The Head of HB Support Services leads and oversees a number of strands relating to a range of Housing Benefit support functions including HB Policy, Systems, Owner-Occupiers, Recovery, Audit & Projects.  The postholder will undertake a key role within the Housing Benefit senior management team, reporting to the Assistant Director.

The essential criteria are detailed in the Candidate Information Pack.

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

·         1. i) Possess a degree level qualification or equivalent (Level 6*) qualification and 3 years’ relevant experience; or

• ii) Can demonstrate equivalent continuing professional development/experiential learning and at least 5 years’ experience working within Housing Benefit, Grants, Supporting People, social housing, or other Social Security related benefit function.(Please include dates)
• 2. Have the required number of years’ experience as per Criteria 1.(i) or 1.(ii) of dealing with complex Housing Benefit, Grants, Supporting People, social housing, or other Social Security related benefit function matters at a senior level*, to include all 3 areas below:
• i) Effectively managing a significant function, such as local service unit, policy / systems / project function, or service centre to provide a high-quality service to customers;

* Senior level is defined as responsibility for managing a significant service e.g. an HB Business Area

• ii) Undertaking a senior representational role with stakeholders in order to resolve complex matters through consultation with a number of partners; and
• iii) Experience of achievement of significant objectives through others including strong evidence of an ability to set targets, analyse progress against those and to identifying areas for improvement and in planning for those.

3. Can demonstrate significant relevant experience in at least two of the three areas below:

• i) Experience of managing and delivering a significant change programme
• ii) Experience of managing a significant budget including clear evidence of an ability to deal with contingencies and to ensuring that VFM, probity and proper governance measures are in place.
• iii) Experience of the interpretation of legislative changes and clear evidence of an ability to develop or modify appropriate policies to ensure that services are delivered in a manner consistent with legislative intentions.
• 4. Possess a current driving licence or have access to a form of transport that enables them to meet the requirements of the post in full

Desirable Criteria

·         1. Possess a recognised professional qualification e.g. Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

Further information, including detailed job requirements and application form, is available from our website or by:

Telephone: 03448 920900

Email: recruit@nihe.gov.uk