Job description

Coping with a cancer diagnosis or complex haematology treatment is hard, but for some patients it also brings new money worries and unforeseen financial costs. We are looking for someone who can help patients and their carers find out what they are entitled to and assist them to access this financial support so they can concentrate on their treatment

We need you to have experience in providing specialist benefits advice and an advocacy service within an organisation such as the NHS, Citizens Advice or similar. You should have relevant recent training and experience of client centred specialist benefits advice work with a general knowledge of housing, employment and consumer law as well as experience of tribunal representation.

Strong communication skills, a proven ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines and an attention to detail are just some of the skills you will require to work in our friendly and supportive department based in the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, Huntley Street London WC1E 6DH

You will be working with in-patients and out-patients with a cancer or haematological diagnosis such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. You will meet with patients or their representative face to face, via MS Teams or phone, assess their welfare and benefits needs, based on your good understanding of the support available, and assist with applications for benefits and grants. You will need to help prepare mandatory reconsiderations and tribunal packs. You may be required to support the patient throughout the review process. You will need to communicate with multiple agencies and maintain accurate and clear paperwork and communications.

You will join a small team of welfare and benefits advisers who work closely with the multidisciplinary Support and Information Team of approximately 35 staff who provide emotional and practical support to cancer and haematology patients.

We are based in the Cancer Centre and enjoy daily contact with the patients dropping in to our support service.

• To fully assess patient/carer’s financial and social circumstances and to agree and implement a case work plan appropriate to the individual either in person or on the telephone. This requires the ability to deal with complex and sensitive information, often in a highly emotive atmosphere. You will deal with vulnerable adults or those with mental health issues as well as those dealing with serious and terminal illness
• You will need to be able to deal with and advise recently bereaved individuals appropriately and sensitively
• Understand the limits of the service and appropriate needs of the patient/client, referring to other support organisations such the Citizens Advice and Macmillan Financial Guidance Service, as well as statutory organisations when appropriate and in the interests of the client
• You will provide practical assistance in making claims and liaising with benefits offices and other agencies on behalf of the client
• Act as an advocate for patients with local authorities, employers, banks, public utilities, the Department for Works and Pensions and any other agencies involved in financial, employment or housing
• You will assist with appeals and representation at Tribunals attending when it is practical and helpful to do so
• Make applications for individual grants from charitable organisations, in particular Macmillan.

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