At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure accurate assessment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims.
- Company: Local Authority in West Northamptonshire with a focus on community support.
- Benefits: 6-month contract with potential extension, valuable experience in public service.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and training within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing essential skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; experience in Revenues & Benefits preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in West Northamptonshire to assist with the appointment of a Subsidy Officer, on a 6‐month contract, highly likely to be extended at the client's discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.
The Subsidy Officer is responsible for ensuring Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims are assessed accurately and in line with legislation and guidance. The role supports the completion of annual subsidy returns, works closely with auditors, and helps maximise subsidy income to the Council while improving overall performance and compliance within the Benefits team.
Responsibilities
- Maintain up‐to‐date knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax legislation, case law, software updates, procedures, and policies.
- Assist in the preparation, completion, submission, and audit verification of annual Housing Benefit subsidy claims, including liaison with external auditors.
- Support the Training and Resilience team in preparing and delivering subsidy‐related training to improve team performance and awareness.
- Provide structured feedback to Team Leaders based on subsidy audits and checking outcomes, identifying specific development and training needs.
- Undertake targeted checks in high‐risk subsidy areas to minimise financial loss and improve accuracy.
- Make recommendations to improve claim assessments and overpayment classifications to maximise income to the Council.
Qualifications
- Educated to GCSE level including Maths and English, with experience working within a Revenues & Benefits environment.
- Strong understanding of Housing Benefit and Council Tax legislation and the ability to interpret complex regulations.
- ICT proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong communication, influencing skills, and the ability to handle sensitive situations tactfully.
- Analytical skills, with the ability to gather and interpret information accurately.
Subsidy Officer in Northampton employer: Brackenberry Limited
As a Subsidy Officer with our Local Authority in West Northamptonshire, you will join a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and community impact. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth through training initiatives, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in local governance while ensuring compliance and maximising subsidy income for the Council.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Subsidy Officer in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the local authority or benefits sector. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax legislation. We want you to show off your expertise and how you can help maximise subsidy income!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice answering common interview questions related to compliance and auditing. We know it can be nerve-wracking, but being ready will boost your confidence and impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen quickly, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Subsidy Officer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subsidy Officer role. Highlight your experience with Housing Benefit and Council Tax legislation, and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; showcase your analytical skills and ICT proficiency. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities. This helps us see you in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like benefits.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for immediate consideration. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brackenberry Limited
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest Housing Benefit and Council Tax legislation before your interview. Being able to discuss recent changes or case law will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable, which is crucial for a Subsidy Officer.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used your analytical skills in previous roles. Whether it's interpreting complex regulations or conducting audits, having specific instances ready will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. As a Subsidy Officer, you'll need strong communication skills to liaise with auditors and provide feedback to team leaders. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Training Contributions
Think about how you can support the Training and Resilience team. Be prepared to share ideas on how you would approach delivering subsidy-related training and improving team performance. This shows your commitment to collaboration and development within the team.
