BENEFIT SUBSIDY & ACCURACY MANAGER

Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 27–32 days

Flexible working

Training & development

Mentorship

Job summary

Cardiff Council is seeking a Benefit Subsidy & Accuracy Manager to lead the Subsidy and Accuracy function within Tenant Services. You will monitor Housing Benefit subsidy, oversee the annual subsidy claim and act as lead for audits related to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction accuracy.

You will lead Benefit Support Officers, develop procedures and training to ensure accurate claims, manage the Discretionary Housing Payment fund, and drive improvement projects with a focus on technology

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and procedures.
• Expert knowledge of Housing Benefit Regulations, case law, and Council Tax Reduction guidance.
• Experience coaching, supporting and leading a team with clear objectives and performance monitoring.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including audit ownership.
• Experience developing and implementing workplace policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage resources, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality service.
• Positive, adaptable approach to change and stakeholder relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve the Subsidy and Accuracy function within Tenant Services.
• Monitor Housing Benefit subsidy throughout the year and oversee the annual subsidy claim.
• Act as lead officer for internal and external audits relating to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction accuracy.
• Manage Benefit Support Officers, develop procedures and training for accurate claims.
• Oversee Discretionary Housing Payment fund and allocate resources fairly.
• Lead improvement projects, identify best practices and support use of technology.
• Communicate with customers, Members and stakeholders to ensure clarity and accountability.

Skills

Housing Benefit knowledge

Council Tax Reduction knowledge

Auditing

Team leadership

Policy development

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Customer service focus

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed and knowledgeable individual to join Tenant Services as a Benefit Subsidy & Accuracy Manager. The service is responsible for ensuring Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction assessments are accurate, helping to minimise Housing Benefit subsidy loss and supporting effective service delivery

About the job

The successful candidate will lead the management and continuous improvement of the Subsidy and Accuracy function. You will monitor Housing Benefit subsidy throughout the year, oversee the work needed to complete the annual Housing Benefit subsidy claim, and act as the lead officer and subject expert for internal and external audits relating to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction accuracy.

You will lead and motivate Benefit Support Officers who develop procedures and training to help ensure claims are assessed accurately and in line with legislation and case law. You will also manage the Discretionary Housing Payment fund, review allocations to support fair distribution, and lead the officers responsible for assessing applications.

The role includes identifying best practice, overseeing improvement projects, supporting the development and use of current and emerging technology, and communicating with customers, Members and other stakeholders.

We take the welfare of our staff seriously and strive to provide positive working arrangements that help our workforce feel respected and valued.

Cardiff Council also offers some great benefits for staff including:

• A generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days per year, increasing to a maximum of 32 days after 5 years, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
• A flexible working culture, including a flexi scheme and access to office sites throughout the city.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.

Support through mentorship and senior management within the service area

What We Are Looking For From You

• In-depth knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction legislation and procedures.
• Expert knowledge of, and the ability to interpret and apply, Housing Benefit Regulations, case law, the Council Tax Reduction scheme, Housing Benefit subsidy law and related guidance.
• Experience of coaching, supporting and assisting others, with the ability to actively lead a team, set clear objectives and monitor performance.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including the ability to evaluate complex information and lead and take ownership of an audit.
• Excellent knowledge of developing and implementing workplace policies, procedures, protocols and clear working practices.
• The ability to manage resources effectively, meet deadlines and targets, and support high-quality customer service.
• A positive and adaptable approach to change, with the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Additional information

This post is 37 hours per week and is permanent.

The location of the post is County Hall / homeworking. The post holder may be required to work from a different workplace or from various locations in line with the needs of the role.

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Standard check.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, will take action to safeguard their well-being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

This vacancy is suitable for post share.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

Job Category Admin / Clerical

Department Housing & Communities

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent