Benefit Subsidy, Returns and Performance Team Leader

Benefit Subsidy, Returns and Performance Team Leader

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to join the Local Authorities Revenues and Assessment service as a full time Benefit Subsidy, Returns and Performance Team Leader

This role will primarily focus on leading the benefits performance team who provide quality assurance, accuracy management and subsidy management supporting the Benefits and Grants Assessment Service.

This role will include responsibility for subsidy monitoring and submission, management of benefit appeals and complaints, and management of quality assurance to ensure accuracy of assessments and subsidy maximisation.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

We are looking for candidates with significant experience in a benefits environment, particularly in relation to technical, specialist and in-depth understanding of complex legislation. Candidates will be required to have experience of subsidy monitoring and compiling mandatory DWP returns

You will bring significant experience in a benefits environment and will have detailed knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction regulations, including Supported Accommodation, and an excellent understanding of subsidy implications.

You will be confident analysing legal, financial and technical information, explaining complex issues clearly and making sound decisions.

You will lead the Benefits Performance team, bringing together quality assurance, subsidy management and staff development to support the Benefits and Grants Assessment Service. You will oversee accurate financial returns, use performance information to identify risks and improvements, and provide specialist guidance on complex benefit matters.

You will manage the subsidy audit process working with internal and external auditors, be responsible for subsidy monitoring, reconciliations and forecasting ahead of statutory returns. As part of this work, you will oversee the onboarding and monitoring of Supported Accommodation schemes, and use quality assurance findings to identify risks.

The role will also include leading and developing staff, reviewing complex enquiries and support appeal submissions.

For an informal discussion, please contact the Senior Officer over the Assessment Service Matthew Edwards at matthew.edwards@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Attachments

• JDPS - Subsidy Returns and Performance Team Leader.docx