Benefits Advice Worker

Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group (SARAG) are an independent charity supporting individuals with asbestos related conditions across Yorkshire, Humberside, and North Nottinghamshire. Since 1999, they have helped thousands of families affected by asbestos related conditions access £32 million in government benefits and compensation. Their service is free and confidential. SARAG provide:

1. Expert Benefits Advice

In 2022-3 alone, SARAG helped 311 Asbestos Victims access £4.3million in Government benefits and compensation. Individuals are on average £13,500 better off because of SARAG's help.

2. Emotional Support

SARAG provide peer support in monthly social groups across the region and bereavement support in person, by phone and online.

3. Legal Signposting

SARAG signpost to expert asbestos case lawyers who all provide a no win no fee service and importantly, do not take a success fee.

Purpose of the Role

The focus of the role is to provide advice and assistance with a range of welfare benefits to people with terminal and chronic asbestos related disease, their families and carers, whilst also ensuring a holistic approach to the client’s circumstances and ongoing support. This may include assistance with reconsiderations of decisions, and representation at Tribunal appeals, the provision of support and assistance for families at Coroner inquests, if required, and assistance with the delivery of support groups.

Location: Rotherham Office or Remote working, but may be required to travel throughout Yorkshire and Humberside

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Interview clients, either face to face, on the telephone or by home visits, providing advice and assistant on benefits, access to compensation and other areas of support.
• Effectively communicate with clients, in order to gather facts to advise them accordingly
• Carry out calculations to work out entitlement to particular benefits
• Explain the range of choices available to them and what they mean
• Consider options and identify the best possible course of action
• Carry out research where necessary to find out more in-depth information
• Provide practical help such as completing benefit applications, writing letters, making phone calls
• Signpost/refer clients to other services and sources of help where appropriate, for example to a health care worker or solicitor
• Attend our support groups to provide advice/information around benefits, if required.
• Represent the client where necessary - this may include at Tribunal and Coroner’s court.
• Be organised and able to prioritise and manage a caseload.
• Keep timely, accurate records of client cases
• Promote the services on offer and distribute publicity materials
• Liaise internally with the team of Benefits Advisors, the Activity and Support Coordinator and external organisations
• Maintain confidential case records through use of a database.
• Undertake any other duties that are deemed appropriate to be commensurate with the needs and overall aims of the organisation.

Please contact Penny at penny@saragasbestossupport.org to request an application.