Crisis fund assessment officer

Crisis Resilience Fund Assessment OfficerContract Type: 6-month interimLocation: ReadingSalary: £30 per hour (inside IR35 via Umbrella)Working Hours: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site, rest remote)Join our client a local authority as a Crisis Resilience Fund Assessment Officer. This role is crucial for assessing Crisis Payment and Housing Payment applications, making timely decisions, and providing essential support services to residents in need.Day-to-day of the role:Assess Crisis Payment and Housing Payment applications in accordance with the Crisis Resilience Fund policy and government guidance.Determine if circumstances qualify as a crisis or risk of crisis and decide on the appropriate support.Implement a cash-first approach, selecting the most suitable payment methods, and using vouchers or goods only when they better meet the needs.Conduct proportionate verification checks including identity, income, savings, and housing costs.Provide benefit checks, income maximisation advice, and basic budgeting support.Identify problem debt, offer immediate harm-reduction advice, and signpost to appropriate support.Make warm referrals to welfare advice, financial inclusion, housing support, and voluntary sector partners where consent is given.Maintain accurate records, clearly explain decisions, and meet required processing timescales.Required Skills and Qualifications:Experience working directly with the public in person, by phone, or online, handling sensitive enquiries.Understanding of ..... full job details .....