We have an excellent opportunity for a friendly and experienced Lead Care and Welfare Officer to join one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK as part of the Care and Welfare Department team based in Manchester city centre. Some flexible working is available by agreement in advance and occasional travel to other parts of the UK, including overnight stays, is required. The post will require an Enhanced with Barred DBS check and a credit check in line with regulatory requirements.

About the organisation
Our client is a long-standing Friendly Society and national membership organisation. Their values are based on friendship and mutual support, especially in times of difficulty. Support to members in need is offered through their Care and Welfare services which provide a package of benefits, advice and financial support offered through a central office in Manchester, as well as befriending and signposting offered through 103 local branches.

About the role
As a Lead Care and Welfare Officer, you will support members directly and help local branches to enhance the health and welfare of their members and your responsibilities will include:

• Responding to members’ care and welfare queries, giving information, advice and signposting to further sources of help
• Answering telephone calls and responding to written and email queries 
• Researching information to provide accurate advice and guidance on accessing health and social care services and other welfare matters
• Explaining eligibility criteria and how to access the Society’s benefits and support 
• Processing applications for the society’s Convalescence, Care and Carers Respite Benefits, including helping members identify appropriate support and arranging short breaks and care at home
• Processing applications for the Society’s Legal Aid Benefit and monitoring progress 
• Writing articles and publicity materials to promote care and welfare services and benefits and keeping up to date with national, regional and local health and care initiatives and disseminating to Branches and sharing with the Care and Welfare Department team
• Supporting local volunteer Welfare Visitors and Telephone Befrienders in their role which may include participation in occasional visits to Branches, presentations and training seminars

About you
As Lead Care and Welfare Officer you be a positive, well organised, person who enjoys a varied role and you must be / have:

• A minimum of two year’s full time (or equivalent) experience of work in advice, guidance, advocacy or supporting people
• Be committed to supporting older and vulnerable members
• A professional qualification in nursing or social work and/or experience of working in a health or social care setting or similar working environment
• A good understanding of the issues facing older or vulnerable people and knowledge of how to access appropriate support from statutory and voluntary health and social care agencies
• Ability to deal sensitively, patiently and non-judgmentally with member queries
• Knowledge of care services, voluntary and statutory organisations and an understanding of integrated care is desirable
• Ability to research, understand and explain information clearly
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively by telephone and face to face
• Work on own initiative and to organise and prioritise work
• Strong administration, literacy and numeracy skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft applications and commitment to using IT to effectively support the work of the Department
• Ability and commitment to working as part of a team, including working flexibly in a busy environment in response to the varying needs of the service
• Commitment to maintaining and developing own skills and knowledge
• Sourcing content relevant to health and social care for newsletters, publications and experience of producing accurate information and can demonstrate good written communication skills

About the rewards
For the role of Lead Care and Welfare Officer, your working hours will be 34 hours per week and you will receive an excellent salary of £29,000 to £31,000 per annum, dependent on experience, plus you will receive:

• 22 days holiday (+4 additional days)
• Additional days off between Christmas and new year and for each birthday (a wellbeing day)
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to an independent advice line
• Private medical insurance (BUPA, non-contributory) after 12 months service
• Workplace Pension Scheme with ‘The People’s Pension’ with the option of additional contributions by the employee and employer

How to Apply
Please note that eRecruitSmart is advertising the role of Lead Care and Welfare Officer on behalf of the Hiring Company and your CV will be sent to the Hiring Manager who is responsible for the vacancy that you have applied to.   Please only apply if you consent to these terms.

You must have eligibility to work and currently reside in the UK.   Please note, only suitable applicants will be contacted.  If your address and contact details are not on your CV, you will not be considered.

We look forward to hearing from you!