Benefit Officers G4

Job Category : Revenue & Benefits
Location : London Borough of Havering
Hours Per Week : 35.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:30
Salary: £23.68

Candidates can work from home if they have a suitable laptop of their own.
We would like them to start as soon as possible subject to a telephone interview.
Job Purpose
⦁ Assess and review Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate applications from the public.
⦁ Assist with the administration of the Welfare Benefits system and prevent/ deter the abuse of the system.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Calculate the entitlement of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit both manually and computerised in accordance with current legislation and Council policy.
2. Take responsibility for continuous self-development by maintaining a thorough knowledge of changing legislation, policy and procedure as well as both national and local initiatives.
3. Liaise with other departments and organisations both internally and externally as appropriate and attend meetings as required
4. Perform general administrative duties relating to the job
5. Deal with customers in person, by telephone, by correspondence or at the enquiry desk in an efficient, timely and courteous manner.
6. Perform to the highest standard to ensure the achievement of Business Plan Objectives, Service delivery Targets & Performance Indicators
7. Have a detailed knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Council Tax Legislation and an overview of other state benefits to perform the following:
   ⦁ Assessment of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate claims.
   ⦁ Assess eligible housing costs, including service charges for hotels, supportive lodgings and the rules regarding two homes and restrict the eligible housing costs where they are unreasonably high and provide explanation on the decision to landlords and tenants.
   ⦁ Processing new claims, review of claims, adjustments, claims for extended benefit payments
   ⦁ Carry out the assessment of other cases including:
   Self Employed
   Students
   Persons from abroad
   ⦁ Recommending backdating of benefit.
   Be responsible for dealing with cases that require re-determinations to the Rent Officer

⦁ Understands and applies the Council’s requirements and ensures own targets are met
⦁ Keeps relevant people informed of progress or issues on key tasks
⦁ Checks for accuracy to get things right first time
⦁ Looks for and suggests ways to improve working practices
⦁ Learns from mistakes
⦁ Plans, prioritises and organises workload
⦁ Is dependable, responsible and conscientious
⦁ Works effectively with the appropriate level of guidance and makes
decisions appropriate to their role.
⦁ Communicates clearly both verbally and in writing.
⦁ Is polite and approachable
⦁ Effective listening, asking the appropriate questions to clarify understanding
⦁ Uses appropriate language and methods of communication to make sure they are understood
⦁ Presents and passes on information promptly
Uses appropriate language not jargon