Advice Worker (Mental Health)

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance

Closing Date: 6 February 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face

This Role Is Subject To

Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship. 

BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) Clearance - This post is subject to BPSS checks. You will therefore be required to consent to and comply with BPSS checking requirements prior to commencing in this post. This check involves verification of identity; nationality and immigration status; employment history (past 3 years) and basic criminal record check.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.

Driving

Licence - You must always hold a full valid driving licence

Essential Car Documentation - This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance.

The role provides frontline face to face advice on welfare benefits to Manchester residents with severe and enduring mental health issues who are under secondary level services. You will assist with all stages of the process from benefit checks and form-filling to appeal representation.

The post holder is one of 12 staff in Retained Advice whose purpose is to ensure our most vulnerable citizens can access social justice by securing entitlement to the welfare benefits they need & deserve. We are a preventative service whose outcomes have a qualitative impact on residents’ lives.

For the local economy by maximising household income, people are more likely to spend on goods and services in the city. For cost avoidance in the wider health, housing and social care system, meeting the cost of needs like food, fuel & rent reduces impacts of physical and mental health conditions.

You Will Be Expected To

• Deliver accessible and appropriate advice services at outreach sessions and surgeries which meet the diverse needs of service users and comply with relevant quality assurance standards.
• Work alongside referrers from the Community Mental Health Teams and voluntary sector agencies.
• Conduct a robust analysis of a range of information, take instructions and commission medical evidence to best support the service user’s case.
• Maintain statistical and confidential case records to document all actions and interventions, which facilitate both continuity and expedient progression of the case.
• Compose written submissions and effectively represent and advocate on behalf of service users in First Tier Tribunals and other settings.
• Provide a high-quality technical support and consultancy service to a range of stakeholders.
  
  

We are looking for candidates that can demonstrate the following:

• Interpersonal and communication skills that allow you to persuade and influence as well as advise and guide people.
• The confidence to advocate for vulnerable citizens in formal, external settings.
• Extensive knowledge of Acts of Parliament [statutes] containing rules for social security benefits and administration, along with Regulations which flesh out the law and provide the detail that determines the rules as laid down in the Acts.

The ability to keep abreast of case law which is created through decisions & judgments made on points of law by the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.

A dual knowledge of the different but co-existing systems of Universal Credit vs legacy benefits.

The skill to exercise initiative and take independent actions while dealing with a high caseload which can present unanticipated problems.

Sufficient resilience to cope with the mental and emotional demands of the role.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Nick Smith the hiring manager on 07950 172722 but please first email nicholas.smith@manchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester Is Our Vision For a Fairer, Greener, And Healthier City - a Vision Shaped By The People Of Manchester. It Guides Everything We Do At The Council And Is Brought To Life Through The Our Manchester Behaviours

• We take time to listen and understand

A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.

Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
  
  

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Requirements

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
  
  

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
  
  

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.

What We Will Need From You If You're Successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship. 

Pre-Employment Checks

Required

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) Clearance

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

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