Benefit Assessment Officer x2

Permanent – Full Time

About us

Redbridge is an ambitious, diverse, and exciting East-London Borough. What we do is driven by changing our relationship with local people to support our vision. As a result, we've developed innovative ways to build our communities and transform our Council.

We're one of the fastest growing parts of the country and the third most diverse London Borough. Our communities are attracted by a mixture of excellent schools, relatively affordable housing, high-quality open space and rapid transport connections into the heart of the city.

The London Borough of Redbridge is looking to recruit experienced Benefits Officers to join our Benefits Service.

The principal business of our high performing Benefits Service is the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, deciding all discretionary housing and hardship requests and the recovery of overpayments. In addition, the Service prides itself on its high-quality welfare benefit provision for those who are the most vulnerable in our community. This includes income maximisation through benefit take up, accessing discretionary funds and grants and signposting to many other local and national support schemes. Casework can be rewarding, stimulating, and sometimes challenging.

The successful candidates will:

• Have proven skills and experience in all aspects of the administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, related discretionary award schemes and overpayment recovery including strong knowledge of the relevant legislation and guidance that underpins them.
• Consistently deliver high-quality work with speed and accuracy, meeting stringent performance targets and passing quality assurance checks.
• Effectively prioritise workloads and manage competing deadlines to ensure efficient claim processing, enhanced performance indicators and minimised overpayments.
• Excel in working independently, managing own caseloads, while also collaborating effectively with team members, residents, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Deliver exceptional customer service both verbally and in writing by promptly addressing inquiries from claimants, landlords, and other parties. Provide expert guidance on the Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Discretionary Housing Payment application processes.
• Offer outreach services to residents and stakeholders across various locations and services within the borough.
• Proficient in Benefit processing IT systems, customer portal functionality, document management, and Housing systems.
• Thoroughly verify supporting documentation to ensure the accuracy and validity of claims, and diligently identify and investigate potential discrepancies or fraudulent activities.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of all claims processed, ensuring data is securely stored and managed in compliance with data protection regulations.
• Have strong awareness and understanding of GDPR/DPA regulations with an ability to take personal responsibility for all aspects of compliance
• Commit to continuous professional development, aligning with both the role’s requirements and the organisation’s broader plans and visions.

The post is open to all candidates with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to fulfil the role profile outlined above and included in the Job Description and Person Specification.

If you want to learn more about the post, the Benefit Service or have further questions, please contact the Team Manager shagrika.sen@redbridge.gov.uk    

Benefits we offer:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Good transport links, very close to Elizabeth Line
• Generous annual leave
• Excellent contributory pension scheme
• Staff Equality Networks
• Employee Benefits Scheme

To apply for this post please complete the online application form and attach your CV and a Covering Letter addressing how you meet the criteria for the role as stated in the person specification.

All short-listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK. At the London Borough of Redbridge, we receive a high volume of great-quality applicants, we therefore may close a vacancy earlier than advertised. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion, or belief.

Successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Baseline Personal Security Standard (BPSS) checks.