Derbyshire County Council
Senior Welfare Benefits Officer
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Closing date: 20 September 2026
Senior Welfare Benefits Officer (Social Care Team)
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Social Care Team as a Senior Welfare Benefits Officer. This is a specialist role within a highly regarded countywide service that supports some of Derbyshire's most vulnerable residents to maximise their income, maintain independence and navigate complex welfare and social care systems.
The Social Care Team works closely with Adult Social Care, finance teams, and partner organisations to provide welfare benefits advice and casework for vulnerable adults. The team helps adults to secure their full benefit entitlement, understand how income can affect social care charges, and navigate welfare and social care systems, supporting them to maintain independence, stability, and access to the care they need.
As a Senior Welfare Benefits Officer, you will manage a complex caseload involving some of the most challenging and rewarding work. You will provide specialist welfare benefits advice, undertake detailed casework, represent clients at appeal tribunals and work collaboratively with social workers, occupational therapists, care managers and other professionals to improve outcomes for residents.
A key focus of the role is supporting clients whose lives are significantly affected by disability, illness, frailty or caring responsibilities. This includes helping people understand the interaction between welfare benefits and adult social care, supporting clients who are subject to care and support charging arrangements, and ensuring that people retain access to the income and entitlements available to them. The role also involves supporting individuals through periods of significant change, including transitions into adulthood, changes in care arrangements and moves into supported or independent living.
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The successful candidate will develop specialist expertise in areas where welfare rights and adult social care intersect. Working closely with Adult Social Care and social care finance teams, you will lead the development and delivery of welfare benefits training, briefings and practical guidance for departmental colleagues. You will translate complex legislation into accessible learning, identify emerging training needs and help colleagues understand how welfare benefits can improve outcomes for vulnerable adults.
You will demonstrate professional leadership by sharing expertise, mentoring colleagues, providing constructive support, and influencing good practice across the service. We are looking for someone who takes ownership, uses sound judgement, communicates with confidence, and builds effective relationships while keeping the needs and dignity of vulnerable adults at the centre of their work.
We are looking for someone with substantial welfare rights experience, excellent advocacy skills, and a strong understanding of social security legislation. Experience of tribunal representation, complex casework, and partnership working is essential. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experience working alongside social care services, supporting disabled people, older adults, carers, care leavers or other vulnerable groups.
This role would suit an experienced adviser who enjoys problem solving, partnership working, and helping people navigate complex systems. It offers an excellent opportunity to combine technical welfare rights expertise with meaningful person-centred work that can have a life-changing impact on residents and their families.
Travel across Derbyshire may be required as part of the role. Hybrid working arrangements will be considered subject to service need.
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Please refer to the Job and Person Profile for full details of the knowledge, skills and experience required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate clearly within their personal statement how they meet each of the essential criteria.
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to regular contact with vulnerable adults and/or children. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent appointment, as each case will be considered individually.
Employees have access to a range of support, benefits and discounts including:
- Generous Annual Leave Scheme: 27 days annual leave per year (rising to 32 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
For more information about the role or an informal chat, please email Greg.Downs@derbyshire.gov.uk
Provisional interview date: Friday 2 October and Monday 5 October 2026
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