How to become a welfare rights officer
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could complete a revenues and welfare benefits practitioner higher apprenticeship if you're working for a local authority or advice organisation.
This apprenticeship will typically take 12 to 18 months to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
- experience in related work
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Work
You could start as an admin assistant with an advice organisation and work your way up with further training in welfare rights.
You'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent qualifications, in English and maths.
Volunteering
Many people start by volunteering in an advice centre.
As a volunteer you would receive training in interviewing skills and advice topics like welfare benefits and housing. It can take between 6 and 12 months to get enough experience to apply for jobs.
You can search for volunteering opportunities through Do It.
Direct Application
You can apply for jobs if you have experience of supporting people facing difficult situations, for example, those with money, family or housing problems.
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Career tips
A qualification in counselling, legal work or advice and guidance could be useful, though your employer may give you on-the-job training.
The ability to speak a second language or a qualification in British Sign Language could be helpful for some jobs.
Further information
You can find out more about working in welfare rights from Citizens Advice and AdviceUK.