Benefits Specialist

Purpose of the Role

To provide high-level technical expertise within the Benefits Service, ensuring the accurate administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction schemes. The post holder will lead on subsidy, appeals, quality assurance, and complex casework, supporting service performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.

The role operates at a senior professional level, acting as a subject matter expert and providing technical guidance to Team Leaders and Officers, without necessarily having direct line-management responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Specialist Functions

• Act as the service lead on Housing Benefit subsidy, ensuring claims are accurately processed, reconciled, and submitted in line with DWP requirements and deadlines.

• Manage and oversee complex, high-risk, and sensitive benefit cases, providing expert decisions and resolutions.

• Lead on appeals and disputes, including preparation of submissions, representation at First-tier Tribunal, and liaison with legal services where required.

• Interpret and apply benefits legislation, case law, and guidance, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice.

Quality Assurance & Performance

• Design, implement, and maintain quality assurance frameworks to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance across the service.

• Conduct regular audits and case sampling, identifying trends, risks, and training needs.

• Provide detailed feedback and recommendations to Team Leaders and senior managers to drive service improvement.

• Support external and internal audits, including DWP and internal audit reviews.

Advisory & Support Role

• Act as a technical advisor to Team Leaders, Officers, and managers on complex benefit matters.

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical briefings to staff to improve knowledge and decision-making.

• Contribute to the development and review of policies, procedures, and local guidance notes.

Service Development & Change

• Support the implementation of legislative changes, system upgrades, and service improvement projects.

• Contribute to service planning, risk management, and performance reporting.

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure a joined-up approach to service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, including complex casework.

• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of benefits legislation, subsidy arrangements, and appeals processes.

• Proven experience of quality assurance, auditing, or technical checking within a benefits environment.

• Ability to analyse complex information and make sound, defensible decisions.

• Experience of preparing reports, submissions, and technical guidance.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legislation clearly to a range of audiences.

Desirable

• Experience representing a local authority at First-tier Tribunal.

• Involvement in subsidy returns and reconciliation processes.

• Experience supporting or advising Team Leaders or senior managers.

• Knowledge of wider welfare reform and related legislation.