The current six district councils and Cumbria County Council have now been replaced by two new unitary authorities - Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council.
This role will be based in and employed by Westmorland and Furness Council.
Why work for Westmorland and Furness Council?
Westmorland and Furness Council will be an ambitious authority that will shape public services for the better, building on the best and transforming them for the future. We are committed to putting our customers and communities first and to being the heart of everything we do.
About this opportunity
As a Subsidy and Quality Specialist within the Revenues & Benefits Team, you will be required to proactively undertake and record daily checks on a wide range of benefit operations, including the determination of and entitlement of awards and overpayments, to ensure accuracy and to maximise income to the authority and minimise any loss to public funds.
You will undertake pre and post payment checks on housing benefit determinations, overpayments, and decisions made in line with legislative and best practice requirements, taking into account software functionality within both NEC and Capita Revenues and Benefits systems, and produce reports, make recommendations, and implement action plans for improvements to minimise errors and maximise income based upon your findings. You will play a key role in respect of the annual Housing Benefit Assurance Process, working with internal and external auditors and the Department for Work and Pensions. You will be responsible for the accurate and timely provision of information and the completion of subsidy workbooks, including detailed manual calculations.
You will be required to work closely with colleagues and Managers within the Benefits Teams to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and to identify administrative, financial and subsidy errors aligned to Regulations and locally agreed practices and protocol, and be able to identify areas where targeted checks need to be made. You will also need to take a proactive and solution-focused approach which may include developing processes and procedures and delivering training with the aim of improving quality and reducing errors which may lead to subsidy extrapolations.
What we are looking for in a Subsidy & Quality Specialist in Revenues & Benefits?
* Extensive knowledge of, and experience of Housing Benefit legislation and assessment of housing benefit claims, including the classification of overpayments.
* A sound knowledge, and experience of working across multiple Revenues & Benefits systems, including Capita and NEC Revenues & Benefits or NEC Enterprise.
* A flair for working with systems and well-developed ICT skills, particularly in MS Excel.
* A proven ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines with high levels of accuracy.
* A proven analytical and innovative approach, with a strong ability to problem solve.
* A great communicator and collaborator.
What can we offer you?
* Excellent training and development offers.
* Flexible working opportunities.
* Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).
* Various perks and discounts schemes, including money off your phone contract and local gyms.
* Competitive rates of pay.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 22/09/2024
Interview date: tbc.
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.
If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using the Microsoft Teams software, which is currently free for new users; however, if there are any issues with accessing this technology, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the interviews.
Safer Recruitment
At Westmorland and Furness Council, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk and expect all employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of this job are guaranteed an interview.
Please read the Supporting Information:
Post Specification
Role Profile
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