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- Tasks: Support vulnerable tenants and help them maximise their income through expert welfare advice.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow's Housing Needs Division.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by preventing homelessness and improving economic well-being.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of welfare benefits and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract with a collaborative team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a proactive and customer-focused professional to join our Housing Needs Division as a Benefit Income Officer. This vital role supports homeless households and vulnerable tenants affected by Welfare Reform, helping them maximise their income and sustain tenancies. You will provide expert advice on a wide range of welfare benefits, including Housing Benefit and work closely with Income Recovery teams to prevent rent arrears and reduce the risk of homelessness.
You will play a key part in verifying benefit documentation, liaising with external agencies such as the Department for Work & Pensions, and challenging decisions to secure positive outcomes for residents. The role also involves early intervention to mitigate financial risks, assisting with hardship fund applications, and supporting claimants through complex benefit processes. Your work will directly contribute to improving residents' economic well-being and ensuring the Council maximises its income.
Please note: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract.
About You
- Extensive knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, including Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, and Council Tax Support policies.
- Experience in Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit assessment and working within a customer service environment.
- Ability to explain housing policies and benefit regulations clearly and handle sensitive situations with tact and confidence.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage conflicting priorities under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to liaise effectively with internal teams and external agencies.
- Competence in gathering and analysing financial information and presenting reports for performance and budget purposes.
- A collaborative approach to working within a team and building positive relationships.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent, or substantial relevant work experience.
Benefit Income Officer in London employer: Harrow Council
Contact Detail:
Harrow Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefit Income Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing and welfare benefits sector. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with professionals who might have insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of welfare benefits legislation. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios related to Housing Benefit and Universal Credit, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. 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 Benefit Income 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 Benefit Income Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Benefit Income Officer role. Highlight your experience with welfare benefits and customer service, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or training that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about helping vulnerable tenants and how your skills can make a difference in their lives. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with various agencies and residents, demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Use clear and professional language, and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrow Council
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, especially Housing Benefit and Universal Credit. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled sensitive situations or provided excellent customer service. This will demonstrate your ability to support vulnerable tenants effectively and handle challenging conversations with tact.
✨Organise Your Thoughts
Given the need for strong organisational skills, think about how you can manage conflicting priorities. Be ready to discuss how you’ve juggled multiple tasks in previous roles, as this will highlight your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex policies in simple terms. During the interview, aim to communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely, as this will reflect your ability to liaise effectively with both internal teams and external agencies.
