Andy Smith Email & Phone Number

Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Local Authority role in a service called Local Welfare Support. I was both a call handler and assessor of applications for food, gas and electric, furniture, travel expenses and removal costs. The role consists of talking with customers, support agencies, charities, suppliers, councillors, DWP and HMRC to try and provide support for the most deprived people in Leeds.The most challenging part of the role is encouraging the customers to engage, as the majority who contact the scheme have financial difficulties, mental health issues, fleeing violence, street homeless etc. The key part of my role was investigating and assessing a customers crisis. Decision making, empathy and communication skills were essential. It is a very rewarding and personally satisfying role.