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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable households with housing needs and benefit assessments.
- Company: Join a dynamic Local Authority team in Hackney making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, temporary role with potential for impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role and strong understanding of housing legislation required.
- Other info: Temporary contract for 3 months with flexible working options.
Join a dynamic Local Authority team in Hackney, delivering a vital service that supports vulnerable households with housing needs, benefit assessments, and homelessness prevention.
THE ROLE
- As a Benefits and Housing Needs Officer, you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service across all areas of housing needs and welfare support.
- Assess Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Discretionary Housing Payments in line with legislation.
- Provide advice and support to prevent homelessness and manage housing need across the borough.
- Assess homelessness applications and arrange temporary accommodation when appropriate.
- Maintain accurate financial and casework records across multiple systems.
- Manage the Housing Register, including medical assessments and social housing lettings.
- Conduct home visits to verify residency and support vulnerable residents.
- Liaise with internal and external partners to deliver cost-effective solutions and holistic support.
THE CANDIDATE
- The successful candidate will have previous experience working in a similar Benefits and Housing Needs Officer role within a Local Authority setting.
- Strong understanding of housing benefit legislation, homelessness law, and discretionary schemes.
- Experience managing a complex caseload and working to strict deadlines.
- Confident in conducting assessments and making decisions based on legislation and policy.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills, particularly with vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.
- Competent using housing and benefits IT systems and recording detailed case notes.
THE CONTRACT
Temporary – 3 months. The pay range for the role is £26.00 to £29.00 per hour LTD company rate. The PAYE equivalent is £22.17 to £24.72 per hour, inclusive of holiday.
HOW TO APPLY
If interested in this role please apply via the link or email .uk or call to discuss the role in more detail!
Benefits and Housing Needs Officer employer: Service Care Solutions - Housing
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions - Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest housing benefit legislation and homelessness laws. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local authorities or similar roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle complex cases or support vulnerable residents, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively with vulnerable groups will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits and Housing Needs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Benefits and Housing Needs Officer. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles in local authorities or similar positions. Discuss your understanding of housing benefit legislation and your experience managing complex caseloads.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves working with vulnerable groups, demonstrate your excellent communication and customer service skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively supported individuals in similar situations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions - Housing
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with housing benefit legislation, homelessness law, and discretionary schemes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in managing complex caseloads and working under pressure. This will help illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since the role involves working with vulnerable groups, be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated and provided support in challenging situations. Highlight any relevant experiences that showcase your customer service skills.
✨Demonstrate IT Competence
Be prepared to talk about your experience with housing and benefits IT systems. Mention any specific software you’ve used and how you’ve maintained accurate records, as this is crucial for the role.
