Senior Technical Officer

Job Description:

As a Technical Officer, you will provide specialist expertise in Housing Benefit subsidy, audit, and technical assurance activities. You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of subsidy claims, interpreting complex legislation, supporting audit processes, and resolving technical issues, helping to protect client funding, maintain compliance, and deliver high-quality Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction services.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the accurate calculation, validation, and submission of Housing Benefit subsidy claims.
• Completion of DWP and HMRC returns.
• Management of HBAP activities.
• Provision of management information.
• Resolution of complex technical cases.
• Support for appeals and disputes.
• Lead engagement with Local Authority and External Auditors during subsidy audit activity.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and contractual requirements.
• Provide expert guidance on complex benefit legislation and subsidy matters.
• Through effective quality assurance and risk management, help protect client subsidy income, maintain audit standards, and ensure the delivery of accurate, compliant, and high-quality Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction services.

About You:

• Extensive knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction legislation, administration, and assessment processes.
• Strong understanding of Housing Benefit subsidy calculations, subsidy claim preparation, reconciliation processes, and subsidy assurance requirements.
• Experience of supporting or leading Housing Benefit subsidy audits and responding to auditor queries and challenge.
• Knowledge and experience of the Housing Benefit Assurance Process (HBAP).
• Experience of completing DWP and HMRC statutory returns and management information requirements.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex legislation, guidance, and policy to technical and non-standard cases.
• Experience of identifying, investigating, and resolving discrepancies within financial claims and benefit assessments.