Form Completion Assistant

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove’s Advice service provides advice to older people on matters such as welfare benefits, health and social care, housing and local services. The team cover the whole of West Sussex.

Helping older people to claim benefits is one of the most important functions of an Age UK Advice service. Attendance Allowance is a benefit that can be claimed by older people with health problems who require support and care at home to be able to remain living independently. The form is quite lengthy and to fill it in well you need a thorough understanding of how the benefit works. Because of this older people are either often put off claiming this or other benefits or do not receive the benefit even though their health problems would suggest they should be entitled to it.

In this volunteering role, you will be helping the Advice service support older people to claim benefits or complete other forms, such as blue badge, which will help them to live independently.

Key Responsibilities: 

•  Interviewing older people and their carers or family about their health and care needs
•  Completing benefit claims forms for clients
•  Providing guidance to clients on ‘next steps’ to be taken after the completion of benefit claims form to progress their application
•  Completing records of client interventions on our bespoke database and liaising with key staff at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Advice service.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided and you will be responsible to the Senior Advisor.

 Benefits

• Giving your time and skills to make a difference in the lives of elderly in your local community.
• Knowledge of volunteering in the charity sector which may help in the search for a new job.

Practical Considerations

• You will be working from home with your own laptops/computers and phones.
• Provide at least one form filling session per week, (approximately 2-3 hours)
• You will also be required to attend training and supervision meetings either via Microsoft Teams or at an Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove office.
• You will need to be willing to undergo a DBS check.

What skills do I need?

Previous Experience and Role Requirements:

This role would suit somebody with previous experience of completing complex forms or supporting individuals with complex needs. People who have previously worked in the public sector, for example the local council, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Health Service, the emergency services or in a regulated care setting, would be particularly suited to the role.

Any potential volunteer will need to be able to demonstrate:

• Strong IT skills including using our bespoke database, Microsoft Teams, and ability to complete forms online using your own equipment.
• Literacy and basic numeracy skills.
• The ability to understand written information and explain things clearly without using jargon or being patronising.
• A commitment to ensuring that customers are provided with accurate, relevant and timely information and support.
• The ability to write clear notes and records
• A methodical and orderly approach.
• An open-minded approach to individuals, avoiding judgement and stereotyping while demonstrating patience and empathy.
• A willingness to undertake training and eLearning on Safeguarding, Data Protection, Confidentiality, Equality and Diversity in addition to all role specific training.
• Able to maintain boundaries with clients to ensure safe relationships for both parties.

Location

This opportunity can be carried out whilst working from home.