Support Worker

Job Title: Benefits and Employment Support Worker

Location: North East England (with community-based and outreach work)
Salary: £14 per hour
Hours: Part-time
Contract: Permanent

About the Role

Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College are seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable, and motivated Benefits and Employment Support Worker to join our team. This role is vital in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, unemployment, or financial hardship to navigate the benefits system and move closer to sustainable employment.

You will work closely with people facing complex barriers, offering practical advice, advocacy, and person-centred support to improve financial stability, confidence, and independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support with welfare benefits, including Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, and housing-related benefits
• Support clients with job readiness, CV writing, applications, and interview preparation
• Advocate on behalf of clients with DWP, local authorities, employers, and other agencies
• Help individuals identify skills, strengths, and realistic employment or training pathways
• Support clients to manage benefit transitions into work
• Maintain accurate case notes and monitoring data in line with GDPR and organisational policies
• Work collaboratively with mental health practitioners, community partners, and external services
• Deliver outreach and group sessions where required

About You

You will be empathetic, organised, and confident working with people who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or long-term unemployment.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience supporting people with welfare benefits and/or employment support
• Good understanding of the UK benefits system
• Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships
• Strong communication and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage a caseload and work independently
• Basic IT skills and experience with case management systems

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working in mental health, voluntary sector, or community services
• Knowledge of employment support programmes
• Advice qualification or willingness to work towards one
• Lived experience of mental health challenges (valued and welcomed)

What We Offer

• A supportive, values-driven working environment
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Flexible working where possible
• Opportunity to make a real difference in people s lives
• Access to wellbeing support and supervision

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Closing Date: 30 January
Interviews: 1st February

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.