Form Completion Assistant

Who Are We?

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. 

The Role:

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. You will be working from home with your own laptops/computers and phones.  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.

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

Previous Experience and Role Requirements:

Full training and on-going support will be provided. 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. You will need to provide at least one form filling session per week (approximately 2–3 hours). You will need to be willing to undergo a DBS check.

What skills do I need?

• 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.