Disability Benefits Specialist - Benefits and Housing Needs Officer

12-month Fixed Term/Secondment. Hackney Here To Help (formerly known as Hackney Money Hub) is an easily accessible, resident-facing, multi-disciplinary service that brings together benefits advice with assessment for a range of discretionary grants, in a delivery model that has data-led, active community outreach at its heart. One of our core goals is increasing residents’ income by tackling benefits under-claiming in the borough. For 2025, we will be focussing our work on supporting residents in temporary accommodation or who need homelessness support. The Income Maximisation – Disability Benefits team is one of four teams within Here To Help. It offers expert disability benefits advice, mandatory reviews and represents residents at tribunal hearings. The Disability Benefits Specialist will report to the Income Maximisation Lead. One post is available. We would prefer this to be on a full-time basis but would consider four days per week (80% FTE). Key accountabilities In this role you will support disabled people (or households with a disabled person) to access a full range of welfare benefits, discretionary support, reductions, and exemptions. You will lead on mandatory review and tribunal work, including deciding on applications to take through the review process, preparation of documentation, supporting the individual resident and representing them at tribunal hearings. You will also support the wider Money Hub team by working collaboratively on cases, developing colleagues’ skills, and understanding of the support available for disabled people, people with long-term illness, and people with caring responsibilities and by giving feedback on likely eligibility on a case-case basis. Skills and Experience In order to be successful in this role you will need strong Welfare and benefits knowledge; experience of drafting grounds for appeal, written submissions and tribunal representation, experience of working with a close-knit team; and be able to demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of those most vulnerable in our community. More information can be found in our attached supporting documents. There is no better place to work in London than Hackney; we have great pride in our borough, our communities, and our services. Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. It’s one of the most sought-after areas to live in London with good schools, parks, and local amenities, as well as great transport links and vibrant and diverse communities. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values, so we achieve the best for our businesses and residents and the opportunity of working here excites you, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency-based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This application process replaces a supporting statement. Closing date for applications: 09 February 2025 (22:59 pm). Interview dates: currently scheduled for wc 17 February 2025. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included, and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age, and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.