We are seeking an experienced and motivated
Senior Housing Benefit Officer to join the Revenues and Benefits team in Harrow. This is an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable benefits professional to play a key role in delivering an efficient, accurate, and customer-focused Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction service.
As a Senior Housing Benefit Officer, you will support the day-to-day operation of the benefits service, provide technical expertise, oversee complex casework, and mentor junior officers.You will ensure that benefit assessments comply with current legislation and local authority procedures whilst delivering high standards of service to residents.
Key Responsibilities- Assess and determine complex Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims accurately and within performance targets.
- Review and authorise benefit assessments completed by other team members where required.
- Provide technical advice and guidance on Housing Benefit legislation, welfare reform, and Council Tax Reduction schemes.
- Investigate discrepancies, changes in circumstances, overpayments, and potential fraud referrals.
- Support quality assurance processes and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
- Assist with appeals, tribunals, complaints, and member enquiries.
- Liaise with residents, landlords, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and other agencies.
- Monitor team performance and provide coaching, support, and training to Benefits Officers.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and council policies.
- Contribute to the achievement of departmental targets and service standards.
Essential Requirements- Significant experience in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction administration within a local authority setting.
- Thorough knowledge of Housing Benefit Regulations and welfare benefits legislation.
- Experience assessing complex benefit claims and resolving technical issues.
- Excellent understanding of subsidy requirements and overpayment recovery processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Experience using local authority benefits software systems.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
Desirable Requirements- Experience supervising or mentoring staff.
- Knowledge of Universal Credit and its interaction with Housing Benefit.
- Experience in appeals preparation and tribunal representation.
- IRRV qualification or equivalent professional qualification in revenues and benefits.