Benefits Assessment Officer

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an excellent opportunity for an experienced Benefits Assessment Officer on 3 months contract with a possibility of an extension.

Purpose of the role –
Our client is looking to recruit for 2 Benefit Assessment Officers required to assess Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
Under the supervision of the Welfare & Housing Team Leaders be responsible for the processing of Housing and Local Council Tax Discount Scheme Claims. To promptly process claims and change of circumstances for Housing and Local Council Tax Discount Scheme. Required to undertake caseloads which are not covered by sickness/ holiday absence and help address outstanding work as required

Duties/Responsibilites-
Under the supervision of the Welfare & Housing Team Leaders be responsible for the processing of Housing and Local Council Tax Discount Scheme Claims. To promptly process claims and change of circumstances for Housing and Local Council Tax Discount Scheme. Required to undertake caseloads which are not covered by sickness/ holiday absence and help address outstanding work as required
To assess Housing Benefit, Local Council Discount Scheme claims in accordance with current legislation, Council policy and DWP best practise. Using Northgate processing and Iclipse workflow and documents management systems To interview claimants in the office as necessary, or via telephone.
To obtain, check and record information and necessary documents supplied to support claims, in accordance with DWP good practise.
To deal with enquiries from personal callers, telephone enquiries and correspondence To keep informed of changes in Benefit Legislation, Local Council Tax Discount Scheme, nd be aware of changes in pensions and other Social Security Benefits To liaise with the DWP and other outside agencies, including claimants employers, as required To report suspicions of fraudulent claims to the Single Fraud Investigation Service To notify claimants of overpayments, explaining the reasons for their occurrence.
To maximise customers income.
Reassess claim against data sharing across multiple agencies, DWP,HMRC,VEP Such other duties as may, from time to time be necessary, compatible with the nature of the post.
The Benefit Assessment Officer plays a key role in ensuring the regulations and DWP good practice adhered to, as well as providing a timely service to customers and processing claims as quickly as possible.
Understanding of DWP policy on delivery of Housing & Local Council Tax Discount Scheme and its impact on service users.
The Benefit service is responsible for the administration and payment of Housing Benefit & Local Council Discount Scheme The post holder will need to liaise with outside bodies such as DWP, Rent Officer and Housing Associations on relevant benefit matters.

Skills/Knowledge/Experience-
Must have experience of processing Universal Credit atlas files on Northgate
Nust have at least 2 years experience of assessing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
Knowledge of Housing Benefit Legislation and related Acts Extensive experience in the interpretation of Housing Benefit Regulations Experience of Housing Benefit IT systems Experience of using DIP technology Extensive experience in Housing Benefit environment IT literacy
Experience in various different Benefit environments Knowledge of Northgate Revenues & Benefits system
Knowledge of Iclipse/workflow document management system, Knowledge of other Benefit environments
Experience of dealing with outside agencies and other internal departments

To get more information about this role and how to apply please contact us on 02476 992143