Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Officer

Description:

Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Officer on behalf of Luton Borough council.

Purpose of position:

To undertake the effective, economic administration, determination and payment of all financial assessments for the Council in accordance with legislation, local policies, strategies and good practice. To ensure provision of an effective service to maximise benefits to service users and ensure income maximisation for the authority.

Principal Responsibilities:

Process all types of financial assessment applications and change of circumstances using the council's computer systems in line with written procedures and make decisions on the recovery of over payments
Undertaking any duties as required of a Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Manager. The majority of the claims being Housing Benefit and associated Council Tax Reduction
When required set up and maintain up to date record of liability for Council Tax to ensure the maximum collection of revenue is achieved. Undertaking any duties as required of a Council Tax Officer
Ensure results of benefit claims and applications are followed up to ensure the customer receives their full entitlement and/or revised charges
Ensure accurate input of financial information onto integrated computer systems and checking output ensuring all special circumstances and statistical requirements are met. Assist with testing of system upgrades and changes to ensure correct application of financial assessment rules within the system and ensure accurate assessment calculations
To assess, set up and maintain financial information on integrated computer systems in line with fixed deadlines. Ensuring assessments comply with laid down legislation and policy
Ensure that the correct evidence & information is obtained in accordance with the standards required by local procedures and good practice. Prepare written communications to the customer and other agencies to obtain information, notify charges and in response to enquiries
Liaise with visiting officers to resolve queries, share information and cross-check customer data to ensure a robust and cohesive service and ensure accurate records are maintained
Be aware of, understand and interpret legislation in relation to all financial assessments, welfare benefits. Keep up to date with changes in all relevant legislation and practice in the field. Attend any necessary meetings as required
Deal with enquiries from customers and other internal and external callers in connection with all financial assessments and related issues over the phone, in writing and face to face. Signpost customers to Council Departments, Voluntary Organisations and Partners to ensure holistic service provision, and identify and refer any safeguarding concerns to the safeguarding team
Plan and prioritise workload to ensure completion within time tabled deadlines for payment runs and to meet the changing needs of the service and any other tasks commensurate with the grade
To undertake such other duties required from time to time and are commensurate with this positionSkills and Experiences:

Demonstrable experience within a financial assessment office environment working with computerised and manual administration systems and procedures
Able to communicate clearly and precisely with customers colleagues and other professionals demonstrating effective customer care skills, negotiation skills and communicating face to face, by telephone and in written correspondence
Demonstrable numeracy skills - able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate percentages
Able to work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team
Able to closely follow prescriptive procedures and regulations, utilising data and information to make correct decisions and take actions
Able to plan and organise own workloads with minimum supervision to meet deadlines and targets
Able to effectively use computerised word processing and spreadsheet and database applications, e.g. MS Word and MS Excel
Some knowledge and of equality principles and how they can be applied within the work place and with applicants requesting financial assistance
Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of effective customer care
Demonstrable knowledge of Welfare Benefits , Local Taxation, Council Tax and Housing BenefitAbout Us

Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council.

Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years.

We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Connect2Luton, part of Luton Borough Council & Kent Commercial Services LLP, is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business and positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates