Role: Benefit Assessment Officer
Contract Length: 10 weeks
Location: Fully remote
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: £25 per hour
Security Clearance: Basic DBS
Spinwell is recruiting for a Benefit Assessment Officer for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT OFFICER
- Process all types of applications for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, including verification of information required; assurance of the integrity of the claim; and assessment of entitlement to benefits.
- Maintain and access relevant computerised records for the assessment of claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
- Identify defective and effective claims and make judgements on additional evidence/information required ensuring the validity of claims by verification of information provided.
- Provide benefit advice in writing, face-to-face and over the telephone to a high standard of customer service
- Identify and process overpayments, instigating recovery action where appropriate.
- Ensure that any potentially fraudulent cases are referred to the appropriate officer/service.
- Undertake training in Housing Benefits and Council Tax Support and other related Welfare Benefits including Universal Credit, to ensure an up to date knowledge of the Housing Benefits and Council Tax Support legislation, policies and procedures.
- Advise customers on potential entitlement to other welfare benefits including Universal Credit and assistance that may be applicable to their circumstances.
- Liaise with other council service areas, government departments, other agencies and outside bodies as necessary, ensuring a joined up working approach in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
- Conduct home visits to identify error and verify information relating to benefit claims, ensuring compliance with Council’s visiting procedures and visiting officer’s code of conduct.
- Participate in proactive initiatives, project and development work as required, as well as take-up and advice campaigns.
- Attend and participate in team and cross service meetings as required, supporting colleagues and sharing information appropriately.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT OFFICER
- Three GCSE's Level 4 or above (old grade C) or equivalent, or possession of the IRRV Technician qualification is essential
- A good working knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support regulations and procedures.
- Experience using relevant IT applications and the ability to use Microsoft Office products will be an advantage
If you are a Benefit Assessment Officer, apply now or send your CV to Spinwell!
We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
Applying to this or any other vacancy advertised by Spinwell Ltd constitutes an agreement for Spinwell Ltd to hold your details for 24 months for the purpose of assessing suitability for the advertised position and to make you aware of any other positions deemed suitable of which You will make you aware by means of either email, text or phone. In line with GDPR regulations you are able to request your details be removed from the company data at any time by emailing us