Education and Benefits Worker

Role Overview

This position involves aiding individuals recovering from their first episode of psychosis by supporting their engagement with education, training, and volunteering opportunities. The role emphasizes promoting independence, confidence, and purpose while alleviating financial pressures through practical welfare benefits assistance.

Key Duties

• Guide service users towards education, training, and volunteering suited to their aspirations.
• Assist with detailed benefits-related paperwork and applications, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Mandatory Reconsideration Requests, and UC Journal Support.
• Establish and maintain therapeutic, trust-based relationships with service users.
• Deliver individual and group sessions at the team base and within community settings.
• Collaborate closely with care coordinators and other multidisciplinary team members.
• Forge and maintain partnerships with educational institutions, local providers, and community services.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on benefit regulations and local educational opportunities.
• Record and communicate service users’ progress within the multidisciplinary team.

Candidate Profile

• Background in benefits advice, employability support, education, or related support roles.
• Ability to engage individuals facing complex challenges in participation.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage workload independently.

About LEIS

LEIS provides Early Intervention in Psychosis support to adults aged 18–65, fostering recovery, independence, and improved longer-term outcomes for people in the Lewisham area through collaborative, person-centered care.

Benefits of Joining

• Work within a supportive and experienced multi-disciplinary team.
• Opportunity to develop expertise in benefits advice and vocational recovery support.
• Access to continual professional development and training.
• Participate in shaping education and benefits pathways within the service.
• Engage with local community partnerships to enhance service provision.
• Make a significant positive impact on individuals’ recovery journeys.

Contact Information

For more details or informal meetings, contact Melanie Towers, Occupational Therapist, at Melanie.Towers@slam.nhs.uk or call 07725642221.