At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents access financial support through Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support applications.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Generous leave, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Full training provided; no prior experience in welfare benefits needed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Self-motivated, organised, and empathetic individuals are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting two Benefits Officers to join our Benefits Assessment Team. The team deals with applications for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, and discretionary payments, gathering information and making decisions that ensure customers receive the financial support they are entitled to. Day to day, you’ll provide a high‑quality, customer‑focused service to residents, whether it is in writing, via electronic channels, telephone, or face‑to‑face. You’ll assess and process all types of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims and changes in circumstances, as well as applications for discretionary payments.
We are looking for candidates who are self‑motivated, organised, empathetic, and committed to providing a fair and consistent service to all. Successful candidates will have excellent attention to detail, the ability to learn and interpret legislation, good questioning and analytical skills, and will be comfortable working in a collaborative, fast‑paced team environment. Knowledge and experience of welfare benefits would be an advantage, but is not essential as full training will be provided.
The benefits of working with us:
- Agile working for many roles
- Generous annual leave of between 35.5 and 40.5 days, inclusive of bank holidays
- Most services are closed over Christmas
- Opportunities for professional development linked to many roles
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Free parking
We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant's Employer Recognition Gold Award. We prioritise the well‑being and engagement of our employees through internal groups such as the Staff Forum, Health and Wellbeing Group, and Equality Working Group. The Council strongly believes a diverse and inclusive workforce helps make our services better. We value the individual strengths of each colleague and the potential they bring.
Find out more about this role and who we are by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/jobs.
Benefits Officer in Loughborough employer: Charnwood Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Charnwood Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the council and its values. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the role of a Benefits Officer, especially your customer service experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your empathy and organisational skills. Think of examples from your past where you've helped others or managed multiple tasks effectively. This is key for a role that involves assessing benefits!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Benefits Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Customer Focus: Since this role is all about providing a high-quality, customer-focused service, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully helped customers in the past. We love seeing empathy and commitment in action!
Attention to Detail is Key: As a Benefits Officer, you'll need to assess and process claims accurately. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their best work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charnwood Borough Council
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Understanding the legislation and processes will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Benefits Officer, you'll be dealing with residents who may be in difficult situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and provided excellent customer service. This will highlight your ability to connect with people.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented
Bring along a notepad or digital device to jot down important points during the interview. This shows that you are organised and value attention to detail, which is crucial for processing claims accurately.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics and the training process. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.