Benefits Advice Officer
Trafford Council
Working Pattern: Full time
Working Arrangement: 36.25 hours per week / This is a hybrid role so there will also be the opportunity for home working.
Fixed Term End Date: 31st March 2029
Interview Date/Type: Face to face / 23rd/24th July 2026
SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for two new Benefit Advice Officer’s to join our existing Welfare Rights team. The role will work within the LiveWell hubs offering expert welfare benefits advice to members of the public and will also work collaboratively with colleagues in other departments and organisations to support clients in often complex cases. The team specialises in legal challenge and represents at appeal hearings and other formal hearings. The post holder will also offer benefit advice to the wider public via the advice line on a rota basis.
About You
Your style and approach will reflect our values and behaviours: you will be committed to continually learning & improving the way you do things to ensure effective outcomes; you will work together to deliver service; you will enjoy taking personal responsibility to resolve issues and change what you do and how you do it to make a difference.
You’ll also have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of welfare benefits case work including tribunal representation and a comprehensive and up to date knowledge of legislation, case law and procedures in relation to welfare benefits. You will have experience of excellent record keeping and case management and experience of working collaboratively with a multi-agency approach to problem solving.
Additional Information
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
You will have flexibility in terms of hybrid working at home and in the office.
You will be required to drive in this role.
Find Out More.
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Louise Buchanan at louise.buchanan@trafford.gov.uk
About us...
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
Why Trafford?
We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”
Our Culture...
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.
They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you'll love about working with us...
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information...
- Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
- Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
- Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
Make an Impact. Apply Today.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a short interview to learn more about your skills and experience.