Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Housing Benefit service, ensuring quality and compliance while supporting your team.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, a dynamic local authority committed to community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £30.03 per hour, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by managing housing benefits effectively.
- Qualifications: Experience in Housing Benefit and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 35 £ per hour.
Location: London Borough of Harrow, HA3 8NT
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Contract Length: 3–6 months (with potential for extension)
Pay Rate: £30.03 per hour (Umbrella)
Job Purpose
To provide senior-level support within the Housing Benefit service by allocating and prioritising workloads, carrying out quality assurance checks, handling complaints, supporting Assessors with complex cases, and assisting with Housing Benefit appeals. The role ensures accurate decision-making, legislative compliance, and high service standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Work Allocation & Performance Support
- Allocate and prioritise Housing Benefit workloads in line with service demands and statutory deadlines
- Monitor caseloads and performance to ensure targets are met
- Provide guidance and day-to-day support to Housing Benefit Assessors
- Quality Assurance
- Conduct quality assurance checks on Housing Benefit assessments and decisions
- Identify errors, trends, and training needs, providing constructive feedback
- Ensure compliance with Housing Benefit legislation, regulations, and local procedures
- Complex Casework
- Support and advise Assessors on complex or high-risk cases, including:
- Complex income and household circumstances
- Temporary accommodation cases
- Overpayments and backdating
- Take ownership of particularly sensitive or escalated cases when required
- Investigate and respond to Housing Benefit-related complaints
- Ensure responses are accurate, timely, and in line with corporate complaints procedures
- Liaise with customers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues effectively
- Assist with reconsiderations and formal Housing Benefit appeals
- Prepare appeal responses, statements, and supporting evidence
- Support tribunal processes where required
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
- Significant recent experience working in Housing Benefit within a UK local authority
- Experience operating at Senior Housing Benefit Officer level or equivalent
- Strong working knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and regulations
- Experience with quality assurance, complaints handling, and appeals
- Ability to support and guide colleagues on complex casework
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Desirable
- Experience working in a hybrid or fast-paced local authority environment
- Familiarity with common local authority benefits systems
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Detail-focused with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance
- Confident decision-maker with a supportive leadership approach
- Professional and customer-focused
Senior Housing Benefit Officer – AR in London employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housing Benefit Officer – AR in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing benefit sector, especially those who work in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing benefit legislation and regulations. We recommend practising common interview questions related to complex casework and quality assurance to show you're the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Housing Benefit Officer role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housing Benefit Officer – AR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Housing Benefit. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your senior-level support experience and any complex casework you've handled. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and your ability to manage workloads.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially when handling complex cases or quality assurance checks.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Housing Benefit Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to allocate workloads and support your team. Think of examples where you've successfully guided colleagues or managed competing priorities, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Prepare for Complaints Handling Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle complaints or escalated cases. Prepare specific examples of past experiences where you resolved issues effectively, ensuring your responses align with corporate procedures.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role. Consider practising answers to common interview questions, focusing on clarity and professionalism, as well as how you would prepare appeal responses and statements.
