At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to assess and process financial support for vulnerable residents.
- Company: Coventry City Council is dedicated to inclusivity and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic rewards package and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good customer service skills and basic knowledge of welfare reforms are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values are:
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
Coventry City Council’s Benefits Service is comprised of diverse, multi-talented teams who all have the same aim, to help the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Our work is varied and covers the assessment and administration of schemes that provide financial help and support for those in need.
Specifically, the teams are responsible for the delivery of:
- Housing Benefit and Discretionary Housing Payments which we administer on behalf of the Department for Works and Pensions. We also recover any overpaid housing benefit
- Council Tax Support which is a local scheme that helps residents with their Council Tax charges
- Free School Meals, by working closely with schools we aim to ensure every child who is entitled has a free school meal
- Community Support Grant Scheme which includes assistance in extreme emergency situations and can provide citizens help to resettle back into the community by providing essential furniture items.
What is the job role?
All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.
Are you looking for a new challenge, if so, then why not join our Benefit Service
We have full time permanent vacancies for pro-active, motivated individuals who, after a period of training, will be responsible for the assessment for customers receiving Universal Credit to award Local Council Tax Support and award Free School Meals.
You will work as part of a team of Benefit Officers to ensure prompt and accurate processing of claims on our Revenues and Benefits and document management IT systems.
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Who are we looking for?
If you have good customer service skills, a basic knowledge of welfare reforms: the effects of Universal Credit on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support and are used to working in a fast- paced changing environment, then this is the role for you.
- Possess a good level of numeracy skills to accurately assess claims for Council Tax support using an online system
- Have knowledge of Housing Benefit, council tax support and other Welfare Benefits including the importance of confidentiality
- Possess keyboard skills for efficient data input, retrieval, and email communication and excel.
- Be able to compose written responses to complex enquiries from customers and external agencies.
- Be able to organise and prioritise own workload effectively.
- Be able to deliver excellent customer service skills.
For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled \'Coventry City Council Application Process\'
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\'ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Interview date(s): Assessment Date Tuesday 26 August 2025 -Council House
If successful Interview dates are - Thursday 28 & Friday 29th August 2025 -One Friargate Station Square Coventry
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.
At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies
Coventry City Council
Attached documents
- RM-00037373-Benefits Officer-Job Description (1) PDF AUGUST 2025.pdf
- Coventry City Council Application Process (1).pdf
BENEFIT OFFICER in Coventry employer: Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented within our workforce. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training and growth opportunities in a supportive environment, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. Located in the vibrant city of Coventry, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering essential services while enjoying a rewarding benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BENEFIT OFFICER in Coventry
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Coventry City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Coventry City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace BENEFIT OFFICER in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Coventry City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Coventry City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Coventry City Council.
