• Local Welfare Assistance Officer
• Local Authority - West London
• Remote Working (occasional visit to office, W5 2HL)
• 22.02 PAYE / 29.17 Umbrella per hour
• 35 hours (Mon-Fri, between 7.30am - 6pm, must work core hours, 10am-2pm/3.30pm, with 1hr lunch)
• 4-week assignment (backlog of DHP & DCTD claims) - possibility of extension
• ASAP Start

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Local Welfare Assistance Officer to join our Financial Assessments team. In this vital role, you will help residents access discretionary financial support, including Discretionary Housing Payments, Council Tax Support Hardship Fund, and Local Welfare Provision. You'll provide money and debt advice, carry out home visits, and work closely with internal teams and external organisations to ease financial hardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Process applications for discretionary funds in line with council policies and statutory regulations.
• Provide comprehensive welfare benefits advice and assist with form completion.
• Manually calculate benefit entitlements and discretionary payments.
• Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to support residents.
• Conduct home visits and interviews to assess applications.
• Advise on debt management and expenditure minimisation.
• Maintain accurate records and supply statistical data.
• Identify and refer potentially fraudulent claims.

What We're Looking For

• Strong knowledge of welfare benefits legislation and experience in benefits assessment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Housing Benefits to administer applications for Discretionary Housing Payments
• To process a ringfenced backlog of all Discretionary Housing Payments within agreed targets and timescales
• Experience of working with Northgate Benefit systems (also known as SX3/IWorld)
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and ability to learn council IT systems.
• Experience working in a pressurised environment with tight deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and high standards of confidentiality.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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