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- Tasks: Join our team to assess and process financial support for vulnerable residents.
- Company: Coventry City Council is dedicated to helping the community thrive through inclusive services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive rewards package, including a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for eligible groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a diverse and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Good customer service skills and knowledge of welfare reforms are essential.
- Other info: This role requires a satisfactory DBS check and offers no sponsorship for work visas.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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, administered on behalf of the Department for Works and Pensions, including recovery of overpaid housing benefit.
- Council Tax Support, a local scheme that helps residents with their Council Tax charges.
- Free School Meals, working closely with schools to ensure every entitled child receives a free meal.
- Community Support Grant Scheme, assisting in emergency situations and helping citizens resettle into the community by providing essential furniture items.
We embrace the ONE COVENTRY approach, working closely with external partners and other Council teams such as Housing, Homelessness, and Children’s services to support our residents holistically.
Our Values
Aligned with our One Coventry Values, we aim to reflect our community in our workforce. We are committed to being a truly inclusive organization that encourages diversity of all kinds, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled, and neurodiverse communities to help us maintain equity and respect in all 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.
- Engage and empower: We listen and work together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver excellent services.
- Value and respect: We prioritize diversity and inclusion.
Job Role
All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are not offering sponsorship for this role.
We seek proactive, motivated individuals for full-time, permanent positions responsible for assessing customers receiving Universal Credit, awarding Local Council Tax Support, and Free School Meals. You will work as part of a team of Benefit Officers to ensure prompt and accurate processing of claims using our Revenues and Benefits IT systems.
This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires a satisfactory DBS check.
Candidate Requirements
- Good customer service skills and knowledge of welfare reforms, especially Universal Credit\’s effects on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Numeracy skills for assessing claims accurately.
- Knowledge of Welfare Benefits and confidentiality importance.
- Keyboard skills for data input and communication.
- Ability to write responses to complex enquiries.
- Effective organization and prioritization skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
For application support, visit our accessibility page. For details on the application process, see the \’Coventry City Council Application Process\’ document on our jobs page.
We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for eligible groups, including Armed Forces members, those in or previously in care, and individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Note: Applications suspected of using AI without justification will be rejected.
Interview Dates
- Assessment: Tuesday 26 August 2025 at Coventry Council House
- Interviews: Thursday 28 & Friday 29 August 2025 at One Friargate Station Square, Coventry
About Coventry
Coventry is a vibrant, diverse city with a proud history of community spirit and social change. Our staff of around 5,100 from varied backgrounds is committed to excellence and making a difference. Join us and enjoy a comprehensive rewards and benefits package. More info at our vacancies page.
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BENEFIT OFFICER employer: Coventry City Council
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land BENEFIT OFFICER
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific welfare reforms, especially Universal Credit, as this knowledge will be crucial in your role. Understanding how these changes impact Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively handled complex enquiries in the past. This will show your ability to engage and empower residents, aligning with the One Coventry values.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your organisational skills by discussing how you manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Being able to prioritise effectively is key for a Benefit Officer, so share relevant experiences that showcase this ability.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Coventry City Council's approach to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive workplace, as they value candidates who reflect the community they serve.
We think you need these skills to ace BENEFIT OFFICER
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Benefit Officer. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in customer service, welfare benefits, or similar roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of Universal Credit and its impact on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your numeracy skills, ability to handle complex enquiries, and proficiency in data input. Provide examples of how you've successfully organised and prioritised tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Emphasise Inclusivity: Align your application with Coventry City Council's values by expressing your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Mention any experiences that reflect your understanding of these values and how you can contribute to a supportive work environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Benefit Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key areas such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, and Free School Meals. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role requires excellent customer service skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully assisted customers or resolved issues. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically, especially in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Welfare Reforms
Be ready to discuss your understanding of welfare reforms, particularly how Universal Credit impacts Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. This shows that you are informed about current policies and can apply this knowledge in your role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
The role involves working closely with various teams and external partners. Prepare to discuss your experience in collaborative environments and how you contribute to team success. Mention any specific instances where you worked with others to achieve a common goal.
