At a Glance
- Tasks: Help disabled residents access benefits and contest claims to boost their income.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to supporting the community and promoting inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Empathetic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Join a team that has generated over £1.5m in additional income for residents!
- Qualifications: Knowledge of welfare benefits and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Position Overview
This is a 12‑month fixed‑term contract/secondment opportunity with the Income Maximisation Team within Hackney Council’s Hackney Here To Help service. The role focuses on increasing residents’ income by ensuring they claim and contest disability benefits, with a history of generating over £1.5m in additional income for residents over the past three years.
Responsibilities
- Support disabled people or households with a disabled person to access a full range of welfare benefits, discretionary support, reductions, and exemptions.
- Lead on mandatory review and tribunal work, including deciding which applications to take forward, preparing documentation, and representing residents at tribunal hearings.
- Collaborate with the wider Money Hub team on cases, develop colleagues’ skills, and provide eligibility feedback on a case‑by‑case basis.
- Assess a high rate of incoming applications across several discretionary support schemes, demonstrating strong organisational and time‑management skills.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of welfare and disability benefits.
- Experience drafting grounds for appeal, written submissions, and tribunal representation.
- Comfortable working directly with residents and taking a holistic, empathetic approach.
- Evidence of strong organisational and time‑management ability.
- Independent, adaptable, and problem‑solving mindset in varied situations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to use case management software (Google‑based AppSheet).
EEO Statement
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The Council also recognises disadvantages caused by social and economic circumstances and will work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. Flexible working arrangements are welcome, and applications from disabled people are particularly encouraged.
Disability Benefits Officer- Benefits and Housing Needs Officer employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to social equity, the Income Maximisation Team not only empowers staff through flexible working arrangements but also offers opportunities to make a tangible impact in the community by helping residents access vital benefits. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a collaborative culture that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Disability Benefits Officer- Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience with disability benefits and support.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or case studies that demonstrate your ability to manage applications and represent residents effectively. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Disability Benefits Officer- Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with welfare and disability benefits. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of written submissions and tribunal representation, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent verbal and written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re looking for someone who can manage a high volume of applications effectively. Be sure to mention any experiences that showcase your strong organisational and time-management abilities.
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 this exciting opportunity with Hackney Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hackney
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of welfare and disability benefits. Familiarise yourself with the latest changes and how they impact residents. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to helping others.
✨Prepare for Tribunal Scenarios
Since tribunal representation is a key part of the job, practice discussing potential cases and how you would prepare documentation. Think about how you would approach different scenarios and be ready to share your thought process during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
This role requires a holistic and empathetic approach. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to connect with residents and understand their needs.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
With a high volume of applications to assess, strong organisational skills are crucial. Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects effectively in the past. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised and prioritise your workload.
