Job Description:

Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer

📍 Location: Ealing, West London (W5 2HL)
🏡 Working Pattern: Hybrid Working, 2 days office / 3 days remote
⏰ Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
💷 Rate: £22.02 PAYE or £28.71 Umbrella per hour
📅 Contract: 3 Months (with potential extension)
🚀 Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for a Local Welfare Assistance Officer to support residents experiencing financial hardship through the administration of discretionary support schemes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits professional to make a genuine difference within the community by assessing applications, providing welfare advice, and helping vulnerable residents access financial assistance and support services.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and assess applications for the Crisis Resilience Fund, including housing-related support payments.
• Administer applications for:
  • Local Welfare Provision (LWP)
  • Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
  • Discretionary Council Tax Support / Hardship Schemes
• Make fair, accurate and evidence-based decisions in line with legislation and local policy.
• Provide welfare benefits advice and guidance to residents facing financial difficulties.
• Support residents in maximising income, reducing expenditure and addressing debt issues.
• Conduct home visits where required.
• Liaise with external organisations including charities, housing providers, landlords and the DWP.
• Maintain accurate case records and performance data.
• Identify and escalate potentially fraudulent claims.
• Process awards, payments and case updates using council systems.

Essential Experience

Applicants must have recent experience in the following areas:

Local Welfare Provision / Household Support Fund

• Assessing emergency financial support and crisis fund applications.
• Reviewing evidence and determining eligibility.
• Making decisions in accordance with policy and guidance.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

• Assessing housing affordability and financial hardship.
• Processing DHP applications and calculating awards.
• Applying DHP regulations and local criteria.

Discretionary Council Tax Support Schemes

• Assessing Council Tax Hardship Fund applications.
• Applying local scheme criteria and calculating discretionary awards.
• Making accurate and consistent funding decisions.

What We're Looking For

• Strong knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Experience making decisions on discretionary payments and welfare support schemes.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to strict deadlines.
• Experience supporting vulnerable residents with professionalism and empathy.
• Confident using Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Why Apply?

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Competitive hourly rates.
• Opportunity to make a positive impact on residents facing financial hardship.
• Immediate start available.
• Potential contract extension.

If you have recent experience administering Local Welfare Provision, Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Hardship Schemes, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to be considered.

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