Volunteer Opportunity

Motor Neurone Disease Association are currently recruiting for volunteers; please see below for info:

The Motor Nerurone Disease Association is running a pilot Welfare Benefits Project across Greater Manchester from October 2015 – April 2016. The aim of the project is to ensure people with MND and their carers claim the right benefits and and are able to access specialist advice. We are looking to recruit a team of volunteer Benefit Navigators to work with us on this project.

Benefits Navigator – Role Description

The role

 

Benefit Navigators will help people with motor neurone disease (MND) to complete claim forms for Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Navigators will receive comprehensive training covering MND and also how claim forms should be completed to ensure the right amount of benefit is awarded. This role is particularly important because the devastating effects of MND can include losing the ability to walk, write and speak, making dealing with benefit claims very difficult. Navigators will not be expected to understand the entire benefits system, give advice or do calculations – they will signpost to a specialist service to support people beyond initial claims.

Navigators will:

·         Attend 2 training days – one providing information about MND and one covering how claim forms should be completed

·         Visit people with MND at home to complete a claim form for PIP or Attendance Allowance
·       Have a willingness to take time to fully understand the difficulties experienced by a person with MND and carefully record this information on a claim form – this may take an hour or longer depending on possible communication difficulties
·         Be prepared to travel across Greater Manchester to undertake visits – these can be scheduled around other commitments
·         Complete induction and training for the role and attend regular support and information exchange meetings with MND Association staff.
·         Refer people with MND to our specialist benefits advice service to ensure all entitlements have been claimed and be supported to appeal incorrect decisions

Skills and interests sought:

 ·         Good communication skills, a patient and empathetic approach and ability to discuss intimate personal care issues with sensitivity

·         An interest in welfare benefits and a commitment to making the claim process as stress-free as possible for people with MND
·         A commitment to equality and diversity and a willingness to work with members of all communities
·         Knowledge of MND or a willingness to learn about the disease

How much time will you need to give?

The time commitment given will be entirely up to each individual Navigator. This is a new project and we are uncertain about the level of demand for the service but we anticipate a minimum of 8 hours a month will be required.  

How will the MND Association support you?

·         You will receive relevant training to undertake the role

·         You will be provided with one-to-one and group based support and be able to speak to the Project Manager if you have any questions or concerns

·         You will be reimbursed all agreed out-of-pocket expenses, including travel

Benefits of being a Navigator

o   You will have an opportunity to learn more about motor neurone disease and use this knowledge to support people living with the condition

o   This is an opportunity to learn more about benefits for people with MND and other disabled people

o   You will join our wonderful  team of volunteers and meet new people

o   You will have a brilliant opportunity to enhance your CV and develop your skills

o   You can learn  more about how national charities such as the MND Association operate

If you would like more information or an informal discussion about this role please contact Laurie Clemenceau:

laurie.clemenceau@mndassociation.org

01604  611686