Job Title: Benefits Assessment Officer
Department: Revenue Services
Location: Remote; however, if requested to visit the office, this would be in the Corby or Kettering area.
Contract Duration: 12 Weeks+
Salary: £25 per hour (Umbrella) or £18.52 per hour (PAYE)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Application Deadline: ASAP

Optima Plus Recruitment is excited to present an opportunity for an experienced Benefits Assessment Officer to join our client's team. This remote-based role provides a chance to contribute to the efficient administration of Housing and Council Tax benefits while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

As a Benefits Assessment Officer, you will be responsible for processing and maintaining benefit claims, addressing overpayments, and liaising with various internal and external stakeholders. This is a crucial role within the Revenue Services team, offering the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community.

Key Responsibilities

Benefit Administration

* Process and maintain all types of Benefit Claims received using the Document Imaging Processing System.

* Handle Rent Officer referrals and Pre-Tenancy Determinations.

* Identify cases requiring discretion and refer to the Senior Benefit Assistant.

* Detect suspected fraud cases and refer them to the Fraud section.

* Calculate weekly benefit savings and notify the Benefit Enquiry Officer.

* Issue and instigate interventions.

* Undertake monitoring of benefit transactions to ensure compliance with legislation.

* Report findings of monitoring exercises to the Benefits Manager.

* Monitor performance for government returns and ensure Benefit claims are accurately assessed to maximize subsidy for residents.

Overpayments

* Identify and categorize overpayments.

* Determine appropriate recovery methods and initiate recovery processes.

* Refer cases where recovery is inappropriate.

General Responsibilities

* Liaise with creditors to facilitate direct payments for landlords and claimants.

* Operate office machinery and comply with all Client Policies, particularly Health & Safety, Equal Opportunity, and Communication Policies.

* Undertake any other duties within the scope of the post.

Main Levels of Contact

* Internal: Staff of Revenue Services, staff of other service units.

* External: General public, Landlords, Housing Associations, DWP, Pension Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, Inland Revenue, and other relevant Government departments.

Person Specification

Experience

* Minimum of one year of clerical experience.

* Experience in revenue collection.

* Knowledge of Housing and Council Tax benefits.

Education & Training

* 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths and English.

* IRRV Technician qualification or willingness to study for it.

Special Knowledge & Skills

* Ability to undertake complex calculations.

* Good communication skills.

* Experience of Welfare Rights/Benefits.

* Familiarity with Academy Capita and ucds modules.

Additional Factors

* Computer literate and accurate.

* Ability to work to deadlines and meet Government targets.

* Proficiency in Word, Excel, Access, and Electronic Document Management systems.

Optima Plus Recruitment is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those with disabilities and members of the armed forces community.

If you are a dynamic and experienced Benefits Assessment Officer ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience as soon as possible.

Please do not apply if you do not have the required experience stated in the job spec.

Thank you