Senior Assessment Officer

Job Description

Senior Assessment Officer Location: Wellington House To assess all types of Housing and Council Tax claims, providing guidance and support to Assessment Officers.1. To assess Housing & Council Tax Benefit claims in accordance with prescribed legislation, procedures and policies dealing primarily with the more complex private claims across all income groups. This includes responsibility for the more complex Hostel and Boarder claims.2. Communicate sensitively and effectively with clients, landlords and third parties using plain language and explaining complex legislation both verbally and in writing in an understandable format.3. To interview claimants where necessary, particularly in respect of more complex income claims for example self-employed and student claimants.4. To refer to the Investigation Section cases where irregularities are suspected to enable investigation re possible fraud.5. To respond to fraud reports and to establish correct award of Housing and Council tax benefit and to calculate any overpaid benefit. Classify overpayments as "Fraud" for sanction purposes; provide feedback to the team on the quality of reports and advice on Housing Benefit Regulations where necessary. Attend court on behalf of the Council.6. To deal with first reconsiderations, assist in the preparation of cases for The Appeals Service and make reconsiderations where appropriate in line with legislation. If decision remains unchanged refer to Quality and Appeals Officer for appeals submission. Research claims in response to Complaints for the Team Leader. Make decisions on requests for backdated benefit and ensure details are entered on the system correctly. Job Description Senior Assessment Officer7. To attend Service Level meetings with other agencies at Job Centre, Rent Service and Pension service as required, representing the Housing benefit Service by agreement with the team leader. Ensure effective operation of the system interface with the rent service system.8. To assist in training new members of the team and provide coaching support to other team members where required.9. On a rotational basis to provide support cover and undertake the operational role of Customer Services Officers. Deal with referrals from the Customer Service Centre as and when required.10. Maintain confidentiality of information at all times. Ensure that information is only given to those parties that have a right to know in line with the Data Protection Act and Council Policy.11. Maintain an awareness of relevant Health and Safety regulations taking action where required and reporting risks where remedial action is outside the scope of the post holder.12. Maintain a through and in depth knowledge and awareness of relevant legislation, regulations and procedures in order to determine claims for Housing and Council Tax benefit for owner occupiers, council tenants and private tenants, self employed, students, persons from abroad.13. Ensure pro-formas are completed for Local Authority over-payment write offs and pass to Team Leader. Ensure full details of the reason for overpayment is recorded, the correct subsidy code is allocated and claimant is informed.14. Understand the financial implications to the Council of Government subsidy payments. Ensure minimal subsidy loss through prompt and accurate assessment of: new claims, intervention, cancellation notices, change of circumstances, data matches, returned cheques and correct classification of overpayments. Be aware of the subsidy implications of benefit awarded under the Council’s discretionary areas.15. Attend and participate in meetings on an individual, team and section basis relating to all aspects of work.16. Assume ownership and responsibility for caseload only consulting with Team Leaders for guidance. Plan own work routine subject to management priorities, performance indicators and individual targets.17. From time to time carry out other duties as directed that are reasonable and commensurate with the grading of the post.5 years experience in an assessing benefits environment.Experience of dealing with complex assessment benefit cases.Experience of leading / working on benefit related projects.Experience of acting as a witness at civil / criminal courts.Experience of dealing with difficult customers, both face to face and via the telephone. Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of the Housing and Council tax benefit legislationA detailed understanding about the other Welfare benefit and tax credit schemes Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and policies relevant to personal safetyA sound knowledge of the Data protection Act, is able to advise colleagues on implementation or any other requests regarding confidentiality.Demonstrates a sound knowledge of Equal Opportunities and is aware of the issues relating to the Assessment Benefits service.Strong time management and organising skills, be able to balance the various requirements of the job.Ability to work to, set and monitor performance targets / indicators.Good verbal communication skills with ability to explain potentially complicated matters in a logical understandable way A highly motivated individual with the ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision Ability to work in a team and to be flexible, reliable and self-confident