Job Interview for welfare officer

hulltiger1969

Hi

Hoping someone can help, I have been unemployed for 6 months now, I have managed to get an interview with Welfare Rights, Has anyone had this kind of interview before, Just dont know what to expect. My first interview in 12 years :eek:

ohreally

You will be expected to know your way around welfare legislation with a focus on benefits and housing and demonstrate a knowlege of impending changes re welfare reform etc etc.

Depending on role you may have to prepare and present client case to tribunal and pick up referals from other agencies who don't have thr resourses/ expertise to deliver a trib case to fruition.

hulltiger1969

thank you, you would'nt happen to know of any good web sites to read through

ohreally

CPAG and Joseph Rowantree would be educational but I would question if this is a suitable move for you given the questions - you really need a background in advice or you will quickly be found out of your depth in this field.

Remember, in giving advice, you are accountable.

If you don't have a background, Citizen Advice run training programs periodically - they are about to become very busy over the coming months due to welfare reform, perhaps this training would be useful for future oportunities.


http://www.cpag.org.uk/welfare-rights

hulltiger1969

Thank You, I will look at the web sites mentioned. I won't be found out as I have plenty of experience in a very similar field, It's just that I only have a basic knowledge of ESA, DLA (soon to be pip) IB etc, I have a very in-depth knowledge of HB and again a basic knowledge of the universal credit which is to be introduced, I was just hoping someone might know the type of questions I might get asked, as well as a good website for further information. BTW I also have pretty good Housing knowledge.

jobbingmusician

Honestly, I think reading through some of the threads on the welfare board here will give you a good grasp of many of the issues! :eek:

joolsybools

I would read through DWP and CAB websites and google 'interview questions'.

hulltiger1969

I had the intwerview, it went ok, nothing sparkling, I was actually surprised how simple the questions were, they are interviewing over 9 days:eek:, so probably some very tough competition, one question, there was a written test were I had to read through a families situation and then advise what benefits they should claim, seemed simple enough but I had six sheets to write on and only filled two, do you think this might mean I left too much information out of the equation.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

I would look at Benefits and Work who do lots about how to fill in forms but also train would be Professionals. Worth it at £20pcm because you see what is REALLY going on and you need the background to use the knowledge against.
I would also read legal books as well on a regular basis because you need a legal mind too, or to develop one.
I would read Batemans Welfare Rights manual which says it all
http://www.neilbateman.co.uk/
http://www.neilbateman.co.uk/publications.html
I would start with his Practicing Welfare rights which shows you the different types of cases and read it thoroughly right through and keep it for reference.
My two pence as this is a direction I am thinking of going in, probably cos I am so !!!!! at looking after myself in this way and i need a kick up the backside.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

You have to be comfortable about or get use to reading Legislation and case law. You have to be a READER. Welfare rights is full of case law and legislation as well as knowledge of judges a welfare rights whose who and also welfare rights chambers.
You must know where the training is to be found as well as the legal sources Barristers chambers, specialist soliticitors even if this seems totally ridiculous post LASPO.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

Even though the LASPO Bill has gone through I would aim to be a Legal Eagle. I have just saved a document from Garden Court Chambers from the Social Security Law Practioners Association. Even though Tier Three cases are being denied to would be practioners. I am erring on the Legal side in my learning and would rather die than be denied the Legal side, however futile it seems.