Job Description 3 months contract with local authority We are looking for an experienced Senior Financial Assessment Officer that sits within the Housing Benefit / Financial Assessment structure.
The main purpose of the role is reviewing the Housing Benefit of our existing and potential new caseload of supported (exempt) accommodation tenants and providers.
The team will consist of an Exempt Accommodation Reviewing Manager, 2 Housing Reviewing Officers, a Fraud Investigator, an Inspector and two Senior Financial Assessment Officers.
You will report to the Exempt Accommodation Reviewing Manager.
As a Senior Financial Assessment Officer, you will be responsible for reviewing, scrutinising, and assessing our existing caseload as well as new claims and change of address applications.
You will challenge, scrutinise, and assess the elements that make up the eligible rent, check and challenge provider and tenant eligibility and work closely with the Fraud Investigator and Housing Reviewing Officers and Inspector.
You will also be responsible for answering members' enquiries and complaints, as well as reconsiderations and appeals.
A good understanding of housing benefit subsidy rules would be advantageous.
Experience in using Civica Open Revenues and D360 is highly desirable.
This is a hybrid role, although we would consider full-time home working for the right candidate with relevant experience.
Essential experience, skills, and knowledge: • Experience/successful track record of assessing Housing Benefit claims, including exempt accommodation • Successful experience of continuous performance improvement for a financial assessment service • Well-developed written and oral communications skills and the ability to communicate complex matters effectively to staff and customers • A good understanding of eligible rent, service charges and company accounts • Ability to balance competing pressures to maximise the effectiveness of the organisation's outcomes • Experience in dealing with complaints, reconsiderations, and members' enquiries