Welfare and Activities Officer

1 x Permanent/ 1 x 18 Months Fixed Term/Secondment Opportunity

Hackney is one of Britain’s most exciting and fastest-changing boroughs. We have changed the reputation, not just of the Council, but of Hackney itself. The challenges that have arisen over the last two years have intensified the need for action, and we are determined to rebuild Hackney for and with our diverse communities.

We know that staff are key to our success and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity, and commitment to our values to help us achieve the best for the people of Hackney.

We are currently recruiting Welfare and Activity Officers to plan, organise and deliver a range of group and individual activities to enable people to have a choice and chance to participate in various activities. These roles are brand new to Hackney, working with residents in supported housing, you will ensure that all individuals are supported to participate in the activities of their choice.

You will establish and maintain positive links with community-based organisations and facilities to provide a wide range of activities, combined with developing an excellent working knowledge of the full range of welfare opportunities and benefits available. Training team members to plan and deliver a range of activities is also required, as well as establishing and building links with volunteer organisations to gain their assistance. You will be working with individual tenants to maximise their finances and ensure that they receive all the benefits they are entitled to, liaising with the DWP and other agencies on their behalf when necessary.

Knowledge and understanding of the NHS and Social Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Health and Safety legislation are required, combined with knowledge of welfare and benefits and the ability to signpost individual health and community-based services. Experience in working with vulnerable older people and knowledge of ways to promote their independence through activities of their choice in which their needs may be met are also required.

Please include a supporting statement, addressing how your skills, knowledge and experience would enable you to meet all aspects of the post, as indicated in the job description and person specification.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

Flexibility is also required, as some evening and weekend work will be required.

If you are creative and inventive and looking for a new challenge, where you can make your mark we would like to hear from you

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. 

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. 

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 26 October 2025 (22:59)

Interview and assessment date: W/C 03 November  2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk