Benefits and Housing Needs Officer

Remedy Recruitment are in partnership with a local authority in London and are currently seeking Benefits and Housing Needs Officer. This is a fast pace exciting role that sits within Benefits and Housing Needs.

**Salary- Negotiable**

**Full Time**

**Start- ASAP**

Job Purpose

To deliver an efficient, high quality and customer-focused service for a diverse client group including high numbers of vulnerable and disadvantaged households.

Main Duties and Responsibilities-

• Process accurate and timely payment of Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction to all those in the borough that are entitled to financial support to pay their rent and Council Tax in line with legislation. The consideration of revisions of decisions. Administering discretionary awards and payments.
• The timely assessment of homelessness applications and reviews ensuring the provision of temporary accommodation where appropriate
• To have and maintain a detailed working knowledge of law, practice, council policy.
• Representation at court as appropriate.
• Ensuring the most appropriate resolution to housing need in the borough. Preventing homelessness by the provision of comprehensive housing advice to members of the public.
• To monitor the acquisition of properties and framework contract performance of partners in the provision of a range of properties from the private rented sector.
• Identify opportunities to contain and reduce expenditure and deliver services more efficiently.

The Successful Candidate will require-

• Ensure that a high standard of customer care is provided at all times and that customers are dealt with courteously and professionally.
• To contribute towards the development and achievement of the annual business and service plans as well as policies and procedures to ensure that the service is effective, efficient and of a high standard.
• To be self-motivated and have the ability to work on your own initiative with the minimum of supervision.
• To ensure written replies to complaints and enquires from the Ombudsman, Councillors, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders are of the highest standard and dealt with in accordance with prescribed guidelines and within agreed timescales, through a "learning from complaints" approach.
• Interview customers to assist, identify, verify and provide solutions including at their home.
• Work to meet personal, team and service targets set during appraisals and contained within the Service plan.

For more information please contact Michelle at Remedy on 02084187677.