At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess complex housing benefit claims and support vulnerable residents in Harrow.
- Company: Local Authority in Harrow, dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a team that impacts lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: Three years' experience in housing benefits and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30.02 - 30.02 £ per hour.
An experienced Senior Housing Benefit Officer is needed to join a Local Authority in Harrow. This senior position within the Housing Benefits team supports delivery of high-quality financial assessments and benefits service, ensuring compliance with legislation, maximising subsidy income, and supporting some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Assess complex Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Financial Assessment claims, including those involving self-employed, students and social care cases.
- Support and deputise for Team Leaders across operational and performance management activities.
- Quality-check assessments completed by officers to ensure compliance with legislation, DWP standards and local procedures.
- Manage benefit appeals, prepare tribunal submissions and represent the Council at appeal hearings and court proceedings.
- Support recovery of over-paid benefits and maintain effective collection and recovery processes.
- Provide technical advice and guidance to officers on complex legislation, policy changes and benefit regulations.
- Collaborate closely with internal departments, external agencies and the Department for Work and Pensions to meet service objectives and performance targets.
Candidate Profile
- Minimum of three years' experience working within a Housing Benefits team.
- In-depth knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit legislation and regulations.
- Experience dealing with complex assessments, appeals and over-payment recovery.
- Strong communication skills and ability to deal effectively with customers, elected members, MPs and stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills to manage a demanding workload and competing priorities.
- Strong IT skills, including experience using Housing Benefits systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Contract Details
- Working Hours: Full Time, 36 Hours Per Week
- Length of Contract: 3-Month Contract
- Rate: £30.02 per hour (LTD company rate). Paye equivalent: £25.59 per hour, inclusive of holiday pay.
Senior Housing Benefit Officer in Harrow employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
Join a dedicated Local Authority in Harrow, where your expertise as a Senior Housing Benefit Officer will make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable residents. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, offering opportunities for training and development while ensuring compliance with legislation. With a focus on delivering high-quality services, you will be part of a team that is committed to making a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housing Benefit Officer in Harrow
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housing Benefit Officer in Harrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Service Care Solutions Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Service Care Solutions Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
