*INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Principal Benefits Officer in Walthamstow

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.

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.