At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction services in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a champion for diverse communities and a Borough of Sanctuary.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing benefits operations and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57495 - 59574 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
The Revenues and Benefits Department is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Benefit Service Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction services within a complex and fast-paced environment.
We are looking for a candidate who can bring:
- Proven experience managing and motivating large teams, delivering high performance and continuous service improvement
- Strong analytical and performance management skills, including the ability to monitor targets, analyse data, and produce clear management insights
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence in influencing, presenting, and working across partners and senior management
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Benefit Service Manager to lead the delivery and continuous improvement of our Benefits service. You will manage high-performing teams responsible for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and associated discretionary schemes, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, accurately and in line with legislation and corporate priorities. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for service performance, transformation and customer experience, supporting the service to achieve top quartile performance and adapt to an evolving welfare landscape.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
We are looking for a candidate who can bring:
- Extensive knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and welfare reform
- Extensive / in-depth knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation, including Support Exempt Accommodation (SEA)
- Extensive knowledge of subsidy work, audits (both internal and external), overpayments and other complex casework
- Proven experience managing high-volume Benefits operations
- Strong track record of improving service performance and efficiency
- Experience of leading, motivating and developing teams
- Ability to interpret legislation and implement operational change
- Strong analytical skills with experience using performance data
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
The job is subject to a basic DBS check. The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Benefits Service Manager employer: Borough of Lewisham
Join Lewisham Council as a Benefits Service Manager and be part of a team that truly makes a difference in our vibrant, culturally diverse community. We offer excellent training and development opportunities, a generous holiday allowance, and flexible working arrangements, all within a supportive work culture that values diversity and employee well-being. With a commitment to continuous improvement and high performance, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead impactful services while enjoying the benefits of working in a progressive local government environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Service Manager
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Borough of Lewisham, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Borough of Lewisham and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Borough of Lewisham and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Borough of Lewisham, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Borough of Lewisham.
