Senior Housing Benefits Officer

Tripod Partners; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government agency is seeking a Senior Housing Benefits Officer to handle complex appeals primarily working from home with local Tribunal attendance. Key responsibilities include drafting legally sound submissions, representing the Council at Tribunal hearings, and providing expert advice on Housing Benefit legislation. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience exclusively in HB/CTS appeals and proven advocacy skills.

Benefits

Flexible remote work

Equipment provided

Qualifications

• Substantial, recent experience working exclusively on HB/CTS appeals.
• Proven experience in attending and representing a Local Authority at Tribunal hearings.
• In-depth understanding of the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 and the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000.

Responsibilities

• Draft comprehensive, legally sound submissions to the First-tier Tribunal.
• Review disputed decisions and handle complex escalations.
• Attend and present the Council’s case at Tribunal hearings.
• Provide expert advice on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support legislation.

Skills

Specialist Experience

Advocacy Skills

Technical Knowledge

Job description

Senior Housing Benefits Officer

London Borough of Harrow: Primarily Remote (with requirement for local Tribunal attendance)

Up to £27 per hour

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Senior Housing Benefits Officer to join our team. This is a specialized role focused specifically on the management and resolution of complex appeals. If you are an expert in social security legislation with a proven track record at Tribunals, we want to hear from you.

The Role

Unlike a generalist benefits position, this role is dedicated exclusively to the appeals process. You will be responsible for ensuring that all reconsiderations and submissions are handled with legal precision and within statutory timeframes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Appeals Submissions: Drafting comprehensive, legally sound written submissions to the First-tier Tribunal.
• Reconsiderations & Escalations: Reviewing disputed decisions and handling complex escalations from claimants and representatives.
• Tribunal Representation: Attending and presenting the Council’s case at several Tribunal hearings each month.
• Legislative Expertise: Providing expert advice on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support legislation.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you must meet the following criteria:

• Specialist Experience: Substantial, recent experience working exclusively on HB/CTS appeals. We are looking for a specialist, rather than a generalist officer who has handled appeals as part of a wider caseload.
• Advocacy Skills: Proven experience in attending and representing a Local Authority at Tribunal hearings.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 and the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000.

Working Pattern

• Flexible Remote Work: Work primarily from home with the equipment provided.