Income Maximisation Officer in Walthamstow

Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (12 months)

Working hours per week: 36

Application Deadline: 25/02/2026

Proposed Interview Date(s): TBC

Reference: 2012

About Us

Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident‑focused, insight‑led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.

London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well‑being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.

The Council’s preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email so we can arrange an alternative application method.

About the role

As an Income Maximisation Officer, you will help residents improve their financial stability so they can sustain their tenancies and avoid homelessness. You will assess household income, identify benefit entitlements, submit claims, and provide advice on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and other financial support.

You will support residents with budgeting, accessing grants, and applying for the Flexible Support Fund, including assistance with rent arrears. You will work closely with Housing teams, and external agencies to resolve complex cases and advocate for residents where needed.

The role involves maintaining accurate case records, producing action plans, and contributing to early‑intervention and prevention work across the service. Strong communication skills and the ability to explain benefit decisions clearly are essential.

• Provide expert advice on income‑related support, including welfare benefits, tax credits, grants and allowances, ensuring residents at risk of homelessness receive accurate and timely guidance.
• Conduct visits, interviews and case assessments to identify financial needs, develop tailored action plans and deliver targeted interventions that help residents maximise income and sustain their accommodation.
• Identify residents requiring support through referrals, data‑analysis tools and community engagement, ensuring early and proactive intervention.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with the DWP, Citizens Advice, Housing Benefits, credit unions and voluntary and statutory agencies to coordinate support and secure positive outcomes for residents.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of income‑related legislation and welfare reforms, communicating complex information clearly to residents, colleagues and partner organisations.
• Keep accurate case records, prepare reports and ensure all work complies with Council policies, safeguarding requirements and relevant housing legislation.

Projects or Initiatives

• Support income‑maximisation initiatives within the Housing Sustainment Team, contributing to prevention‑focused approaches that reduce the risk of homelessness.
• Build local community networks and utilise community assets to improve access to financial resources, support services and sustainable solutions for residents.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
• A degree, equivalent qualification, or relevant vocational qualification in a related field.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development.

Relevant Experience and Skills

• Experience providing advice on income maximisation, welfare benefits and financial support, ideally within a housing or community‑based environment.
• Experience working directly with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and managing complex casework.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly in writing and verbally.
• Ability to assess and manage risk, work independently, prioritise tasks and respond sensitively to challenging situations.
• Ability to empathise, provide non‑judgemental person‑centred support and build positive relationships with residents and partner agencies.

Software and Tools Proficiency

Confident using IT systems, including word processing, email and internet‑based tools to produce plans, reports and case documentation.

Physical Requirements

No specific physical requirements noted, though occasional work from different locations within the borough may be required.

Terms and conditions

• Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks;
• Satisfactory declaration of interest;
• This role is subject to safer recruitment practices as it involves work with children and/or vulnerable adults;
• Satisfactory DBS check;
• As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public‑facing roles are able to speak fluent English.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by pressing the ‘Apply’ button below. This includes a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population.

We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual’s personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council.