Job Details
ROLE PURPOSE
Against a background of ever changing regulation and guidance in the service areas to contribute to the provision of high performing customer centred financial assessment service and effective services through managing a team delivering financial assistance towards the rent, council Tax, and social care cost of some 21000 Households (1 in 5) who are the most vulnerable residents in the Borough.
To ensure the service achieves its maximum CPA as it contributes to both the Use of Resources Assessment and the Council’s overall CPA score.
Service Specific Duties/ Accountabilities
-Deputise and support a Team Leader in the management of a team undertaking complex financial assessment recovering overpaid benefits and prevention of fraud in accordance with Government Regulation and guidance and in full compliance with Council guidelines, policies and procedures and full compliance
-Be accountable for operational performance of a Financial Assessment services Team and undertake quality checking and analysis to feed into training plans and business practices Assist in the management and prioritising of the workload of the team.
-Set individual and group performance objectives, monitor and take remedial action, if necessary in accordance with the Performance Management system and Capability procedures Work with other Corporate Finance teams and managers within the Council to ensure appropriate prioritisation.
-Review and make recommendations on Legislation and Council Policy changes in respect of Benefits and IT System
-As the Senior Assessor in Team, to transfer knowledge and job skills to new and existing members of staff including any changes in regulation, systems and work familiarity.
-Work with HITS, CAFT, Access Harrow, Revenues, Finance, Adults and Housing and External Partners including the -Department of Work and Pensions and where appropriate the Business Transformation Partner to ensure delivery and performance targets are met.
-Assist in implementing changes in processes as required by DWP business technical issues [eg.Government Connects/SHBE]
-Deal with Complex Enquiries From MPs Elected Members and Claimants referred from Financial Assessment Officers and Assistants
• Maintain up to date Knowledge of regulations and guidance in particular
• Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987
• Council Tax Benefit (General) Regulations 1992
• The Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2001
• Rent Officers (Housing Benefit Functions) Order 1997
• The H B and C T B (State Pension Credit) Regulations 2003,
• National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992
• Other financial assessments
-Responsibility for undertaking full assessments to entitlement/contribution for the more complex cases including the carrying out of home visits where necessary. This requires the post holder to evaluate and be responsible for any review to the entitlement /contribution for the more complex cases as highlighted below:
• Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit including more complex calculations in respect of self- employed, students etc
• Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit the Claims relating to Registered Social Landlords , Housing Tenants and Council Tax Benefit
• Fairer Charging/ Supporting People, Respite Care and Residential Care
• Other assessments such as concessionary fares using relevant Regulations
-Responsible for providing quality checking of Benefit assessments made by Assessment Officers/Assistants in accordance with current Department for Work and Pensions Performance Standards, and local policies / procedures
-As and when required, supervise the overpayment staff ensuring tasks are carried out to maintain overpayment collection by use of invoices and other recovery arrangements liaising with stakeholders and other departments. Write off overpayments where appropriate.
-Support and as and when required supervise the Joint Team. Attend at surgeries, contribute to take up campaigns, share ideas and skills with colleagues, work with client groups to equip them with knowledge regarding benefits
-Attend meetings with stakeholders and disseminate new procedures and practices
-Deal with Assessment Appeals by both preparing the case for submission to the Appeals Service Tribunal & attending External DWP Appeals Panels. Put forward authority’s argument and represent the authority as required.
-Attend court as representative of the Service as required. Give explanations or evidence as appropriate.
-Identify and take responsibility for referral of any suspected fraud claims for investigation by the Corporate Anti Fraud Team
-Be familiar with systems, processes, reports etc used within the service and where necessary provide training and assistance to staff on these systems.
-Ensure that all work is carried out to the agreed Council and departmental standards. Challenge and improve operational processes and conform to the Council’s guidelines, standards, policies and procedures.
-Input to the IPADS and 1-1s for the Financial Assessment Officers and Assistants
-Any other duties commensurate with grade as determined by the Systems Manager
Umbrella Rate – £23.25
