Benefits & Housing Needs Officer

Description

Our local government clients in East London are looking to hire a Benefits & Housing Needs Officer. This is a crucial role where you will be the first point of contact for residents struggling with their housing costs. You will take a holistic and hands-on approach, using your expertise to provide immediate financial relief while empowering residents to achieve long-term economic stability. You will manage a varied caseload, where every day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone's life.

Your Key Responsibilities will include:

As a Benefits and Housing Needs Officer, you will be responsible for both the specialist assessment of applications and the administrative processes that ensure our service runs efficiently. You will be expected to support approximately 10-15 residents a week.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Degree or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Advanced – Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Social Media, and CRM.

We are looking for a proactive and highly organised individual with a strong background in welfare benefits and a genuine desire to help people. You must be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment.

To be successful, you will need: Essential Experience & Knowledge:

• A strong understanding of welfare benefits and the ability to spot opportunities for income maximisation.
• Experience assessing DHPs in line with policy and guidance.
• Proficiency in using benefits systems, including Academy, Comino, and Searchlight.
• Proven experience in an administrative or support role, preferably within a welfare or social care environment.
• Demonstrate experience in handling sensitive and confidential information with care and integrity.

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to demonstrate sensitivity and empathy in challenging situations.
• The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
• Strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• A collaborative, team-player attitude and a flexible approach to changing priorities.

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 3 Years' References.
• Enhanced DBS on the update service
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading provider in the public sector, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.