Job Details
London Borough of Haringey are looking for an Housing Benefit Assessment Officer To accurately, efficiently and courteously assess entitlement for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support and discretionary funds, such as Discretionary Housing Payments, in accordance with statutory provisions and local policies and procedures.
- Assess applications, statements and evidence for accuracy, request additional evidence, where necessary, and calculate entitlement in accordance with legislation and local policies.
- Ensure ongoing entitlement is correct by investigating and processing change of circumstances quickly and accurately in accordance with legislation and local policies and procedures.
- To undertake reviews of entitlement as and when required, utilising information from all relevant sources.
- Correctly determine overpaid amounts of benefit, decide whether the overpayment is recoverable, identify the liable party and commence appropriate recovery action.
- Determine and advise on applications for discretionary funds, such as Discretionary Housing Payments.
- Manage workload effectively and ensure data is input accurately to ensure that entitlement is correct and subsidy is maximised.
- Notify claimants of all determinations using appropriate written communication, amended where necessary to give clear advice and guidance.
- Be alert to identify attempts to defraud or abuse the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support system and to refer cases for further investigation.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders where appropriate, such as the Department for Work and Pensions, landlords or charities and support agencies.
- Advise residents of their entitlement to other welfare benefits and participate in take-up campaigns where required.
- Share information and make recommendations to others within the service to facilitate ongoing best working practice and provision of excellent customer service.
- Understanding, knowledge and ability to follow guidelines that ensures compliance with Health and Safety at Work, Data Protection and other statutory requirements.
- Understanding and commitment to promoting and implementing the Council’s Equal Opportunities policies.
- Knowledge and experience of using IT
- experience of assessing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support
Payrate: £26.48 umbrella
