Job Title: Crisis & Housing Payments Assessors (2 Positions)
Contract Length: 6 months
Rate: £30 per hour (Umbrella)
Start Date: Immediate
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Working Pattern: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week at the Civic Offices Reading RG1 (reliable home internet required)
Purpose of the Role
We are recruiting two Crisis & Housing Payments Assessors to support residents facing financial hardship. You will assess Crisis Payment and Housing Payment applications, make timely and consistent decisions, and provide income maximisation, budgeting support, and referrals to wider resilience services.
This role requires confident decision-making in line with the Crisis Resilience Fund policy and relevant government guidance, alongside a compassionate, trauma-informed approach when supporting residents in crisis.
Key Responsibilities
*Assess Crisis Payment and Housing Payment applications in accordance with Crisis Resilience Fund policy and government guidance.
*Decide whether applicants’ circumstances constitute a crisis or risk of crisis and determine appropriate support.
*Carry out 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 specialist support.
*Make warm referrals (with consent) to welfare advice, financial inclusion services, housing support, and voluntary sector partners.
*Maintain accurate case records, explain decisions clearly to applicants, and meet required processing timescales.
Essential Skills and Experience
*Previous experience assessing Crisis Payments is essential.
*Strong understanding of welfare benefits, housing costs, debt advice, or wider financial support services.
*Ability to gather and assess information, apply eligibility criteria, and make fair, evidence-based decisions.
*Confidence in assessing financial information, including income, expenditure, and housing costs.
*Clear written and verbal communication skills, using plain English.
*Ability to work calmly and respectfully with residents experiencing distress or crisis, using a trauma-informed approach.
*Confident use of IT systems, including case management and document management tools.
*Ability to manage a personal caseload, work independently, and meet tight deadlines for urgent decisions.
What We Offer
*Competitive hourly rate of £30 umbrella.
*Immediate start in a fast-paced, impactful role.
*Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility balanced by on-site collaboration.
*Opportunity to make a tangible difference to residents during periods of crisis.