Benefits Officer (Operations) (1 Temporary) (3 Posts)

Service:	Finance & Customer Services
Job Title:	Benefits Officer (Operations) (1 Temporary) (3 Posts)
Post Reference:	See Advert
Grade:	NLC6 £16,185 - £18,783
Closing Date:	Friday 11 July 2008

Post 1 - FCS/663 Airdrie
Post 2 - FCS/664 Bellshill
Post 3 - FCS 665 Cumbernauld(Temporary)

Based in the above Benefits Office, reporting to the Section Team Leader, you will carry out the administrative tasks associated with running an efficient and effective Benefit service.

Your responsibilities will include all aspects of processing Housing and Council Tax Benefit applications, collating and disseminating management and performance information, utilising and developing the Intergrated Benefit computer system and participating in ad-hoc Benefit projects and departmental initiatives.

You should be educated to Standard level, or equivalent, with experience of Benefit schemes and processing benefit claims. Dealing with the public, knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet packages, good communication skills, a positive attitude and the ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team are all essential.

An IRRV Benefits Technician, or equivalent qualification, experience of working with Civica software and knowledge of document image processing would be desirable.

Post 3 - Temporary for approximately 6 months covering sickness absence.

Job Description

Job Outline:

Reporting to the Team Leader, you will carry out the day-to-day processing of Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1 Process Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims in accordance with the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit procedures.

2 Deliver advice and assistance on Benefits to the public.

3 Identify potential recipients of Discretionary Payments.

4 Visit claimants in their own home where required

5 Identify potential fraudulent claims.

6 Assist in the delivery of take-up campaigns.

7 Assist the Team Leader in the preparation of cases for Internal Review.

8 Ensure that communication with the Benefits Agency and Employment Services is carried out in accordance with the Service Level Agreements in place.

9 Provide advice and assistance to Claimant representatives including Social Workers, CAB, Solicitors, Councillors, MPs etc.

10 To attend court for Fraud prosecutions and Eviction cases.

11 Carry out required procedures to maintain caseload and meet set standard requirements.

12 Ensure that changes in practices and procedures are carried out.

13 Provide the Team Leader with statistical information where required.

14 Utilise Integrated Benefit computer system.

15 Update all spreadsheets and databases as required.

16 Ensure claim is processed accurately and in accordance with all performance targets.

17 Carry out processes relating to recovery of overpaid benefit.

18 Assist where necessary with Council Tax administration.

19 Any other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

This job outline is intended to indicate the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive, but while some variation can be expected in particular duties, the outline is considered to provide a reasonable general description of the post.