Benefits & Housing Needs Officer
Benefits & Housing Needs Officer

Benefits & Housing Needs Officer

Hackney Full-Time 23 £ / hour No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support vulnerable households with housing benefits, advice, and homelessness prevention.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team in Hackney focused on improving lives and preventing homelessness.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent public sector perks.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Knowledge of housing legislation and experience with vulnerable households is essential.
  • Other info: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and innovative housing initiatives.

Location: Hackney

Make a real impact where it matters most. Join us in shaping lives, preventing homelessness, and securing futures. We are seeking a dedicated, skilled, and proactive professional to join our Benefits and Housing Needs Service, supporting vulnerable households across the borough. You will be at the forefront of delivering critical services including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, homelessness prevention, housing advice, temporary accommodation, and the allocation of social housing. This is more than a job — it’s a chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives while contributing to a high-performing, resident-focused service.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Process Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims efficiently and accurately, including revisions and discretionary awards.
  • Provide timely and comprehensive housing advice to prevent homelessness and resolve housing need.
  • Conduct statutory homeless assessments, reviews, and arrange temporary accommodation where necessary.
  • Manage the Housing Register and support the lettings and allocation of social housing.
  • Monitor the supply and procurement of temporary accommodation and ensure contract performance of external partners.
  • Undertake financial monitoring, ensure income collection, and maintain high standards of financial accountability.
  • Respond to complaints, FOI requests, Member and Mayoral enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
  • Conduct home visits and residency checks to support service delivery and assist vulnerable residents.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Knowledge & Experience of relevant legislation and policy including Housing Benefit, homelessness law, welfare reform, immigration, and tenancy law.
  • Strong understanding of housing advice, homelessness prevention, and the Council’s statutory obligations.
  • Experience with social housing lettings, temporary accommodation, financial processes, and contract management.
  • Ability to interpret complex legislation, conduct accurate assessments, and offer tailored solutions.
  • Proven ability to mentor colleagues, share knowledge, and guide complex casework.
  • A proactive, customer-focused approach with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and services.
  • Experience working with vulnerable and disadvantaged households is highly desirable.

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a diverse, passionate, and committed team working to improve lives.
  • Play a vital role in a high-impact area, with opportunities to shape innovative housing initiatives.
  • Access to continuous professional development and a culture that values growth.
  • Flexible working options, generous leave, and excellent public sector benefits.

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to be a part of a service that truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply on CV Library or call (phone number removed).

Benefits & Housing Needs Officer employer: Tempex Recruitment Ltd

Join our dedicated team in Hackney, where your role as a Benefits & Housing Needs Officer will empower you to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable households. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values diversity and collaboration, offering continuous professional development and flexible working options to ensure your growth and well-being. With generous leave and excellent public sector benefits, this is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in your community.
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Contact Detail:

Tempex Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Benefits & Housing Needs Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and policies related to housing benefits and homelessness. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the complexities of the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in the housing sector. Attend local community events or workshops to connect with others who share your passion for helping vulnerable households, which can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully supported individuals or families in need. Highlighting your experience with complex casework will showcase your ability to handle the challenges of this role effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Demonstrate your customer-focused approach by thinking of ways to improve service delivery. Be ready to share innovative ideas during your interview that could enhance the support provided to residents in Hackney.

We think you need these skills to ace Benefits & Housing Needs Officer

Knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction legislation
Understanding of homelessness law and welfare reform
Experience in providing housing advice
Ability to conduct statutory homeless assessments
Skills in managing the Housing Register
Experience with social housing lettings and temporary accommodation
Financial monitoring and income collection skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to interpret complex legislation
Proactive customer-focused approach
Experience working with vulnerable and disadvantaged households
Mentoring and guiding colleagues
Collaborative teamwork skills
Problem-solving abilities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Benefits & Housing Needs Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in housing advice, homelessness prevention, or working with vulnerable households. Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of relevant legislation and policies.

Showcase Soft Skills: This role requires a proactive and customer-focused approach. Make sure to showcase your soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Mention why you are specifically interested in this role and how you can contribute to the team.

How to prepare for a job interview at Tempex Recruitment Ltd

✨Know Your Legislation

Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and policies such as Housing Benefit, homelessness law, and welfare reform. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in housing advice, homelessness prevention, and managing social housing lettings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.

✨Demonstrate a Customer-Focused Approach

Emphasise your proactive, customer-focused approach during the interview. Share instances where you successfully supported vulnerable households and how you resolved their issues, showcasing your empathy and problem-solving skills.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the challenges faced by the Benefits and Housing Needs Service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values.

Benefits & Housing Needs Officer
Tempex Recruitment Ltd
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