Location: Working from Home / Hybrid at Corby or Kettering offices
Overall Purpose of the Job:
To administer Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims efficiently and promptly to minimize fraud, overpayments, and maximize subsidy income to the Council, in accordance with government legislation and corporate priorities.
Essential Skills:
- Experience in processing UCDS, ATLAS, and other benefit assessment duties as per the job description.
- Current knowledge of Capita systems is essential.
Knowledge:
- Understanding and interpreting government legislation with ability to stay updated on changes (Essential)
- Experience with Capita or Northgate Revenues and Benefits systems (Desirable)
- Proficiency in IT systems, including Microsoft products and document imaging/workflow systems (Essential)
Main Accountabilities:
- Assess Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction applications, including changes in circumstances, within required timescales, ensuring accurate entitlement calculations.
- Manage correspondence from customers, landlords, DWP, and other stakeholders, addressing requests for information, reconsiderations, and backdated benefits.
- Provide high-quality, customer-focused advice on Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit, and wider welfare benefits through various channels.
- Liaise with landlords, internal teams, and external stakeholders to ensure correct entitlement and support for vulnerable clients.
- Identify and categorize overpayments in accordance with legislation to maximize subsidy income.
- Prioritize and manage own workload to achieve objectives, meet targets, and identify potential fraudulent cases.
- Maintain accurate Council Tax records to ensure alignment with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction applications.
- Comply with new and existing Revenues and Benefits legislation and procedures.
- Undertake any other duties within the role's scope and level of responsibility.