Housing Benefit Compliance Officer – Sheffield

Greenbridgehousing; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Housing Benefit Compliance Officer to ensure adherence to housing benefit regulations. This pivotal role involves auditing claims, managing appeals, and liaising with local authorities to uphold compliance standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of housing benefit regulations, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to fairness and inclusion. Join a dedicated team that empowers individuals to reintegrate into society, and enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Westfield Health Cash Plan

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Supportive, inclusive work environment

Opportunities to shape services and policies

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Housing Benefit regulations for exempt accommodation.
• Experience in housing benefit claims and welfare rights.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Housing Benefit regulations for supported accommodation.
• Audit tenancy records and manage appeals for benefit rejections.

Skills

Knowledge of Housing Benefit regulations

Experience in housing benefit claims

Strong organizational skills

Communication with local authorities

Attention to detail

Job description

Job Title:Housing Benefit Compliance OfficerJob Type:Full TimeJob Location:SheffieldSalary:£30,000 -£32,000Contract:PermanentAbout Us

At Green Bridge Community Housing (GBCH), we empower our service users to (re)integrate into society by providing safe, secure accommodation and tailored support programmes that address both immediate and long-term needs. Our goal is for individuals to become proactive, positive, and engaged members of their communities. GBCH is your bridge to a brighter future.

The Role

We are looking for a Housing Benefit Compliance Officer to join our committed team. This role is essential in ensuring compliance with housing benefit regulations for exempt accommodation and defending the financial viability of our services. You will take ownership of Housing Benefit-related compliance activities including monitoring, auditing, and managing appeals where needed. The postholder will play a key part in ensuring all claims for supported accommodation are robust, accurate, and fully supported by evidence, and that the organisation adheres to relevant statutory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on ensuring compliance with Housing Benefit regulations specific to supported accommodation provision.
• Audit support delivery, tenancy records, and service user documentation to ensure claims meet the legal criteria for exempt accommodation.
• Act as the point of contact for Housing Benefit departments, coordinating responses to compliance checks and inspections.
• Draft and manage appeals related to benefit rejections, overpayment decisions, and non-payment challenges.
• Liaise with internal departments (Support, Housing, Finance) to gather and assess evidence for claims and appeals.
• Provide training, briefings, and guidance to staff on housing benefit compliance requirements.
• Monitor trends in decisions and appeals to identify systemic issues and suggest service improvements.
• Maintain accurate and GDPR-compliant records of compliance checks, communications, and outcomes.

Who We’re Looking For

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of Housing Benefit regulations, particularly as they relate to exempt accommodation.
• Experience in housing benefit claims, welfare rights, housing compliance, or supported housing.
• Ability to write clear, well-evidenced documentation and respond to external scrutiny.
• Confidence in communicating with local authorities and representing the organisation's position.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• A commitment to fairness, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience supporting vulnerable or homeless individuals.
• Experience supporting clients in mental health recovery or homelessness services.
• Knowledge of tribunal procedures and advocacy in appeals settings.

Employee Benefits

• Westfield Health Cash Plan
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive, inclusive work environment
• Opportunities to shape growing services and new policies

Apply Now & Help Us Build Bridges to Brighter Futures!If you’re passionate about advocating for others and ensuring fairness in housing support, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now by sending your CV and a short cover noteexplaining why you’re interested in this role and how your experience fits. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a friendly panel interview.