Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer
Location: Ealing, West London (W5 2HL)
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working, 2 days office / 3 days remote
Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Rate: £22.02 PAYE or £28.71 Umbrella per hour
Contract: 3 Months (with potential extension)
Start Date: ASAP
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for a Local Welfare Assistance Officer to support residents experiencing financial hardship through the administration of discretionary support schemes.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits professional to make a genuine difference within the community by assessing applications, providing welfare advice, and helping vulnerable residents access financial assistance and support services.
Key Responsibilities
- Process and assess applications for the Crisis Resilience Fund, including housing-related support payments.
- Administer applications for:
- Local Welfare Provision (LWP)
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
- Discretionary Council Tax Support / Hardship Schemes
- Make fair, accurate and evidence-based decisions in line with legislation and local policy.
- Provide welfare benefits advice and guidance to residents facing financial difficulties.
- Support residents in maximising income, reducing expenditure and addressing debt issues.
- Conduct home visits where required.
- Liaise with external organisations including charities, housing providers, landlords and the DWP.
- Maintain accurate case records and performance data.
- Identify and accelerate potentially fraudulent claims.
- Process awards, payments and case updates using council systems.
Essential Experience
- Local Welfare Provision / Household Support Fund
- Assessing emergency financial support and crisis fund applications.
- Reviewing evidence and determining eligibility.
- Making decisions in accordance with policy and guidance.
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
- Assessing housing affordability and financial hardship.
- Processing DHP applications and calculating awards.
- Applying DHP regulations and local criteria.
- Discretionary Council Tax Support Schemes
- Assessing Council Tax Hardship Fund applications.
- Applying local scheme criteria and calculating discretionary awards.
- Making accurate and consistent funding decisions.
What We're Looking For
- Strong knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
- Experience making decisions on discretionary payments and welfare support schemes.
- Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to strict deadlines.
- Experience supporting vulnerable residents with professionalism and empathy.
- Confident using Microsoft Office and case management systems.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Why Apply?
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Competitive hourly rates.
- Opportunity to make a positive impact on residents facing financial hardship.
- Immediate start available.
- Potential contract extension.
If you have recent experience administering Local Welfare Provision, Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Hardship Schemes, we'd love to hear from you.
The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer in London employer: Adecco
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