We are currently working in partnership with a Charity based in Manchester, who are recruiting for a Senior Housing Benefits Income Officer on a permanent basis. The position is due to start quickly and ideally the client would like a handover period with the outgoing member of staff by the end of the month. The salary banding is £55,000 - £60,000 for the right skill set.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Money Advice, particularly with clients who are at risk of homelessness or Asylum Seeker background. A car is not required for the role, as long as you can get to the office by public transport.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Take ownership of Housing Benefit income streams, ensuring accurate reconciliation and proactive income recovery

• Manage and resolve complex and escalated Housing Benefit cases, including disputes and appeals

• Liaise directly with local authorities to challenge incorrect assessments, suspensions, or payment delays

• Build comprehensive evidential files including income verification, tenancy agreements, and supporting documentation

• Represent the organisation in mandatory reconsiderations and tribunal processes where required

• Monitor suspended claims, backdating requests, overpayments, and underpayments to minimise financial risk

• Work closely with Support Managers and operational teams to obtain documentation and progress outstanding queries

• Identify trends and systemic issues affecting Housing Benefit income and implement corrective action

Experience required:

• Extensive knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and regulations

• Proven experience managing complex Housing Benefit cases and disputes

• Strong experience liaising with local authorities and external agencies

• Demonstrable ability to build and present evidential case files

• Experience maximising rental income within a housing environment

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Experience within supported accommodation or exempt housing.

• Knowledge of Universal Credit housing element interaction.

• Experience preparing cases for tribunal.

• Familiarity with housing management and benefits software systems.

• Supervisory or team leadership experience

Working hours:

• 35 hours per week

• 3 days from home and 2 days in the office - Could be mainly remote after a few months

• Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.

James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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