At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide the Benefits Team, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality service.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on improving residents' lives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in benefits administration and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is looking for an experienced Principal Benefits Officer to join our Benefits Service. The role is to provide support and guidance to one of the benefit teams and assist the Benefits Team Manager with the day-to-day organisation and operational efficiency of the team. The primary focus of the Benefits Service is the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The service also deals with Adult Social Care Financial Assessments, Sundry Debt recovery, Discretionary Housing and Council Tax payments, Local Welfare Assistance, the recovery of Housing Benefit overpayments, free school meals and many of the discretionary schemes introduced by central government as a response to the Cost of Living Crisis. The role is also an opportunity to develop your own leadership skills.
The successful candidate will have proven skills and experience in a housing benefit environment, debt collection, and financial assessments. They should have a detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance together with the ability to drive improvements across the team whilst meeting performance targets. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting a team manager with the day-to-day supervision of one of the teams within the Benefits Service.
- Dealing with complex casework, projects, training, and assisting other team members.
- Contributing to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures in the Benefits Service.
We are looking for a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to assist in providing a professional, efficient, and high-quality service.
Qualifications and Requirements:
To be considered for this position, you should meet the following requirements:
- Experience working in a benefits environment.
- Conscientious attitude and attention to detail.
- Expert knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and practice.
- Working knowledge of local policies regarding CTR, DHP, LWA, Adult Social Care.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven experience of thriving under pressure.
- A drive to learn and continually improve.
- Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
- Passionate about doing a good job and delivering results.
- Flexible approach to work to accommodate and deliver results.
Terms and Conditions:
The below terms and conditions apply to this role:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
- Satisfactory declaration of interest.
- Satisfactory DBS check.
- As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online by pressing the ‘Apply’ button below. This includes a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity.
- Opposing all forms of discrimination.
To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process. The council also operates a scheme whereby internal candidates are considered first. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.
We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Maria Hayzer (Benefits Team Leader) at maria.hayzer@walthamforest.gov.uk.
*INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Principal Benefits Officer employer: Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. As a Good Work Standard employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and staff are supported in balancing their work and personal lives. With opportunities for leadership development and a focus on delivering high-quality services to our community, joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking council dedicated to making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land *INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Principal Benefits Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues or connections within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Benefits Service. Understand their current projects and challenges. This will help us tailor your answers and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to benefits administration and leadership. We can even do mock interviews together to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our amazing team at Waltham Forest.
We think you need these skills to ace *INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Principal Benefits Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Principal Benefits Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so be specific about your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of housing benefits and related legislation in your application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so don’t hold back on sharing your expertise!
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing benefits, council tax reduction, and relevant legislation. The interviewers will likely ask you about specific policies and practices, so being well-versed in these areas will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves assisting with team supervision, be prepared to discuss your leadership experience. Think of examples where you've successfully led a project or improved team performance, and be ready to share how you can bring that expertise to the Benefits Service.
✨Prepare for Complex Casework Questions
Expect questions about handling complex casework and how you approach problem-solving. Have a few scenarios in mind where you navigated tricky situations effectively, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are a must for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You might even want to prepare a brief statement about why you're passionate about delivering high-quality services to residents.
