information clearly and sensitively.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored information, advice, and casework to clients over pension age.
• Undertake accurate income maximisation checks to ensure clients receive their full entitlement.
• Communicate complex benefit information effectively via telephone, letter, and face-to-face contact, including home visits.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of benefits legislation relevant to people over pension age.
• Liaise with external agencies, such as the Department for Work and Pensions, to gather and share relevant information.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Welfare Rights Service to support the delivery of high-quality services.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with the Case Recording Policy.
• Plan and coordinate your own workload, supporting team priorities and service delivery.

Key Relationships

• Provide advice and support to clients and their carers.
• Liaise regularly with internal colleagues and external agencies.
• Work closely with council departments, including Adult Social Care, and network with social workers and finance officers.
• Line managed by a Team Leader and mentored by a Senior Welfare Benefits Officer. 

About You

You will be a confident and empathetic individual with experience in providing advice and support services. A strong understanding of welfare benefits for people over pension age is essential, along with excellent communication and organisational skills. You’ll be committed to delivering high-quality public services and making a real difference in people’s lives.

Please refer to the Job and Person Profile and clearly demonstrate your suitability for the role, making it clear where you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

We currently have a range of vacancies available, including temporary posts funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Please take a look at our other advertised opportunities if you are interested in joining the Welfare Rights Service.

Employees have access to a range of support, benefits and discounts including: 

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme 25 days annual leave per year (rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous service) plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata). Grade dependant.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security
• Supportive management and team
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Paid travel expenses if required to travel to other sites (Terms and conditions apply)
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits, cashback and discounts.

More details on the benefits of working for the council can be found on our reward and recognition page

Provisional Interview Dates: 11th, 12th & 13th November 2026