Welfare rights officer
Give people support and advice on welfare benefits, housing, work and money.
Also known as: benefits adviser
About the job
What it's like
You would give people support and advice on welfare benefits and other areas such as housing, work and money.
You would advise clients face-to-face, over the telephone or by letter or email. You could either be a general adviser, or a specialist who works with one group (such as carers) or advises on one topic, such as housing.
You would:
Explain benefit rules and who can claim
Check clients are claiming all the benefits they can
Help people fill in forms to apply for benefits, tax or pension credits
Help clients get ready for appeals
Take the place of clients at appeal tribunals
Link up benefits agencies and others
Let clients know who else can help
Manage your own work and records
Keep up to date with new laws and welfare reforms
You might sometimes be asked to train staff and volunteers, publicise your work or run campaigns.
You may find the work may stressful at times with a lot of pressure and deadlines, but it can also be very rewarding.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- researching
- empathising
- social conscience
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- listening
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
- time management
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Care
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English and Communication
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Modern Studies
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People and Society
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no set qualifications for this role, but a good general education, knowledge of peoples' rights and the welfare benefits system would be essential.
Some employers may ask for a degree in social work, social policy or community work (SCQF level 9/10).
Relevant work experience and qualifications from organisations providing welfare rights advice such as local authorities, Citizens Advice or Shelter Scotland are very important when seeking work.
Qualifications and experience that show caring for people, for the community and an understanding of rights and benefits. Voluntary work in a related field can also be useful. Search opportunities on Volunteer.scot.
A driving licence is useful and may be essential for some roles.
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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