Benefits and Housing Officer - London, United Kingdom - CareFirst Recruitment LTD

CareFirst Recruitment LTD

Verified Company

London, United Kingdom

1 week ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Job description
Care First Recruitment Ltd are currently recruiting for dedicated and skilled 'Benefits and Housing Needs Officers', to work for various Local Authorities across London

'Benefits and Housing Needs Officer' role outline:
Providing advice, assistance, and support to individuals and families seeking housing solutions, and actively working to reduce homelessness in the community
This role requires in-depth knowledge of housing legislation, welfare benefits, and adult and children's social care
This is a specialist role that works closely with homelessness, and officers work in a wide range of situations, but mainly in preventing homelessness with single people and families at risk
To contribute to the provision of high performing customer centred financial assessment service as one of a team delivering financial assistance towards the rent, Council Tax, and social care cost of a large number of households, including some of the most vulnerable residents in the Borough against a background of ever-changing regulations and guidance

Requirements:

Previous experience working in a similar role, preferably within housing options, homelessness prevention, or social housing

Knowledge of housing legislation, policies, and procedures, including the Homelessness Reduction Act, the Children Act, the Care Act, and the Welfare Reform Act.

Knowledge of relevant services and benefits to best support applicants experiencing housing problems and at risk of homelessness
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and accessible manner
Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines

Educated in a relevant area of study at NVQ Level 4 or equivalent

Experience providing an effective service to members of the public
Experience working alongside vulnerable customers

Role expectations:

Build relationships with those at risk within the community, support them and offer realistic housing options advice to prevent homelessness
Develop, update review, and implement Personalised Housing Plans for customers
Assess Housing Needs: Conduct thorough assessments of individuals and families to determine their housing needs and eligibility for different housing options
Responsibility for undertaking any revision to entitlement/contribution for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support including more complex calculations in respect of selfemployed, students, etc.
Make decisions on and implement Housing Benefit/Council Tax Support backdating requests
Liaise with external partners, including local authorities, housing associations, support agencies, to facilitate housing solutions and ensure effective service delivery
Work with 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
Develop working relationships with colleagues, as well as key partners including statutory services, local landlords, and other housing organisations
Occasional work outside of regular working hours, in response to emergency situations
Maintain Records: Accurately record all interactions, assessments, and decisions in line with relevant policies and procedures, ensuring confidentiality and data protection guidelines are strictly followed
Attend Meetings: Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and relevant training sessions to stay updated on changes in housing legislation, policies, and procedures

About you:

The successful 'Benefits and Housing Needs Officer' will have:

Extensive current knowledge and understanding relevant benefits legislation. Become quickly familiar with Local Authority policies, principles and procedures
Substantial practical experience of Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit/Support assessment work in a backoffice environment
Experience of using a PC to update records and extract information. Willingness and ability to use and develop further new skills, to download data and to manipulate it into usable formats

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At least 2-3 years' experience in a similar role:

This advert covers main role requirements, and depending on the client and seniority of the role there may be additional tasks.

Job Type:
Temp to perm

Salary:
£17.00-£30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Schedule:
Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:
London (required)

Work Location:
In person (hybrid option depends on the L/A)

Essentials: