Address
Form of work
SalaryWelfare Advice Officer
Salary: 30,000 to 33,000 (DOE)
Location: Holborn, London
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- To provide a Welfare Advice and financial inclusion service across all housing services and contracts.
- To support tenancy sustainment by enabling customers to manage their rent accounts and avoid eviction, alongside the prevention of wider personal debts and income maximisation
- To work with the Income team to ensure all services are delivered in a way that is customer focussed, efficient and meets our contractual targets and requirements
- To deal effectively with all welfare benefit queries including representing residents at review, appeal and tribunal level where required
- Develop and maintain positive links with external partner agencies (DWP, JCP, LAs, support agencies) to strengthen partnership working and explore opportunities to provide additional support options to residents
- Contribute to internal and external reporting as required
- Work in partnership with other organisations to ensure financial inclusion activities are targeted to residents
- Supporting residents with application for applications including trusts fund awards, grant application, Discretionary Housing Payments and Homelessness prevention fund payments
- Work with the Housing Management teams to carry out pre-tenancy affordability checks for prospective tenants
- Identify any residents in need of specialist money advice and refer to external partner agencies including Step Change
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/MEASURES OF SUCCESS:
- Delivery of PFI contract targets
- Increase in income collection performance
- Reduction in rent arrears
- Reduce financial exclusion
EDUCATION /EXPERIENCE:
Minimum education: GCSE Maths & English Grade C or above or equivalent
Desirable: Professional housing or welfare rights qualification
Experience: 2-3 years working experience of working in a Welfare Advice service within a local authority or housing association
Computer skills: Housing management systems preferably Qube (not essential, training will be given)
Competencies: Strong communication, influencing and negotiation skills; excellent numerical and reporting skills; strong team player; customer focussed; ability to work on own initiative; good knowledge and understanding of the legal framework for housing; excellent understanding of the welfare benefits system
