Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer

Adecco; Ealing; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Immediate start

3-month contract

Job summary

Adecco is recruiting a Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer to support residents experiencing financial hardship through the administration of discretionary support schemes. Based in Ealing (West London), the role offers hybrid working with 2 days in the office and 3 days remote, a 35-hour week and a 3-month contract. You will assess applications for Crisis Resilience Fund, Local Welfare Provision, DHP, and Council Tax Hardship, determining eligibility and providing welfare advice.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Ability to assess eligibility and make evidenced-based decisions.
• Experience handling discretionary welfare schemes and related grants.
• Proficient in using case management systems and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Process and assess applications for the Crisis Resilience Fund and local welfare schemes.
• Administer Local Welfare Provision (LWP), Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Discretionary Council Tax Support/Hardship schemes.
• Make fair, accurate decisions in line with policy and legislation.
• Provide welfare benefits advice and guidance to residents in financial difficulty.

Skills

Welfare benefits knowledge

Analytical decision-making

Case management

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

DWP liaison

Tools

Case management system

Microsoft Office suite

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.

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 escape 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?

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

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

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.