It’s an exciting time to join Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) as we expand and grow our business, whilst developing and improving existing services for our residents.

We deliver housing services on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), supporting them to deliver their housing strategy and ambitious development programme. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, high-quality home that meets their needs. We understand that demand for affordable housing, locally and nationally, significantly outstrips supply and the impact this has on individuals and families. We are therefore committed to building as many new homes as possible, developing innovative solutions and maximising partnerships to positively impact the communities we work in.

We pride ourselves on the culture we’ve created, which is open, transparent, supportive and community spirited. With excellent learning and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements and a fantastic team; NPH is a great place to work. The dedicated careers page on our website lists the fantastic benefits we offer. You can also hear why our colleagues love working for NPH.

The main purpose of the role is to work as part of the Rent Income Team to ensure Northamptonshire Partnership Homes is providing a high-quality, customer-focused service to residents in receipt of, or transitioning to, Universal Credit. The postholder will offer guidance, support, and advocacy to claimants, ensuring they understand the Universal Credit system and receive the appropriate support to sustain tenancies, manage finances, and access additional services as needed.

You should have previous experience of working in a debt recovery field and knowledge of welfare reforms changes (including Universal Credit) is essential.

Key responsibilities are:

• To lead and be the main point of contact for new claimants to Universal Credit,      ensuring customers are confident in their self-ability to manage their UC claim and complete its requirements for claims to be correctly processed. 
• Supporting the customer – monitoring the progress of new UC claimants, ensuring they understand entitlement, payment dates, assessment periods, advance payments and the outcomes should customer actions not be completed, such as potential sanctions etc., which can result in financial hardship/reduction. 
• To work with other teams with regards to vulnerable customers and consider where  needed alternative payment arrangements. To identify, apply for and monitor progress of these applications in line with NPH’s responsibilities as a Trusted Partner of the DWP.
• To be the lead person in managing the Landlord Portal and to act as “UC   Champion” providing guidance, support and advice around UC payments, policies, and providing training and procedures to staff and customers.
• To promote and develop initiatives aimed at reducing digital exclusion of UC customers in the use of online systems and applications.

In return, we offer a range of benefits to employees, including:

– Holiday entitlement of 28 days a year (plus public bank holidays), increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service

– Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (currently 19.6% employer contribution)

– Free parking

– Cycle to work scheme

– Flexible working arrangements

– Employee discount hub

– Training and development opportunities