At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents facing financial hardship by assessing and administering crisis support payments.
- Company: Join a dedicated council team focused on community resilience and support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to improve processes and customer experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help us tailor our answers and show that we're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable we are with our responses, the more confident we'll feel during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Make sure we look professional and appropriate for the role. First impressions matter, and being well-dressed can boost our confidence and show that we take the opportunity seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us on the interviewer's radar. It shows our enthusiasm for the position and reinforces our interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Assessment Officer – AR in London
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!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Show Your Empathy:Since this role involves working with vulnerable residents, it’s important to convey your understanding and empathy in your application. Share any experiences where you’ve supported individuals in difficult situations, as this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 Empathy in Your Responses
Since this role involves working with vulnerable individuals, it's crucial to demonstrate empathy during your interview. Prepare examples of how you've handled sensitive situations in the past, focusing on your ability to communicate clearly and compassionately.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex casework or made decisions under pressure. Think of specific scenarios where you identified issues and implemented solutions, especially in financial assessments or crisis situations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in collaborating with internal departments and external agencies. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, as this role requires strong engagement skills to coordinate support for residents.
