At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver essential financial support to residents facing hardship and assess crisis payments.
- Company: Join a dedicated council team focused on community resilience and support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful change in people's lives.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping residents improve their financial stability and well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience in benefits administration and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Role Purpose
To deliver a high-quality, customer-focused benefits and financial support service as part of the Council’s Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF), supporting residents experiencing or at risk of financial hardship. The postholder will assess and administer Crisis Support Payments and Housing-related financial assistance, while proactively engaging residents to maximise income, reduce expenditure, and improve long-term financial resilience. The role also contributes to wider Revenues and Benefits service delivery, including Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support processing, and may support debt prevention and recovery activity where required.
Key Responsibilities
- Crisis Resilience Fund Delivery
Assess and process applications for Crisis Support Payments and Housing-related assistance in line with Council policy and guidance. Make timely and accurate decisions, prioritising urgent and vulnerable cases. Ensure all awards are correctly verified, assessed, and recorded. Identify and escalate safeguarding or vulnerability concerns where appropriate. - Income Maximisation & Financial Support
Proactively contact residents (primarily via telephone) to carry out financial assessments. Identify opportunities to maximise income, including unclaimed benefits and grants. Support residents in reducing household expenditure through budgeting advice and referrals. Provide tailored financial support guidance based on individual circumstances. Refer customers to internal services and external partners such as debt advice agencies and voluntary sector organisations. - Housing Benefit & Council Tax Support Processing
Process Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims, changes, and reviews accurately and in line with legislation. Prioritise urgent cases and maintain performance targets. Identify and refer suspected fraud, error, or overpayments where appropriate. - Stakeholder Engagement
Work collaboratively with internal departments including Housing, Revenues, and Adult Social Care. Liaise with external agencies including DWP, HMRC, and third-sector support organisations. Act as a key point of contact for CRF-related enquiries and case coordination. - Case Management & Customer Service
Manage a complex caseload, ensuring accurate recording of all interactions and decisions. Deliver a professional, empathetic service to residents, including vulnerable individuals. Communicate decisions clearly and ensure customers understand outcomes and next steps. - Performance, Data & Reporting
Accurately record outcomes including financial assistance provided, income maximised, and referrals made. Maintain high standards of data quality and case recording. Contribute to reporting requirements demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of the CRF. - Debt Prevention & Recovery (as required)
Support early intervention to prevent escalation of debt. Assist in the management of overpayments and recovery arrangements. Promote sustainable repayment plans with consideration of vulnerability. - Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve processes, customer journeys, and service delivery. Contribute to service development and use of data to improve outcomes. Support adoption of digital tools and process improvements where appropriate.
Key Outcomes
Crisis payments are processed accurately and within agreed timescales. Residents receive effective financial support that improves long-term stability. Income maximisation outcomes are clearly evidenced and reported. High levels of customer satisfaction are achieved. Service performance targets are consistently met.
Essential Skills & Experience
Experience in Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, or local authority benefits administration. Strong understanding of welfare benefits legislation and assessment processes. Ability to manage complex casework and make accurate decisions under pressure. Excellent communication skills, particularly in telephone-based customer contact. Experience working with vulnerable customers and handling sensitive situations. Strong attention to detail and accurate data recording skills.
Benefits Assessment Officer – AR employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a Benefits Assessment Officer within the Council's Crisis Resilience Fund, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the lives of residents facing financial hardship. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee development and offers opportunities for continuous improvement, ensuring that you can grow your skills while contributing to meaningful community support. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a collaborative environment where your efforts directly impact the well-being of our community, making this an excellent place to build a rewarding career.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Assessment Officer – AR
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Benefits Assessment Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate your experience in housing benefits and customer service. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach for each application. Research the Council’s Crisis Resilience Fund and think about how your skills can directly contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another applicant; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Assessment Officer – AR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Benefits Assessment Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our Crisis Resilience Fund, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with residents, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and maybe even share a brief story that illustrates your ability to handle sensitive situations.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail:As a Benefits Assessment Officer, accuracy is key! Make sure to emphasise your attention to detail in your application. You could mention any previous roles where you had to manage complex casework or ensure precise data recording.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and policies, as well as the Crisis Resilience Fund's objectives. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the impact it has on residents.
✨Practice Empathetic Communication
Since you'll be dealing with vulnerable individuals, practice how to communicate sensitive information clearly and compassionately. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to get comfortable with delivering difficult news while maintaining a supportive tone.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex cases in the past. Think about times when you had to make quick decisions under pressure or find creative solutions to help someone in financial hardship. This will highlight your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with other departments or external agencies in the past. Share specific examples of how you contributed to a team effort, especially in situations that required coordination with various stakeholders.
