Job Description:

We are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Housing Benefit Subsidy Officer to join a Local Authority on an initial 6-month contract in Northampton.

This is an excellent opportunity for a subsidy professional with a strong background in Housing Benefit assessment, subsidy claims, quality assurance, and audit compliance.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring benefit claims are assessed accurately, subsidy income is maximised, and annual subsidy returns are completed and verified in line with legislative requirements. Key Responsibilities

• Review Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims to ensure accurate and timely assessments
• Undertake detailed subsidy checking and quality assurance work to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice
• Identify opportunities to improve the Council's subsidy position and maximise income
• Assist in the preparation, completion, submission, and verification of the annual Housing Benefit Subsidy Claim
• Work closely with external auditors, responding to queries and completing audit workbooks as required
• Review complex benefit cases, including: * Homelessness cases
  * Hostel claims
  * Self-employed customers
  * Student claims
  * Persons from abroad
• Ensure claims are determined correctly in accordance with Housing Benefit legislation, regulations, and guidance.
• Support the Training and Resilience Team by identifying learning and development needs through subsidy checking and quality reviews.
• Monitor subsidy performance and recommend process improvements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction legislation, case law, software developments, policies, and procedures.

Requirements:

Extensive experience working within Housing Benefits in a local authority environmen Proven experience completing and supporting Housing Benefit Subsidy Claims Strong understanding of Housing Benefit subsidy regulations, legislation, and audit requirements Experience working with external auditors and annual subsidy claim processes. Excellent analytical and quality assurance skills Experience assessing and reviewing complex Housing Benefit cases The ability to identify subsidy errors and opportunities to maximise subsidy income Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Must hold a Basic DBS

Competitive rate of £35 per hour on a Flexible hybrid working arrangement Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension