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- Tasks: Join a team to conduct financial assessments and prevent fraud in housing benefits.
- Company: Work with a council dedicated to supporting the community through effective benefit management.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and gain valuable experience in public service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping people navigate their housing benefits while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing benefits assessment and knowledge of relevant legislation is essential.
- Other info: This is a temporary role with potential for ongoing opportunities.
Day of work: Monday – Friday
Hours of work: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Duration: 6 months Temp ongoing
Location: Hybrid – only required to be onsite if needed
Responsibilities
- One of a team undertaking complex financial assessments, recovering overpaid benefits and the prevention and detection of fraud in accordance with Government Regulation and guidance and in full compliance with Council guidelines, policies and procedures.
- Be proactive in maintaining up to date knowledge of regulations and guidance relating to all types of benefits and contributions, Information Security and Data Protection.
- Transfer of knowledge and job skills to new and existing members of staff including any changes in regulation, systems and work familiarity.
- Be familiar with systems, processes, reports, etc. used within the section and report any problems to the relevant team or person for resolution.
- Evaluate and be responsible for any review to the entitlement/contribution for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support including more complex calculations in respect of self-employed, students, etc.
- Make decisions on Disputes under DMA Regulations or Harrow’s Council Tax Support scheme.
- Ensure the council reduces creation of overpayments, maximises overpayment recovery and government subsidy through prompt and accurate assessment of new claims, interventions, cancellations, change of circumstances, data matches, returned cheques and correct classification of overpayments.
Requirements
- Extensive current knowledge and understanding of all relevant benefits legislation and the councils Council Tax Support policy, principles and procedures.
- Must have experience assessing the full range of Housing Benefit from LCTRs, CICs, all types of New claims, correspondence and Disputes. Preferably including DHPM.
- Must have considerable experience in assessing and handling Temporary and Supported accommodation claims.
- Experience working with councils or housing associations is essential.
- Substantial practical experience of Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit/Support assessment work in a back office environment.
- Experience of dealing effectively and courteously with members of the public, especially irate claimants.
- Experience of using a PC to update records and extract information.
- Willingness and ability to use and develop further new skills to download data and to manipulate it into usable formats.
PLEASE NOTE: All applications are monitored and shortlisted candidates will be contacted via phone call or email. If you are interested in this position, APPLY NOW!
Financial Assessments Officer - Housing Benefits employer: Vox Network Consultants Limited
Contact Detail:
Vox Network Consultants Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Assessments Officer - Housing Benefits
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and guidelines related to Housing Benefits. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying updated in this field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing benefits or local councils. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle complex assessments or disputes, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your experience with data management and IT systems relevant to housing benefits. Being able to discuss specific software or tools you've used can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Assessments Officer - Housing Benefits
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Financial Assessments Officer position. Understand the responsibilities and requirements, especially regarding knowledge of benefits legislation and experience with housing benefits.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in assessing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Emphasise any specific achievements or projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complex financial assessments and work with councils or housing associations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the role. Mention your understanding of the importance of compliance with regulations and your proactive approach to maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the field.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vox Network Consultants Limited
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant benefits legislation and the council's policies before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable, which is crucial for a Financial Assessments Officer.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in assessing Housing Benefits and dealing with disputes. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex cases or resolved issues in previous roles. This position requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to make sound decisions, so illustrating your problem-solving skills will be beneficial.
✨Practice Good Communication
Since you'll be dealing with the public, it's important to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Practice explaining complex information clearly and courteously, as this will reflect your ability to handle irate claimants effectively.
