Michelle Carlin, Welfare Advice Officer
Michelle Carlin has worked at Apex for over a year as a Welfare Advice Officer in our Derry~Londonderry office. We sat down with Michelle to chat about her role, what Apex is like as an employer and how she spends her free time outside of work.
Name: Michelle Carlin
Job role: Welfare Advice Officer
Describe what your job involves.
I provide welfare advice and support to help tenants maximise their income, access benefits and navigate financial challenges. I help improve financial wellbeing, sustain tenancies and ensure tenants receive the support they’re entitled to.
What do you like most about your job?
Seeing the relief on someone’s face when we’ve found a solution or secured extra income for them. Knowing I’ve made a real difference to someone’s life is the best part of my job.
Describe Apex in three words.
Supportive. Inclusive. Community-focused.
What advice would you give someone starting out in your career area?
Listen more than you speak, never stop learning, and always remember that behind every case is a person with a story. Kindness and empathy go a long way.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spending time with my family, thrifting (or treasure hunting, as I prefer to call it!), staying active by going to the gym, and getting lost in a good book.
What did you want to be when growing up?
A long-distance truck driver because I always imagined there’d be nothing cosier than sleeping in the cab during a rainy, stormy night. I still think it sounds quite nice!
What is the first concert you attended?
Christy Moore.
What is your favourite book?
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly.
Favourite motto or personal mantra?
“This too shall pass”. It’s a reminder that even the toughest times are temporary.
A career at Apex
Start your new career at Apex Housing Association and help us lead the way in building sustainable communities through the delivery of quality, affordable homes including tailored support and care services.
