Are you passionate about making a direct, positive impact on people''s lives? Do you have a deep understanding of welfare rights and a drive to prevent homelessness?Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for Hackney Council, is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Welfare Rights Officer to join us as a Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) specialist.This is more than just a processing role; it''s a chance to provide a vital lifeline to residents facing financial hardship. You will be at the forefront of our mission to prevent homelessness, using your expertise to help individuals and families sustain their tenancies and move towards long-term financial stability.About the RoleAs a DHP specialist, you will take a holistic and compassionate approach to supporting residents who are struggling with their rent or housing costs. Your primary goal will be to use DHP awards to overcome immediate financial challenges while empowering residents to build a more secure future.You won''t just look at the numbers; you''ll consider the person. This means creating a larger package of support that includes maximising their income, providing clear advice and guidance, and effectively signposting them to other helpful services both within and outside the council.What You''ll Be DoingMaking a Difference: Assess residents'' requests for support with their housing costs, making fair and effective decisions on DHP awards and other discretionary funds to help them sustain their tenancy or secure al