Overview
Housing Benefits Assessment Officer
North Northamptonshire Council
Up to £21 per hour
Are you a highly organised individual with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to customer service? Do you have the analytical skills to accurately interpret complex legislation? Join North Northamptonshire Council as a Housing Benefits Assessment Officer and play a vital role in ensuring our residents receive the financial support they need for housing and Council Tax.
The Role
As a Housing Benefits Assessment Officer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end processing of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims. This is a crucial position where your diligence and understanding of benefits legislation will directly impact our community.
Key Responsibilities
* Claim Assessment & Determination: You will receive applications via various channels (post, email, online, counter) and determine eligibility for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support in strict accordance with primary, secondary legislation, and Council policy.
* Evidence Gathering: Proactively request all necessary documentary evidence from claimants, landlords, DWP, HMRC, and other third parties to accurately determine entitlement. This includes proactively telephoning customers to request information, ensuring a more efficient service.
* Calculating Entitlement: Accurately assess eligible claims for both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, adhering to the current legislation and the Authority’s Council Tax Support Scheme. You will communicate the final decision clearly to the customer and landlord where applicable.
* Managing Change of Circumstances: Receive, check, and record all change of circumstance information (from claimants, landlords, ATLAS, VEP, UCDS, etc.). You will amend claims on the computerised system accurately and within defined timescales, ensuring compliance with current legislation.
* Compliance and Fraud Prevention: Be proactive in identifying potential false or fraudulent claims and refer them promptly to the Fraud and Error Service at DWP when appropriate.
* Overpayments and Recovery: Issue invoices for Housing Benefit Overpayments and arrange for their recovery from ongoing entitlement or through other available methods, all in line with current legislation and case law.
* Customer Service and Advice: Deal with enquiries related to all claims via telephone, correspondence, email, and personal interview. You will also provide advice to the public on their entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, offering additional guidance on DWP benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
About You
* Proven experience in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support assessment is highly desirable.
* A strong understanding of relevant primary and secondary legislation, case law, and DWP/HMRC processes.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to handle enquiries and proactively contact customers for information.
* Outstanding numerical and analytical abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
* Proficiency in maintaining accurate records on computerised benefits systems.
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