At a Glance
- Tasks: Review and manage Housing Benefit claims to support vulnerable individuals and families.
- Company: Join The Housing Network, a purpose-led organisation partnered with YMCA.
- Benefits: Salary starting from £33,000, 23 days annual leave, and Blue Light Card discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a new team focused on continuous improvement and positive impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in Revenue and Benefits with knowledge of supported housing rules.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
We are the Housing Network (THN), a purpose‑led organisation working in partnership with the YMCA to support our communities. We are in an exciting period of growth and are looking for experienced and passionate people to help us support vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
We are seeking an experienced Housing Benefits Administrator to join our newest supported housing team based in Luton. You will have great knowledge and experience of working within a Revenue and Benefits environment and a track record of effective claim management. This is an exciting time to join a new team and if you want to help us shape and create a great service for those who need us most, this could be the role for you!
Looking for an opportunity to use your skills, experience and commitment to transform the lives of highly vulnerable people. Highly experienced working within a Revenue and Benefits environment with specific understanding of supported housing exempt accommodation rules alongside a demonstrable track record of effective claim management and income maximisation.
What you'll be doing:
- Accurately review and scrutinise all Housing Benefit (HB) payment schedules, posting payments to the relevant rent account in our digital housing management system, currently Omniledger.
- Analyse received HB payments against rent accounts to identify exceptions, using that data to highlight discrepancies and actively pursue HB revenue recovery.
- Work collaboratively with departmental colleagues (eg support workers) and wider organisational areas (eg finance team) to maximise revenue and minimise arrears.
- Engage with external stakeholders and revenues teams to investigate discrepancies and identify/apply resolutions.
- Support the development of a new system to capture housing benefit income and related resident support plan.
- Provide direct support to residents where necessary to help resolve complex HB issues, ensuring appropriate trauma‑informed communication and engagement throughout.
- Support the departmental management team and wider SLT in the generation of appropriate rent models, including exempt accommodation models.
- Maintain and manage the HB elements of our digital housing management system, ensuring accuracy and detail at all times, using that to support in the generation of KPI and performance data.
- Use your knowledge and experience to support in the development of best practice through a process of continuous improvement, which creates a sector leading level of performance.
- Liaise and meet regularly with colleagues in our finance team to ensure accurate reconciliation of HB payments and to minimise bad debts and arrears.
- Build positive relationships with external stakeholders (eg revenue and benefits teams) to support us in achieving and maintaining trusted partner status for all of our HB based services.
- Take a personal interest in being part of the team that are supporting those individuals and families who have experienced homelessness and/or multiple disadvantage to overcome barriers and progress towards independence.
What you'll receive:
- Salary - from £33,000
- 23 days of annual leave
- Blue Light Card
- Referral programme
Housing Benefit Officer employer: The Housing Network
At The Housing Network, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and innovation, providing employees with opportunities to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in Luton during this exciting period of growth, where your expertise as a Housing Benefit Officer will directly contribute to transforming lives and shaping a vital service for those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Benefit Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing and benefits sector. Attend local events or online webinars where you can meet people who work in organisations similar to THN. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching THN and its mission. Understand their values and how they support vulnerable individuals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to claim management and revenue maximisation. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to THN's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and helping us support those in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Benefit Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the Revenue and Benefits environment. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to support vulnerable individuals and families.
Showcase Your Track Record:Don’t forget to include specific examples of your effective claim management and income maximisation. We love seeing real-life achievements that demonstrate your expertise in handling Housing Benefit issues.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team in Luton!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Housing Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit regulations and the specific rules around supported housing. Familiarise yourself with the digital housing management system, Omniledger, as well as any recent changes in legislation that could impact your role.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about supporting vulnerable individuals and families. Be ready to share your personal motivation for wanting to work in this field. Talk about any previous experiences you've had that demonstrate your commitment to helping those in need.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with different teams, such as support workers and finance teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with others to resolve issues or improve processes in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like resolving discrepancies in HB payments or engaging with residents facing complex issues. Think through your approach and be ready to discuss your problem-solving strategies in detail.
