Harrow Council
Senior Housing Benefit Officer (Appeals Officer)
Rate: £30.56 Umbrella an hour
Software: Northgate
Contract: At least until 31/03/2025 - ongoing - 6 months with a possibility of extension
Hours per week: 36
Location: working hybrid, only required to work on site when needed.
Office Address: London Borough of Harrow, Forward Drive, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 8NT
Additional Information: Candidates must have extensive and recent experience in submitting Housing Benefit Appeals and attending/presenting hearings at tribunals

7:12 per day on a flexi basis not exceeding 36 per week unless authorised or working overtime. working from home with odd visits to the office and attending hearings. Can work part in office part from home if desirable to the candidate. The working from home unfortunately it is not guaranteed for the duration of the contract but unlikely to change

Description: Against a background of ever-changing regulation and guidance in the service areas to contribute to the provision of high performing customer centred financial assessment service and effective services through managing a team delivering financial assistance towards the rent, council Tax, and social care cost of some 21000 Households (1 in 5) who are the most vulnerable residents in the Borough.
To ensure the service achieves its maximum CPA as it contributes to both the Use of Resources Assessment and the Council's overall CPA score

* Support and Deputise when required for a Team Leader [team of up to 14 Highly skilled Financial Benefit Officers and Assistants]
* Assessment of complex cases, carrying out home visits where necessary
* Managing of Appeal cases and attending Panels and Court Hearings as necessary
* Responsibility for Quality checking work carried out by Assessment Officers
* Provide support where necessary to Access Harrow
* Ensure that Housing Benefit Subsidy of some £120 million is maximised by satisfying the annual audit undertaken by external Audit of the Financial Assessments undertaken against the complex regulations and guidance of the Department of Work and Pensions.
* Ensure quality and performance targets for the services are met.
* Ensure that in excess of £1.5 Million Overpaid benefit each year is recovered
* Provide advice and guidance to up to 14 Highly skilled Financial Assessment Officers and Assistants with regard to complex Finance Assessments ensuring consistency of advice across the Service