Job Details
Benefits and Housing Needs Assistant
PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
- To perform all functions within the Benefits and Housing Needs Service namely the processing of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments, welfare reform support including discretionary schemes, homelessness prevention and advice, homeless assessment, housing register applications, lettings of housing, housing supply and procurement, management and maintenance of temporary accommodation, financial monitoring and maintenance, payments, complaints, members and mayoral enquiries and FOI requests.
- 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 apply the relevant legislation, procedures, caselaw, guidance, audit recommendations, to conduct rigorous, robust and accurate assessments.
- To identify holistic and cost effective solutions through casework and joint working with other services, stakeholders, partners and agencies.
- 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 re-location, with pan- London and regional partners where necessary.
- To work co-operatively across the Benefits and Housing Needs Service to promote an effective, efficient and holistic service to residents in the borough.
- To offer support and advice to customers and signpost to partners.
- 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
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN DUTIES:
- Process accurate and timely payment of Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction to all those in the borough that are entitled to financial support to pay their rent and Council Tax in line with legislation. The consideration of revisions of decisions. Administering discretionary awards and payments.
- 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.
Pay rate: £21.86 per hour umbrella
Three to six months contract with view to extend or make permanent
