Benefits and Housing Needs Officer - Hackney, United Kingdom - Positive Employment

Positive Employment

Verified Company

Hackney, United Kingdom

4 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Benefits and Housing needs Officer for our client in Hackney.

The successful post holder will provide Service Delivery relating to Benefits and Housing Needs including the assessment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction; discretionary payments; welfare reform; homeless prevention and the provision of housing advice; homeless assessments and reviews; the Council's Housing Register; Lettings and the allocation of social housing and related initiatives; Housing supply and procurement; the management and maintenance of temporary accommodation and associated financial monitoring, payments and income collection; complaints, Member enquiries and FOIs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

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.
To assist with the development of initiatives to meet all aims of the service, including increasing supply of properties, contract management and monitoring, mobility and relocation, with pan
London and regional partners where necessary.

Personal Requirements:

Extensive knowledge and substantial experience of at least one of the following disciplines: o Homeless assessments and reviews; o Homeless prevention and housing advice; o Temporary Accommodation management, maintenance, income collection and financial monitoring and payments; o Housing Supply and procurement; o Lettings, Allocations and the Housing Register; o Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction schemes; o Discretionary payments and Local Welfare Support; And the legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, and practice associated with these disciplines
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences including partner services and agencies and the ability to explain complex legislative in simple language. Ability to represent the Council at court
Experience of effective partnership working with agencies and stakeholders and the proven ability in engaging, negotiating and consulting with a wide range of audiences.
Ability to adapt to new legislative, technological and financial developments whilst maintaining services outcomes in periods of change
Experience of building positive relationships with a range of both internal and external customers and stakeholders.
Membership of the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation and/or Chartered Institute of Housing