Benefits Assessor

I am working with a Public Sector Organisation based in Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council who are looking for experienced Benefits Assessor for 3 Months initially.
The role is full time, to start ASAP and paying £32.44 Umbrella per Hour. The role is in scope of IR35.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• The post holder will deliver a customer focussed service to assist Income and Awards by processing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims
• This must be carried out in accordance with regulations, national guidance, and local policies.

Roles Responsibilities:

• To assess new claims and changes of circumstances for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
• To ensure that the correct evidence and information is obtained in accordance with locally determined standards.
• To issue referrals and liaise with the Rent Officer as appropriate.
• To determine the correctness of notification letters to customers and landlords as required by legislation.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Recent experience of processing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims
• Experience of using financial information to undertake assessments
• Basic understanding of the availability of welfare benefits
• A detailed knowledge, and ability to apply Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction legislation and policy.
• To identify and determine classifications where an overpayment is identified and apply on going deductions where relevant.
• To report any potentially fraudulent claims.

Additional Duties:

• Assist with investigating and collating information for complex complaints and MP Enquiries.
• To make appropriate revisions and decisions on reconsiderations in relation to Housing Benefit & Council Tax Reduction entitlement.
• Assist with the implementation of new legislation and budget announcements, reading Government guidance, making recommendations what to test, developing test plans, carrying out the testing and reporting any issues.

Education & Knowledge:
* GCSEs Maths and English grades A*-C or 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications) or able to demonstrate an equivalent level of numeracy and literacy skills

NOTE: Please only apply for this post if you are an experienced Benefits Assessor and available to start on no more than a weeks notice.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the post. It may be changed in the light of experience and departmental needs of the service.

Regards,

Rhitul Prajapati - 01174716369