Housing and Benefit Assistant

Iris Care Group has an exciting opportunity for aHousing and Benefit Assistantto join our well-established team in Gloucester.

Employing over 1,600 people, Iris Care Group is the largest independent health and social care provider across the Southwest of England and South Wales. We provide innovative, effective, and forward-thinking care for adults with specialist mental healthcare needs.

With over 90% of staff saying they enjoy their job, we are proud to have created environments where our staff feel rewarded and fulfilled. Work for us and youll go home knowing that youve made a difference.

What will you receive?

• Annual salary of £26,000 - £28,000, depending on experience
• Industry-leading training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program free 24/7 confidential helpline (domestic, financial, legal, health support, etc.)
• High street retail discount scheme
• Recognise Me our staff benefits, wellbeing and recognition platform
• Friendly and supportive work environment
• Death in service benefit

Purpose of the Role

In this role you will be an integral part of the relationship management between the Housing Association/Registered Social Landlord and Iris Care Group with direct support to the Tenancy Liaison Officer.

The Housing and Benefit Assistant will be responsible alongside the Tenancy Liaison Officer for ensuring that the housing management services are delivered to the agreed requirements focusing on service delivery and the provision of a high-quality service to tenants that supports their wellbeing. They will work with a range of internal and external stakeholders and key agencies and will work collaboratively with colleagues from across the organisation in the delivery of an effective income and property service to all our tenants.

The role will be to build relationships with tenants, providing information and support regarding tenancies and benefits are maintained as well as liaising with our Housing Association Partner and relevant stakeholders regarding individual related matters.

Role Responsibilities

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Support our tenants to maintain their tenancy agreements, deal with any tenancy complaints or issue warnings for breach of tenancy.
• Support out tenants with setting up utilities in self-contained flats and guide with any utility issues.
• Support tenants to maintain their homes and report any property repairs.
• To ensure you fully understand the principles of the REACH standards (Supported Living services) and Iris Care Group values.
• To deliver support which meets or exceeds organisational expectations and standards in relation to financial benefits including UC, ESA, PIP, DLA, Pension and pension credits.
• Apply for tv concessionary licences for each supported living services.
• Support tenants to apply for the SMI council tax exemption forms.
• Liaising with our Housing Association Partner and relevant stakeholders regarding individual tenancy related matters and benefits.
• To work collaboratively with all directorates within Iris Care Group in pursuit of seamless service to those we support and team members.
• To act as a representative of Iris Care Group in all dealings with external professionals, families, carers and members of the public, and to protect the reputation of the organisation in those dealings

Role Requirements

To Succeed In This Role, You Will Ideally Have

• Knowledge of supported living services and housing management policies and procedures in relation to rents, voids, lettings, tenancies and repairs
• Good knowledge of Housing sector and Tenancy management
• Good knowledge of benefits, including UC and Housing Benefit
• Experience of working with people with disabilities
• ICT literate and able to use MS Office and a range of databases
• Good numeracy and literacy skills and able to write clear and concise letters and reports
• Full UK drivers licence and access to a vehicle
• To be able to travel from one place to another and available to work flexibly to meet the needs of role