5-6 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • A skilled and knowledgeable Welfare Rights Officer is required to deliver specialist advice and casework in relation to welfare benefits, with a particular focus on Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP). • The postholder will provide expert guidance to residents facing financial hardship, ensuring they receive the support they are entitled to while maximising income and preventing homelessness. • This role involves complex casework, decision-making on DHP applications, and collaborative working across housing, revenues, and support services. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Assess and make informed decisions on Discretionary Housing Payment applications, ensuring fair and consistent use of the fund • Provide comprehensive welfare benefits advice and advocacy to residents, including support with appeals and tribunals • Carry out financial assessments to identify income maximisation opportunities and benefit entitlements • Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to support coordinated approaches to housing and income issues • Maintain accurate and timely case records, ensuring compliance with data protection and audit requirements • Monitor DHP expenditure and trends, providing reports and insights to management as required • Support service users at risk of eviction or homelessness through targeted benefits advice and budgeting support • Contribute to policy development and service improvement in relation to welfare rights and discretionary funding Skills/Experience: • In-depth knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, including Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, and DHP • Experience managing complex benefits casework, including representation at appeal or tribunal level • Ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations, and policy to individual cases • Strong understanding of Discretionary Housing Payment guidance and local authority budget management • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly • Experience working within housing, advice, welfare rights, or local government settings • Strong IT skills, including experience with case management systems and MS Office • High level of numeracy and analytical skills to conduct financial assessments and manage caseloads effectively Additional Information: • The closing date: 17/10/2025. • Office location: London-based, hybrid working may be considered.