Welfare Rights Officer - Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) Specialist
£220 per day (Umbrella)
Hybrid Working - 1 day per week in office
Are you driven by the desire to make a genuine difference in people's lives? We are seeking an experienced Welfare Rights Officer with specialist knowledge in Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to join a proactive team supporting residents facing financial hardship.
This position offers the opportunity to have a real impact, helping individuals and families sustain their tenancies and avoid homelessness through practical advice, income maximisation, and targeted financial support.
The Role
As a DHP Specialist, you will provide holistic support to residents struggling with rent or housing costs. You'll assess DHP applications, make fair and timely decisions, and work collaboratively with residents to help them move towards long-term financial stability. This includes offering income advice, signposting to other support services, and engaging with landlords to prevent evictions.
Key Responsibilities:
Assess applications for Discretionary Housing Payments and related funds.
Provide clear, empathetic advice to residents and help develop individual action plans.
Liaise with landlords and internal teams to prevent homelessness.
Write clear and considerate decision letters.
Identify opportunities for residents to claim additional welfare or disability benefits.
Maintain accurate case records for a caseload of 10-15 residents per week.
Contribute to a supportive and high-performing team environment.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will need:
In-depth experience making DHP decisions in line with national and local policy.
Strong knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction assessments.
Proficiency in systems such as Academy, with experience in Comino or Searchlight desirable.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a compassionate approach.
A collaborative mindset, comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams.
A thorough understanding of the wider welfare benefits landscape.
