Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
Hackney
I am recruiting for a local authority who is looking for someone with extensive experience of assessing Discretionary Housing Payments [DHP] ,Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction using the Academy system.
Job Role
To perform all functions within the Benefits and Housing Needs Service namely the processing of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction,Discretionary Housing Payments, welfare reform support including discretionary schemes, homelessness prevention and advice, homeless assessment, housing register applications, lettings of housing, housing supply and procurement, management and maintenance of temporary accommodation, financial monitoring and maintenance, payments, complaints, members and mayoral enquiries and FOI requests.
To deliver an efficient, high quality and customer-focussed service for a diverse client group including high numbers of vulnerable and disadvantaged households.
To mentor both new members of staff and staff from other areas in legislation, practice, procedures, performance of duties and guidance on complex case work.
To protect the public purse and assets of the Council by identifying and preventing fraud and error in all duties.
Knowledge & Experience
Experience of income maximisation, including [identifying entitlement to benefits, and wider support including free school meals, healthy start vouchers, warm home discounts and social tariffs for water, and broadband / phone bills.
Awareness of the entitlement requirements for disability benefits, including PIP and Attendance Allowance, and may help disabled TA residents apply for them, as well as providing support with mandatory reconsiderations and disability benefit tribunals