We are currently recruiting for an experienced Benefits Service Manager to lead the delivery of a high-performing Revenues and Benefits service within a busy local authority environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments and associated support schemes, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, compliantly and in line with corporate objectives. The successful candidate will oversee operational performance, lead large processing teams and drive service improvements through effective performance management, legislative implementation and the use of emerging technology. The Role Lead the day-to-day operation and performance of the Benefits service, ensuring efficient administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Single Support Grant schemes and Discretionary Housing Payments. Manage a large operational team including delivery managers, quality managers and assessment officers. Drive service performance to achieve and maintain top quartile performance across accuracy, speed and quality of benefit administration. Monitor team performance, throughput and accuracy, implementing training and targeted interventions where required. Ensure services operate fully in line with benefits legislation, regulations and corporate objectives. Lead the implementation of new legislation, policy changes and system developments, ensuring minimal disruption to services. Manage and monitor the Discretionary Housing Payment budget and support homelessness prevention initiatives. Work closely with internal departments including Housing, Revenues, Adult Social Care and Customer Services to deliver a joined-up service. Represent the council at appeals, tribunals and court proceedings where required. Produce performance reports, statistical analysis and management information to support senior decision making. Lead continuous service improvement initiatives, including exploring emerging technology to improve customer outcomes. Deputise for the Service Group Manager for Revenues and Benefits where required. Key Requirements Extensive experience managing a Benefits or Revenues & Benefits service within a local authority environment. Excellent knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and associated benefits legislation, including subsidy rules and appeals processes. Experience leading and motivating large operational teams and managing service performance. Strong experience implementing legislative and policy changes within a benefits service. Proven ability to analyse data, manage budgets and drive service improvements. Excellent communication skills with experience presenting reports to senior management and stakeholders. Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. Commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused services. Knowledge of benefits IT systems and workflow management platforms. What You Need to Do Now If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your CV today. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately your application has not been successful. Footnote If you feel that this job matches your skill set but not your location, rate or current seniority, please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for similar roles across Revenues and Benefits, Benefits Management and Welfare Services throughout the UK. Even if you are happy in your current role, we welcome calls from Benefits Service Managers, Revenues & Benefits Managers, Benefits Team Leaders and Senior Assessment Officers looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market . By applying for this position, you agree that Carrington West may hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your details will only be shared with third-party clients relevant to roles you have applied for. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
12/03/2026
Contract
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Benefits Service Manager to lead the delivery of a high-performing Revenues and Benefits service within a busy local authority environment. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments and associated support schemes, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, compliantly and in line with corporate objectives. The successful candidate will oversee operational performance, lead large processing teams and drive service improvements through effective performance management, legislative implementation and the use of emerging technology. The Role Lead the day-to-day operation and performance of the Benefits service, ensuring efficient administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Single Support Grant schemes and Discretionary Housing Payments. Manage a large operational team including delivery managers, quality managers and assessment officers. Drive service performance to achieve and maintain top quartile performance across accuracy, speed and quality of benefit administration. Monitor team performance, throughput and accuracy, implementing training and targeted interventions where required. Ensure services operate fully in line with benefits legislation, regulations and corporate objectives. Lead the implementation of new legislation, policy changes and system developments, ensuring minimal disruption to services. Manage and monitor the Discretionary Housing Payment budget and support homelessness prevention initiatives. Work closely with internal departments including Housing, Revenues, Adult Social Care and Customer Services to deliver a joined-up service. Represent the council at appeals, tribunals and court proceedings where required. Produce performance reports, statistical analysis and management information to support senior decision making. Lead continuous service improvement initiatives, including exploring emerging technology to improve customer outcomes. Deputise for the Service Group Manager for Revenues and Benefits where required. Key Requirements Extensive experience managing a Benefits or Revenues & Benefits service within a local authority environment. Excellent knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and associated benefits legislation, including subsidy rules and appeals processes. Experience leading and motivating large operational teams and managing service performance. Strong experience implementing legislative and policy changes within a benefits service. Proven ability to analyse data, manage budgets and drive service improvements. Excellent communication skills with experience presenting reports to senior management and stakeholders. Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities. Commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused services. Knowledge of benefits IT systems and workflow management platforms. What You Need to Do Now If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your CV today. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately your application has not been successful. Footnote If you feel that this job matches your skill set but not your location, rate or current seniority, please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for similar roles across Revenues and Benefits, Benefits Management and Welfare Services throughout the UK. Even if you are happy in your current role, we welcome calls from Benefits Service Managers, Revenues & Benefits Managers, Benefits Team Leaders and Senior Assessment Officers looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market . By applying for this position, you agree that Carrington West may hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your details will only be shared with third-party clients relevant to roles you have applied for. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
Are you an experienced Prevention Officer with recent Local Authority experience under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017? We're working with a Local Authority in East Sussex looking for an experienced Prevention Officer to support their Housing Options service on a temporary basis. This is a case-holding role focused on early intervention and preventing homelessness wherever possible. You'll be managing a varied caseload of applicants threatened with homelessness, completing detailed assessments, issuing S184 decisions, and progressing cases in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The role will involve responding to Duty to Refer cases, mediating with landlords and family members, negotiating with the private rented sector, and supporting access to Deposit Guarantee and Rent in Advance schemes. You'll also work closely with Housing Associations and partner agencies to ensure proactive prevention and sustainable outcomes. We're looking for someone who: Has recent Local Authority experience in homelessness prevention Is confident making legally robust decisions under the HRA 2017 Can manage a busy caseload and hit the ground running Has strong knowledge of welfare benefits and affordability assessments This is a hybrid position requiring 2 days per week in the office , with flexibility to work remotely on other days. The rate is dependent on experience . If you're an experienced Prevention Officer available for your next contract, I'd love to speak with you. Know someone suitable? Refer a Prevention Officer with relevant experience and, if they're successfully placed, you'll receive a 100 Amazon voucher as a thank you. Send your CV to (url removed)
20/02/2026
Contract
Are you an experienced Prevention Officer with recent Local Authority experience under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017? We're working with a Local Authority in East Sussex looking for an experienced Prevention Officer to support their Housing Options service on a temporary basis. This is a case-holding role focused on early intervention and preventing homelessness wherever possible. You'll be managing a varied caseload of applicants threatened with homelessness, completing detailed assessments, issuing S184 decisions, and progressing cases in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The role will involve responding to Duty to Refer cases, mediating with landlords and family members, negotiating with the private rented sector, and supporting access to Deposit Guarantee and Rent in Advance schemes. You'll also work closely with Housing Associations and partner agencies to ensure proactive prevention and sustainable outcomes. We're looking for someone who: Has recent Local Authority experience in homelessness prevention Is confident making legally robust decisions under the HRA 2017 Can manage a busy caseload and hit the ground running Has strong knowledge of welfare benefits and affordability assessments This is a hybrid position requiring 2 days per week in the office , with flexibility to work remotely on other days. The rate is dependent on experience . If you're an experienced Prevention Officer available for your next contract, I'd love to speak with you. Know someone suitable? Refer a Prevention Officer with relevant experience and, if they're successfully placed, you'll receive a 100 Amazon voucher as a thank you. Send your CV to (url removed)
North London, UK
Housing Options Officer Role- Homelessness/Welfare (Temp Ongoing)
Our client are looking for a well versed Housing Options Officer for their offices in North London on a temp ongoing basis.
This role will be specialising in homelessness support/prevention and welfare to residents of the borough. The role will be supporting residents in the borough to secure accomodation in the area and assisting them through the processes accordingly. The main duties are as follows:
To deal with and difficult housing enquiries in order to ensure all customers have a positive experience and receive the right answer first time with consistent high quality.
To provide appropriate basic advice and assistance on all matters of housing entitlement, eligibility and priority need for social housing.
To ensure customers receive correspondence written in plain English which takes account of any special requirements and conforms to our clients right first time and customer service standards.
To ensure wherever possible by intervention, referral, advice, advocacy and joint working that homelessness is prevented by ensuring the broadest range of housing options is available to customers.
To follow the departments procedures and protocols for the effective liaison and discharging statutory joint obligations.
To enable mediation between landlords and tenants, parents relatives and family relationship breakdowns in order to prevent homelessness.
To interview and carry out an initial assessment of all customers visiting the Housing Aid Centre.
To give guidance regarding welfare benefits and income maximisation
To acquire and maintain up to date detailed knowledge of relevant housing legislation including current case law.
To keep clear up to date accurate and written and computerised records. Maintaining confidentiality and security of information.
To interview and visit applicants carry out inquiries within target timescales at alternative locations where necessary. Ensuring that supporting information and evidence is available to substantiate the decision in each case.
To take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons/ vulnerable adults who you come into contact with.
To provide information on, promote and refer customers to all available housing options, including special schemes, voluntary sector housing, private sector housing, shared ownership and other initiatives.
To liaise closely and effectively with both internal and external colleagues. To refer clients where appropriate to other professionals and agencies. for advice on housing matters, welfare rights, social services, immigration and other issues using referral procedures.
To advice and assess customers suitability for Home Shelter Scheme and make appropriate referrals to relevant agencies including MARAC, Police, Social Services and Area Housing Office
To undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post. ADDITIONAL:To use information technology systems to carry out duties in the most efficient and effective manner.
To achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs, and personal appraisal targets, as agreed by the line manager.
To undertake training and constructively take part in meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective development of the post and post holder.
To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the council’s commitment to customer service excellence and ensure compliance with the customer care standards.
To be committed to the clients core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way duties are carried out.
To ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the clients Health and Safety Policy and relevant Health and Safety legislation.
For this role you will ideally have the following:
Extensive experience with housing options and advice – specifically with homelessness and welfare reform
Have dealt with landlords - under the Protection of Eviction AcComputer literate ( Very good with excel and familiar with database )
Knowledge of relevant homeless legislation relating to homelessness and housing needs, with particular reference to the Housing Act 1996 (amended 2002)
·Good Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA)
Good with issuing/completing PHP, End of Duty letters and issuing non-cooperation letter
Preventing Homelessness by mediating with hosts ( family & friends) and liaising with landlords to stop evictionsAt all times to carry out responsibilities/duties within the framework of the our clients Dignity for all Policy. (Equal Opportunities Policy)
This role is working Mon-Fri 9am-5pm daily and offering £17.27 GBP PAYE- Umbrella options are also available.
This role is immediate and you will ideally have worked in a similar role.
Please apply with your CV through the "Apply" Button or email your CV to (Email Removed)(url removed)
07/07/2020
North London, UK
Housing Options Officer Role- Homelessness/Welfare (Temp Ongoing)
Our client are looking for a well versed Housing Options Officer for their offices in North London on a temp ongoing basis.
This role will be specialising in homelessness support/prevention and welfare to residents of the borough. The role will be supporting residents in the borough to secure accomodation in the area and assisting them through the processes accordingly. The main duties are as follows:
To deal with and difficult housing enquiries in order to ensure all customers have a positive experience and receive the right answer first time with consistent high quality.
To provide appropriate basic advice and assistance on all matters of housing entitlement, eligibility and priority need for social housing.
To ensure customers receive correspondence written in plain English which takes account of any special requirements and conforms to our clients right first time and customer service standards.
To ensure wherever possible by intervention, referral, advice, advocacy and joint working that homelessness is prevented by ensuring the broadest range of housing options is available to customers.
To follow the departments procedures and protocols for the effective liaison and discharging statutory joint obligations.
To enable mediation between landlords and tenants, parents relatives and family relationship breakdowns in order to prevent homelessness.
To interview and carry out an initial assessment of all customers visiting the Housing Aid Centre.
To give guidance regarding welfare benefits and income maximisation
To acquire and maintain up to date detailed knowledge of relevant housing legislation including current case law.
To keep clear up to date accurate and written and computerised records. Maintaining confidentiality and security of information.
To interview and visit applicants carry out inquiries within target timescales at alternative locations where necessary. Ensuring that supporting information and evidence is available to substantiate the decision in each case.
To take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons/ vulnerable adults who you come into contact with.
To provide information on, promote and refer customers to all available housing options, including special schemes, voluntary sector housing, private sector housing, shared ownership and other initiatives.
To liaise closely and effectively with both internal and external colleagues. To refer clients where appropriate to other professionals and agencies. for advice on housing matters, welfare rights, social services, immigration and other issues using referral procedures.
To advice and assess customers suitability for Home Shelter Scheme and make appropriate referrals to relevant agencies including MARAC, Police, Social Services and Area Housing Office
To undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post. ADDITIONAL:To use information technology systems to carry out duties in the most efficient and effective manner.
To achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs, and personal appraisal targets, as agreed by the line manager.
To undertake training and constructively take part in meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective development of the post and post holder.
To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the council’s commitment to customer service excellence and ensure compliance with the customer care standards.
To be committed to the clients core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way duties are carried out.
To ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
To carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the clients Health and Safety Policy and relevant Health and Safety legislation.
For this role you will ideally have the following:
Extensive experience with housing options and advice – specifically with homelessness and welfare reform
Have dealt with landlords - under the Protection of Eviction AcComputer literate ( Very good with excel and familiar with database )
Knowledge of relevant homeless legislation relating to homelessness and housing needs, with particular reference to the Housing Act 1996 (amended 2002)
·Good Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA)
Good with issuing/completing PHP, End of Duty letters and issuing non-cooperation letter
Preventing Homelessness by mediating with hosts ( family & friends) and liaising with landlords to stop evictionsAt all times to carry out responsibilities/duties within the framework of the our clients Dignity for all Policy. (Equal Opportunities Policy)
This role is working Mon-Fri 9am-5pm daily and offering £17.27 GBP PAYE- Umbrella options are also available.
This role is immediate and you will ideally have worked in a similar role.
Please apply with your CV through the "Apply" Button or email your CV to (Email Removed)(url removed)
