Housing Benefits Assessment Officer

Key Deliverables 1. Take action to ensure that applications for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments, Discretionary Council Tax Reduction and Local Welfare Assistance are processed and paid promptly and correctly in accordance with legislation and procedures. 2. Resolve to conclusion telephone, face-to-face and written enquiries from residents of Milton Keynes, landlords, external agencies and other Council departments 3. Provide advice about welfare assistance and where applicable signpost customers to other agencies for help and support 4. Ensure that the Council Tax account information relating to the customer has the correct liability and if not, resolve any discrepancies that would affect the financial award 5. Take or initiate action, as appropriate, to ensure that overpayments of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments and Discretionary Council Tax Reduction have effective recovery set or are identified as not being recoverable in line with policies & procedures and are recommended for write off Within reason these key deliverables may evolve to meet service need and it is expected that you will be flexible and adaptable in your delivery to meet both service and council wide needs Essential Requirements (key skills & qualifications) 1. GCSE English and Maths grade A - C or equivalent 2. Relevant assessment experience with Housing Benefit and Council Tax rebate 3. Experience of working with, understanding and meeting the needs of customers 4. Proven aptitude for and experience of working with numbers / financial calculations 5. Take responsibility for quality and completion of own work within standards 6. Flexible and willing to adapt to change in busy and demanding work environment 7. Experience of using NEC Northgate Revenues & Benefits and/or Capita Academy