Benefits Advice Worker Interview.

[Babyroobs]

Much to my surprise I have been invited for an interview for a disability benefits advice worker and only have short notice ( 1 day !!) to prepare. This is a totally new area for me ( they are willing to train) and I have not had an interview for twelve years so it is all pretty scary.
I have done some reading up on CAB and diversity etc and disability benefits but can anyone help with an ideas for what else might crop up? Thanks in advance for any help/ suggestions.

Do you know anything about benefits? You'll need to know something I would have thought? Also think about benefits/rights of/for carers of people on disability benefits.

Other welfare benefits. The whole system is in multi-flux. Anyone with a disability benefits issue is likely to need a whole benefits review or advice on how payments interact.

CPAG is a good website. Also contact a family.

And the myriad so called "reforms". Make sure you understand bedroom tax and the cap as well as the move from DLA to PIP, for example. The won't quiz you if they're willing to train but they'll be looking for an understanding of the backdrop.

You will probably need quite a bit of training if you are going in cold -to learn how the whole pack of cards balances!

I trained with CAB and it took over a year! Admittedly it wasn't just benefits though.

Don't panic. The main thing they'll want is someone who appreciates the importance of the work

Agree with Manumission If they're training you up then they'll be more interested in your attitude than your knowledge.

Be prepared to answer questions on:

1. Confidentiality
2. Equalities- willingness to treat everyone equally and challenge your own biases
3. Being non judgemental
4. Ability to deal with people who are distressed or under pressure
5. Your general attitude towards the benefits system and benefits claimants

Good luck. I have been in welfare rights for 10 years and it's a wonderful job. The opportunity to train in a paid job is fantastic. Grab it with both hands!

I am echoing PP's here, but yes, do your homework on welfare benefits paid by the DWP to people with disabilities and their carers, plus Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction paid by local councils, plus Working and Child Tax Credits paid by HMRC, which can include disability elements. Also Attendance Allowance etc for people of State Pension age; naturally many people in this demographic are disabled.
The various systems do interact and being entitled to some benefits can also confer entitlement to others.
There are also non means-tested discounts and exemptions available to disabled Council Tax payers.
It might be useful to look into Adult Social Care, usually provided by County Councils, and Social Housing; most public sector Housing Allocations policies will give preference to people with disabilities on low incomes.
And be aware of the major charitable players in the field.
Sorry to overwhelm you!
I know you have very little time left now to prepare. I am sure that it will be sufficient just to demonstrate that you are aware of these various areas rather than knowing all the fine detail.
In fact your customer service skills are likely to be the most important factor. Good communication, empathy, knowing how to listen well, how to elicit relevant information from your clients and how to deliver complex advice in an accessible way will all be valuable skills.
Best of luck and hope you rock it tomorrow!

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I do have a basic understanding of the welfare system plus I have a background in Nursing so used to deal with distressed people and have good communication skills etc. I have read up a little on diversity and equality issues. Just hope my nerves don't let me down now.

Good luck Babyroobs

Thanks everyone. There was a written test on a scenario with lots of questions on the benefits that could be applied for. I think I did ok on that. The main interview also consisted of lots of scenario type questions , plus one on dealing with distressed people ( thanks unlimited), and one on teamwork. I don't think I answered anything that thouroughly my nerves let me down, but good experience anyway. Thanks all that replied, will let you know how I got on !!

Written test? Gosh. Thanks for posting that. Someone will find that useful info.

Fingers crossed it went better than you think

Fingers crossed for you Babyroobs. Just remember: all your competition will have been nervy and flustered as well!

Yes Man, there was a written scenario ( 3 questions) about a patient. I had to list all the benfits they could apply for. Then there were other parts, I think they were wnting to know who I would refer on to etc. Some of the questions in the interview were very similar to the written test.

I don't know if I'd prefer that to verbal questions or not.

I got the job !! So excited. It is a Macmillan benefit adviser post. Thanks again to all who gave suggestions, mumsnet at it's best.

Congratulations! 🍾