Benefit Assessment Support Service Volunteers
South East London Mind
Benefits Assessment Support supports claimants in Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich who have Mental Health issues to have the knowledge and confidence when attending their assessment to fully demonstrate the difficulties they experience in their daily lives.
• Voluntary – reasonable expenses paid • 3-4 hours per week • Bromley, Lewisham or Greenwich boroughs SEL Mind is working in partnership with the NHS under the NHS Long Term Plan. This brings together the expertise of local primary, secondary and voluntary sector mental health providers with the aim of providing flexible, holistic and integrated services for adults with mental health problems. As part of the transformation we will be developing our Benefits Assessment Support service which works across all three boroughs to support people with mental health needs to access appropriate benefits. Benefits Assessment Support supports claimants in Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich who have Mental Health issues to have the knowledge and confidence when attending their assessment to fully demonstrate the difficulties they experience in their daily lives. We are looking for Benefits Assessment Support volunteers who will meet with clients, help them prepare for the assessment, attend the assessment with them and meet with them for follow ups. You will have some understanding of welfare benefits and may have experienced the assessment process yourself. You will have the necessary skills to support someone to speak up about how their health issues affect them in order for a quality assessment to be completed by the relevant agencies. You will receive support in your role from a dedicated service coordinator who will offer guidance and training as needed to help you in the role. Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check. How to apply: Carefully read the Role Description and Person Specification Download a Volunteer Application Form, complete and send to benefitssupport@selmind.org.uk
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,Teaching & Training,Legal,Support Work,General & Helping
Admin, Basic IT skills - internet & email, Evaluating & Reviewing, Good IT Skills, Language Skills, Managing People, Negotiating, Organising & Planning, Research
For this role you need to have: - Good general education - Experience of working with individuals or groups of people with mental health issues in a work or volunteering capacity, or ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues - Some knowledge of welfare benefits gained through either a work/volunteering capacity or personal experience - Willingness to attend external assessment centres at a variety of locations around London - Friendly, welcoming and approachable manner - Thoughtful, motivated and committed - Good listening and communication skills - Able to be assertive when required - Able to encourage, support and empower clients - Understand and respect the need for confidentiality - Enjoys working with others and able to work as part of a team - Able to understand, acknowledge and appreciate differences in individual experience of mental health problems and services - Understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion • Successful applicants will be required to provide details of two references and agree to submit details for and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check.
You will be working as part of a tight-knit, engaged, knowledgeable and welcoming team. You will have the opportunity to gain a good understanding of the UK benefits system, especially around health and disability benefits. You will have extensive training and the opportunity to build your skills while supporting people in need in your local community and making a great amount of difference to the lives of those most vulnerable. Reasonable expenses paid, ongoing support provided and we have regular socials.
3-4 hours per week, with occasional travel within the boroughs we cover
BR3 4HY
South East London Mind 20b Hayne Road
N/A
10
