At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with rent and council tax accounts, ensuring accurate and timely service.
- Company: Chesterfield Borough Council, a forward-thinking public sector organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, empathy, and a can-do mindset.
The predicted salary is between 25583 - 25989 £ per year.
Salary details: £25,583.00 to £25,989.00 per year
Job term: fixed term maternity cover for up to 12 months
Appointment type: full time
Hours: 37 hours Monday to Friday
Location: Town Hall
Department: Revenues and Benefits
Are you looking to develop your revenues and benefits career in a supportive, forward‑thinking public sector organisation? Chesterfield Borough Council is seeking a dedicated Revenues and Benefits Officer to join our rents team and help deliver an accurate, timely and customer‑focused service - supporting residents to understand their accounts, access the right help, and sustain payments, while protecting the income that funds vital local services. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience in housing rent billing and recovery.
About the role
As a Revenues and Benefits Officer, you’ll work across rent and Council Tax accounts - setting up and updating customer accounts, supporting people to access the right help, and taking action (in line with legislation and council procedures) to recover income when payments are missed.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Set up and maintain rent, council tax and (where needed) other income accounts, keeping records accurate and up to date.
- Take payments and put practical arrangements in place (including Direct Debits), encouraging preferred payment methods.
- Support customers to access the right help (for example Council Tax Support or Universal Credit housing costs) and handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
- Recover arrears and outstanding debt using the most effective option available - monitoring and adjusting arrangements and escalating appropriately in line with legislation and council procedures.
- Work with colleagues and partner agencies as needed, stay alert to potential fraud, and keep your knowledge of legislation and systems up to date.
About you (what helps you thrive here)
You don’t need to have worked in local government to do well - what matters most is your approach. You’ll be a clear communicator with good numeracy, comfortable working methodically and accurately, and able to keep going when the work is busy or a conversation is tough. You’ll use judgement every day - balancing customer circumstances with legislation and policy - so you’ll be confident making decisions, asking the right questions, and knowing when something needs to be escalated (including potential safeguarding or fraud concerns).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (you can explain decisions clearly and professionally).
- Empathy and resilience - able to build rapport, manage sensitive information, and stay calm under pressure.
- IT confidence (including Word/Excel); experience with Academy or Northgate --Housing is a plus, but not essential.
- A ‘can-do’ mindset and willingness to learn as priorities and legislation change.
Why join us?
We believe great service starts with great people. We’re committed to recruiting and developing passionate, talented individuals who want to make a meaningful difference - supporting residents with empathy and accuracy and helping protect the income that funds local services. You’ll join a team that values innovation, collaboration and professional growth, and that takes pride in doing the best for our communities. Flexible working options, including job‑share, will be considered.
A basic DBS check is required for this role. Candidates must possess the necessary right to work authorisation to enable them to work for Chesterfield Borough Council. Regrettably, we are unable to provide sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this juncture.
Closing date: 4 May 2026
Provisional interview date: 21 May 2026
Revenues and Benefits Officer in Chesterfield employer: Chesterfield Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Chesterfield Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Revenues and Benefits Officer in Chesterfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's values and recent projects. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you tailor your answers to what they care about most.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires clear explanations and empathy, try role-playing common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨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, it shows you're serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Revenues and Benefits Officer in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in revenues and benefits. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and professional. Don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors – we want to see your attention to detail!
Demonstrate Empathy and Resilience: In your application, share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations with empathy. We value candidates who can manage tough conversations while maintaining professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chesterfield Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Revenues and Benefits Officer. Brush up on housing rent billing, council tax processes, and relevant legislation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role involves handling sensitive situations, be prepared to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed difficult conversations or supported someone in need.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Prepare by thinking through how you would handle various customer situations, especially those involving arrears or potential fraud. This will showcase your ability to balance customer needs with policy.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask. Inquire about team dynamics, training opportunities, or how the council adapts to changes in legislation. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.