Lead Officer - Benefits Assessment and Financial Inclusion

As Lead Officer - Benefits Assessment and Financial Inclusion, you'll play a key role in leading the delivery of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Financial Inclusion and Debt & Money Advice services across West Northamptonshire. Working within our Revenues & Benefits service, you'll act as the senior technical specialist, helping to shape service delivery, support operational teams and ensure residents receive the advice and support they need at some of the most challenging times in their lives.

This role bridges the gap between operational management and strategic leadership, providing expert guidance to Team Leaders while supporting service development, quality assurance, performance improvement and transformation initiatives. It's an excellent opportunity for an experienced Housing Benefits professional who wants to use their expertise to influence service delivery across a wider area while leading and developing others.

What will you be doing?

• Provide technical leadership across Benefits Assessment, Financial Inclusion, Debt & Money Advice and Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery services, acting as the recognised subject matter expert for complex Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction matters.
• Work closely with Team Leaders and the Head of Benefits, providing authoritative advice on legislation, appeals, complex casework and service performance, helping to ensure decisions are accurate, consistent and compliant.
• Lead and support teams to achieve high standards of performance and customer service.
• Oversee quality assurance activities, monitor workloads and performance, support resource planning and play a key role in identifying opportunities for service improvement.
• Lead on areas such as the annual review of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, Housing Benefit overpayment recovery, internal audit activity and the development of policies and procedures that support effective service delivery.
• Contribute to transformation and improvement initiatives, support recruitment and staff development activities, and help build a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Through your leadership and technical expertise, help ensure our services continue to meet the needs of residents while responding effectively to legislative and operational change.