Our local authority client based in Milton Keynesare urgently seeking an experienced Benefits Assessment Officer. *£25 an hour Umbrella Key Deliverables To support the Revenues and Benefits team with the account management and assessments of Housing / Council Tax Support, Discretionary support and when required account management of Revenues workloads. Ensure that applications and changes for/to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments, Discretionary Council Tax Reduction and Local Welfare Assistance are processed and paid promptly and correctly in accordance with legislation and procedures Resolve through to conclusion telephone, face-to-face and written enquiries from residents of Milton Keynes, landlords, external agencies and other Council departments Provide advice about welfare assistance and where applicable signpost customers to other agencies for help and support Ensure that the Council Tax account information relating to the customer is correct and if not, resolve any discrepancies that would affect the financial award Take or initiate action as appropriate, to ensure that overpayments of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments and Discretionary Council Tax Reduction have effective recovery set, following legislation and procedures. Essential Requirements (key skills & qualifications) Demonstrable experience of assessing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Demonstrable detailed knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Legislation Customer focussed with proven experience of working with, understanding, and meeting the needs of customers Demonstrable experience of using NEC Northgate Revenues & Benefits and/or Capita Academy Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained. At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful.