Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer

Local Welfare, DHP & Hardship Fund Officer

Location:

Ealing, West London (W5 2HL
)

Working Pattern:
Hybrid Working, 2 days office / 3 days remote

Hours:

Full Time, Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Rate: £22.02 PAYE or £28.71 Umbrella per hour

Contract:

3 Months (with potential extension)

Start Date:

ASAP

We are currently recruiting for a Local Welfare Assistance Officer to support residents experiencing financial hardship through the administration of discretionary support schemes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced welfare benefits professional to make a genuine difference within the community by assessing applications, providing welfare advice, and helping vulnerable residents access financial assistance and support services.

• Process and assess applications for the Crisis Resilience Fund, including housing-related support payments.
• Administer applications for:
  • Local Welfare Provision (LWP)
  • Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
  • Discretionary Council Tax Support / Hardship Schemes
• Make fair, accurate and evidence-based decisions in line with legislation and local policy.
• Provide welfare benefits advice and guidance to residents facing financial difficulties.
• Support residents in maximising income, reducing expenditure and addressing debt issues.
• Conduct home visits where required.
• Liaise with external organisations including charities, housing providers, landlords and the DWP.
• Maintain accurate case records and performance data.
• Identify and accelerate potentially fraudulent claims.
• Process awards, payments and case updates using council systems.

• Local Welfare Provision / Household Support Fund
  • Assessing emergency financial support and crisis fund applications.
  • Reviewing evidence and determining eligibility.
  • Making decisions in accordance with policy and guidance.
• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
  • Assessing housing affordability and financial hardship.
  • Processing DHP applications and calculating awards.
  • Applying DHP regulations and local criteria.
• Discretionary Council Tax Support Schemes
  • Assessing Council Tax Hardship Fund applications.
  • Applying local scheme criteria and calculating discretionary awards.
  • Making accurate and consistent funding decisions.

• Strong knowledge of welfare benefits legislation, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Experience making decisions on discretionary payments and welfare support schemes.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to strict deadlines.
• Experience supporting vulnerable residents with professionalism and empathy.
• Confident using Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Competitive hourly rates.
• Opportunity to make a positive impact on residents facing financial hardship.
• Immediate start available.
• Potential contract extension.

If you have recent experience administering Local Welfare Provision, Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Hardship Schemes, we'd love to hear from you.

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.