Housing Benefits Officer

Job Summary by the careerbalance.co.uk Team:

60Job Description:Responsibilities 

• Work with Access the council’s, Revenues, CAFT, Finance and Housing and External Partners including the Department for Work and Pensions and where appropriate the Business Transformation Partner to ensure delivery and performance targets are met
• Work closely with Access Harrow, CAFT, Revenues and Housing to ensure delivery and performance
• Determine initial entitlement/contribution for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support including more complex calculations in respect of self–employed, students, etc.
• Ensure that all work is carried out to the agreed Council and departmental standards, including performance targets set on an individual basis or as set out in the Service Plan or by central Government. Challenge and improve operational processes and conform to the Council’s guidelines, standards, policies and procedures.
• Ensure good communication at all levels using plain language both verbally and in written correspondence and in face to face contact.  Make sure that all information given out by and to staff is up to date, accurate and appropriate.  Ensure the Council’s standards, policies and image are upheld at all times.
• Work with key stakeholders such as landlords when requested ensuring that the partnership working is effective and that accurate information is provided.
• Implement and champion the Council’s Health and Safety, Diversity and Equal Opportunity policies in both staffing issues and service delivery/development of staff.

Requirements 

• Extensive current knowledge and understanding of all relevant benefits legislation and the councils Council Tax Support policy, principles and procedures
• Experience working with councils or housing associations IS ESSENTIAL
• Substantial practical experience of Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit/Support assessment work in a back office environment
• Experience of dealing effectively and courteously with members of the public, especially irate claimants
• Experience of using a PC to update records and extract information.  Willingness & ability to use and develop further new skills to download data and to manipulate it into usable formats

Contract 

• Initial 6 to 12 month contract with the opportunity to extend 
• Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 
• Hybrid – mix of home and office/onsite client premises
• PAYE via Umbrella 

If you are interested in this position, APPLY NOW!Location: South East, North West London