Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
East London
£29.91 per hour umbrella
3 to 6 month ongoing contract

PLEASE NOTE: All applications are monitored and shortlisted candidates will be contacted via phone call or email.

ROLE PURPOSE
We are looking for applicants with extensive experience of assessing Discretionary Housing Payments [DHP] , Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction using the Academy system.

MAIN AREA OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensuring the most appropriate resolution to housing need in the borough. Preventing homelessness by the provision of comprehensive housing advice to members of the public
The timely assessment of homelessness applications and reviews ensuring the provision of temporary accommodation where appropriate.
Timely assessment of medical questionnaires to inform the appropriate priority of Housing Register applicants, the lettings of properties and appropriate Temporary accommodation
To ensure written replies to complaints and enquires from the Ombudsman, Councillors, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders are of the highest standard and dealt with in accordance with prescribed guidelines and within agreed timescales, through a “learning from complaints” approach
To deal with casework and information sensitively and to observe the need for confidentiality at all times and that information is only disclosed in appropriate circumstances and in regard to Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and Human rights Act
Ensure that a high standard of customer care is provided at all times and that customers are dealt with courteously and professionally
To represent the Benefits and Housing Needs Service in person and through written communication when necessary, at internal and external meetings, acting as an ambassador for the Council and reflecting Council policies and objectives
To conduct visits to customers and properties to fully carry out statutory and corporate duties, including residency checks and assisting vulnerable members of the community

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Minimum 3 years previous experience as a housing officer for a previous council or housing association (REQUIRED)
Extensive knowledge and substantial experience of at least one of the following disciplines: Homeless assessments and reviews; Homeless prevention and housing advice; Temporary Accommodation management, maintenance, income collection and financial monitoring and payments; Housing Supply and procurement; Lettings, Allocations and the Housing Register; Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction schemes; Discretionary payments and Local Welfare Support + the legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, and practice associated with these disciplines
Be available to work outside normal working hours including at weekends if required
Ability to travel around the borough in order to conduct visits to customers and landlords
A good understanding and knowledge of Benefits and Housing needs, as well as other relevant legislation

PLEASE NOTE: All applications are monitored and shortlisted candidates will be contacted via phone call or email.

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Benefits and Housing Needs Officer

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