Job Details
Role Purpose:
To contribute to the provision of high performing customer centered financial assessment service as one of a team delivering financial assistance towards the rent and Council Tax cost for some 20,000 households who are the most vulnerable residents in the Borough against a background of ever changing regulations and guidance. To ensure the service maintains its high performance and quality standards and advances Corporate Priorities and best value. – This is a HYBRID role.
Generic accountabilities
• One of a team undertaking complex financial assessments, recovering overpaid benefits and the prevention and detection of fraud in accordance with Government Regulation and guidance and in full compliance with Council guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Be proactive in maintaining up to date knowledge of regulations and guidance relating to all types of benefits and contribution, Information Security and Data Protection.
• Ensure that all work is carried out to the agreed Council and departmental standards, including performance targets set on an individual basis or as set out in the Service Plan or by central Government. Challenge and improve operational processes and conform to the Council’s guidelines, standards, policies and procedures.
• Ensure good communication at all levels using plain language both verbally and in written correspondence and in face to face contact. Make sure that all information given out by and to staff is up to date, accurate and appropriate. Ensure the Council’s standards, policies and image are upheld at all times.
• Work with key stakeholders such as landlords when requested ensuring that the partnership working is effective and that accurate information is provided.
• Implement and champion the Council’s Health and Safety, Diversity and Equal Opportunity policies in both staffing issues and service delivery/development of staff.
• Participate in the Council’s IIP, Appraisal and training initiatives.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the post, as determined from time to time by the Service Manager Housing Benefits, Housing Benefit Manager or Divisional Director.
Service Specific/Special Accountabilities:
• Work with Access Harrow, Revenues, CAFT, 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.
• Work closely with Access Harrow, CAFT, Revenues and Housing to ensure delivery and performance
• Determine initial entitlement/contribution for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support including more complex calculations in respect of self–employed, students, etc.
• Responsibility for undertaking any revision to entitlement/contribution for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support including more complex calculations in respect of self-employed, students, etc
• Evaluate and be responsible for any review to the entitlement /contribution for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support including more complex calculations in respect of self-employed, students, etc
• In accordance with Best Practice and Statutory Requirements and maximising the use of technology to improve the experience of the customer
• Ensure that all information used in Financial Assessments has been verified to VF standard to deter, detect and reduce the incidence of Fraud.
Umbrella Rate – £26.55
