Benefit Assessment Officer

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Benefit Assessment Officer for our client a local government organisation in Bristol.

The successful candidate will assess and administrate applications for council statutory and discretionary schemes, including those of a possible complex nature.

Delivering a prompt, accurate and customer-focused service and sharing knowledge and skill with inexperienced colleagues.

This role is initially a 3 month contract with the possibility to extend. This role is remote working.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Accurate and prompt assessment of applications for financial assistance.
• Processing of reported changes in circumstances affecting these applications.
• Maintenance and updating of claims in response to information received from internal and external sources.
• Responding to non-urgent requests for information.
• Carrying out complex assessments, including adjudicating on fraud and disputed assessments.
• Reviewing and revising decisions made by self and others where required.
• Providing written and face to face explanations of decisions and overpayments where requested.
• Checking and providing feedback on the work of others.
• Responding to urgent requests for updates or information about claims.
• Supporting and coaching new entrants by sharing knowledge and experience, on an ad-hoc basis or by mentoring individuals.
• Maximisation of opportunities for delivering outstanding service by effectively communicating with customers and stakeholders by telephone, email and by letter.
• Contribution to service enhancement projects concerning work appropriate to this grade point.
• Monitor service compliance with local guidance and legislation.

Personal Requirements:

• Must have a minimum 3 years, recent housing Benefit experience.
• Must have recent NEC and Enterprise experience.
• Customer focused with an understanding of the importance of delivering excellent customer service.
• Experience of working to targets and deadlines, with an understanding of the value of measuring performance.
• Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications or equivalent including the following: Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and have a willingness to learn new applications and technology as appropriate.

Working Hours: 37hrs / 9:00am - 17:30pm / Monday to Friday

Pay: £220.00 per day

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.