At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess complex housing benefit claims and support vulnerable residents in Harrow.
- Company: Local Authority in Harrow with a commitment to community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and help improve lives through financial support.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in housing benefits with strong knowledge of legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30.02 - 30.02 £ per hour.
An excellent opportunity has become available for an experienced Senior Housing Benefit Officer to join a Local Authority in Harrow. This is a senior position within the Housing Benefits team, supporting the delivery of a high-quality financial assessments and benefits service whilst ensuring compliance with legislation, maximising subsidy income and supporting some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.
The Senior Housing Benefit Officer will play a key role in the delivery of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Financial Assessment services, providing technical expertise, quality assurance and support to the wider team.
Key Responsibilities- Assess complex Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Financial Assessment claims, including self-employed, student and social care cases.
- Support and deputise for Team Leaders when required 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 the recovery of overpaid benefits and ensure effective collection and recovery processes are maintained.
- Provide technical advice and guidance to officers on complex legislation, policy changes and benefit regulations.
- Work closely with internal departments, external agencies and the Department for Work and Pensions to achieve service objectives and performance targets.
The successful candidate will have substantial experience working within a Housing Benefits environment and possess strong technical knowledge of benefits legislation.
Qualifications- A 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 overpayment recovery.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with customers, elected members, MPs and stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a demanding workload and competing priorities.
- Strong IT skills and experience using Housing Benefits systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Working Hours: Full Time, 36 hours per week.
Length of Contract: 3-month contract.
Rate: The pay for the role is £30.02 per hour LTD company rate. The PAYE equivalent is £25.59 per hour, inclusive of holiday pay.
Senior Housing Benefit Officer employer: Service Care Solutions
Join a dedicated Local Authority in Harrow, where your expertise as a Senior Housing Benefit Officer will directly impact the lives of vulnerable residents. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values professional growth and collaboration, offering opportunities for training and development within a dynamic team environment. With competitive pay and a commitment to compliance and quality service delivery, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housing Benefit Officer
✨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
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
✨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.
✨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 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.
