Welfare Benefits Officer

1. Barcud is a not for profit housing association.
2. The purpose of the role is to provide a high-quality, customer focused Tenancy Sustainment service that enables Barcud to meet its business objectives and the needs of its tenants.
3. The post holder will be educated to A Level standard or equivalent, including English Language at GCSE level.

37 Hours, Full Time, permanent

Location: Newtown

Closing date: 3rd of May 2024

Overall Job Purpose:

Provide a high-quality, customer focused Tenancy Sustainment service that enables Barcud to meet its business objectives and the needs of its tenants.

Key Responsibilities – Tenancy Sustainment:

• Provide a professional high quality, comprehensive and customer focused Tenancy Sustainment service with particular emphasis on customer care in accordance with the Association’s policies and procedures.
• Provide support to tenants struggling to financially maintain their tenancies, noting eligible welfare benefit entitlements in order to maximise income including undertaking visits and directing tenants to external organisations for further help.
• Seek and implement opportunities to makes tenants more resilient, including the utilisation of external partnerships.
• Advise tenants as required on Welfare Benefits available to them, keeping updated with changes in legislation.
• Assist tenants with Welfare Benefit applications as needed
• Ensure that Welfare Benefit records including outcomes are up to date
• Assist Housing Officers with new tenancies as required to ensure prospective tenants incomes are maximised and rents affordable.
• Foster strong relationships with Barcud’s partners and external agencies, including Local Authorities and Department of Works and Pensions and updating information as necessary.
• Encourage completion of Cynnal survey forms by tenants
• Assist with the Welfare Benefit Reform Strategy reviews
• Assist tenants and community groups within Barcud to access funding, financial aid and welfare, particularly by working alongside the Housing Oficers.
• Contribute to the development of income recovery strategies and action plans.
• Support the development and implementation of Tenancy Sustainment processes, systems and procedures within Barcud IT system.
• Raise awareness of Tenancy Sustainment initiatives , including income maximisation strategies
• Attend internal and external meetings as required
• Support the Cynnal Team West during busy periods.
• Deputise for the Senior Cynnal Officer when required.

This person specification details the experience and skills for the position of Welfare Benefits Officer East at Barcud. All skills and experience are essential except where explicitly indicated to be desirable (D).

Qualifications

• Educated to A Level standard or equivalent, including English Language at GCSE level.
• Educated to degree level in relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A recognised relevant professional qualification, particularly from the Chartered Institute of Housing. (D)
• Full driving licence.

Experience

• Delivering a Housing Management service that is high-quality and customer focused.
• Providing guidance and advice to a variety of audiences, including vulnerable groups.
• Working closely with communities to improve their resilience.
• Advising individuals on matters on Tenancy Sustainment. (D)
• Raising awareness for initiatives.
• Fostering strong relationships with a range of external stakeholders.
• Maintaining thorough and accurate records.
• Public sector or Housing Association experience.