Senior Appeals Officer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Financial Assessments & Appeals Officer to play a crucial role in managing housing benefits, council tax benefit, and social care financial assessments for vulnerable households. This position involves handling complex cases, managing appeals, ensuring compliance with government regulations, and maximising financial recovery.

You will work closely with internal teams, legal representatives, and external agencies to deliver a high-performing, customer-focused service, ensuring fair and efficient financial support for residents.

Key Responsibilities

1. Conduct detailed assessments of housing and council tax benefits, ensuring compliance with DWP regulations.
2. Manage a team delivering financial assistance to over 21,000 households, ensuring fair and accurate benefit distribution.
3. Undertake quality assurance and compliance checks, ensuring subsidy claims meet audit requirements.
4. Oversee and manage complex benefit appeals, preparing cases for tribunal hearings and court proceedings.
5. Provide expert guidance to financial assessment officers to ensure consistent and legally sound decisions.
6. Ensure the recovery of overpaid benefits, working with legal teams and external partners to recover over £3 million annually.
7. Deputise for the Team Leader, supporting the management of a team of up to 14 Financial Benefit Officers and Assistants.
8. Collaborate with DWP, social services, housing teams, and external agencies to improve service delivery.
9. Provide training and mentoring to staff, ensuring they are up to date with regulatory changes and best practices.

About You

1. Extensive experience in financial assessments, housing benefits, and council tax benefits.
2. Strong knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax legislation, including DWP regulations and social care financial assessments.
3. Experience in managing appeals, preparing legal cases, and representing cases at tribunals and court hearings.
4. Ability to identify and refer suspected fraud cases to enforcement teams.
5. Strong analytical and decision-making skills for managing complex financial cases.
6. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with experience handling MP and councillor enquiries.
7. High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in financial assessments and compliance reporting.
8. Proven ability to lead and develop teams, providing coaching and guidance to financial assessment officers.
9. GCSE/O-Level in Maths and English (or equivalent).
10. A Housing or Finance-related qualification (e.g., CIH Level 4/5) is desirable.
11. Experience with Northgate and Civica Systems is advantageous.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.