Senior Housing Benefits Officer

Job Title: Senior Housing Benefits Officer
Location: Hybrid working, London Borough of Harrow, Forward Drive, HA3 8NT
Employer: Pertemps Recruitment Partnership for London Borough of Harrow
Contract Type: Temporary Assignment
Hours of Work: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 09:00 am - 5:00 pm
Pay Rate: £19.01 PAYE

Overview:
Pertemps is offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated Senior Housing Benefits Officer to join the expanding team at London Borough of Harrow. This role offers a competitive pay rate of £19.01 PAYE.

Main Responsibilities:

• Identify, categorize, and recover overpayments of housing benefits
• Provide support and advice to tenants regarding their housing benefits and council tax support
• Work closely with external agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Citizens Advice Bureau to ensure tenants receive the support they need
• Keep accurate records of all benefit claims and related transactions
• Ensure that all policies and procedures related to housing benefits are followed correctly.
• Train and support junior staff members in the housing benefits team
• Prepare and present reports on housing benefit activities and performance
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations
• Address and resolve any issues or disputes related to housing benefits

Requirements:

• Extensive and recent experience in submitting Housing Benefit Appeals and attending/presenting hearings at tribunals
• Significant experience in Housing Benefits administration or a related field
• Experience in managing and processing Housing Benefit claims
• Strong understanding of housing legislation, including tenancy enforcement, debt recovery, and anti-social behaviour
• In-depth knowledge of welfare benefits, especially Housing Benefits
• Excellent communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with tenants and external agencies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess and process claims accurately
• Ability to manage and prioritize a high volume of work efficiently

If you have the necessary skills and experience for this role, please click 'apply'.

About Us:
Pertemps Recruitment Partnership has been a market leader in staffing solutions for nearly 60 years. Recognized by The Sunday Times as one of the Best 100 Companies to work for 14 years running, we pride ourselves on our personal touch and commitment to our employees. We are an accredited 'Investor in People', reflecting our dedication to career progression and employee satisfaction.
Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK. Located just 10 miles from the city centre and 13 minutes from Euston via Harrow & Wealdstone station, it offers excellent transport links and accessibility to the M1, M25, and A406.

Data Protection:
Your personal information will be shared with Cifas to prevent fraud and other improper conduct. If detected, you may be refused certain services or employment. Your information will also be used to verify your identity. For more details on how your information will be used and your data protection rights, visit www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.