BENEFIT OFFICER

BENEFIT OFFICER

Preston Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Coventry City Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Benefit Service to assess Universal Credit claims and support local families.
  • Company: Coventry City Council is a vibrant, innovative organisation dedicated to social change.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with training, career development, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills in a dynamic setting.
  • Qualifications: Good customer service skills, numeracy, and basic knowledge of welfare reforms required.
  • Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; DBS check needed.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

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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, why not join our Benefit Service?

We have full-time, permanent vacancies for proactive, motivated individuals who, after a period of training, will be responsible for assessing customers receiving Universal Credit to award 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 on our Revenues and Benefits IT systems and document management systems.

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check.

Who are we looking for?

If you have good customer service skills, a basic knowledge of welfare reforms, and experience working in a fast-paced, changing environment, then this role is for you.

  • Possess good 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 confidentiality.
  • Possess keyboard skills for efficient data input, retrieval, email communication, and Excel.
  • Be able to write responses to complex enquiries from customers and external agencies.
  • Be able to organise and prioritise your workload effectively.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page for assistance.

For full details on the application process, please read the attached document on our jobs page titled \’Coventry City Council Application Process.\’

Guaranteed Interview Scheme – We offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups, provided you meet the role\’s minimum requirements and belong to one of the following categories:

  • Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
  • Individuals currently in care or previously in care
  • Persons who consider themselves disabled or have a long-term health condition

For full details, see the \’Coventry City Council Application Process\’ document.

If evidence suggests a candidate used AI to complete their application, it will be rejected unless justified reasonably.

Assessment date: Tuesday, 26 August at Council House.

If successful, interview dates are: Thursday, 28 August, and Friday, 29 August at One Friargate Station Square, Coventry.

About Coventry

Coventry has a proud, innovative, and creative spirit, with a history of communities coming together to solve problems and bring social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant, and diverse. We are committed to excellence, with staff from various backgrounds. Our goal is to recruit and develop talented people who focus on customers, take responsibility, collaborate, and innovate.

To deliver excellent services, we need the best people to make a difference in our communities.

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BENEFIT OFFICER employer: Coventry City Council

Join Coventry City Council as a Benefit Officer and become part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer comprehensive training and opportunities for growth within a supportive and inclusive work culture. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Coventry, where innovation and collaboration thrive, ensuring that your contributions truly matter.
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 Universal Credit and the specific benefits you’ll be assessing, like Local Council Tax Support and Free School Meals. Understanding these areas will not only help you in the role but also impress during your interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your customer service skills. Since this role involves interacting with customers and external agencies, demonstrating your ability to handle complex enquiries effectively will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your numeracy skills, especially in relation to assessing claims. Being able to accurately process figures and data is crucial for this position, so consider doing some practice exercises to boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples from your past work experience that showcase your ability to organise and prioritise your workload. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, which is essential for this role.

We think you need these skills to ace BENEFIT OFFICER

Customer Service Skills
Numeracy Skills
Welfare Reforms Knowledge
Data Input and Retrieval
Document Management Systems
Excel Proficiency
Organisational Skills
Prioritisation Skills
Written Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Confidentiality Awareness

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 skills and experiences that match what they are looking for.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience you have in customer service, welfare reforms, or working in fast-paced environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in numeracy and data management.

Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that showcases your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the role. Be sure to mention your ability to handle complex enquiries and your organisational skills.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

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 Universal Credit, Local Council Tax Support, and Free School Meals. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

✨Showcase Customer Service Skills

Since good customer service skills are essential for this position, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled customer inquiries or resolved issues. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.

✨Demonstrate Numeracy Skills

As the role requires accurate assessment of claims, be ready to discuss your numeracy skills. You might be asked to solve basic calculations or explain how you ensure accuracy in data entry. Practising these skills beforehand can give you an edge.

✨Prepare for Complex Enquiries

You may face questions about how to handle complex enquiries from customers or external agencies. Think of scenarios where you've had to write detailed responses or manage difficult situations, and be prepared to discuss your approach and thought process.

BENEFIT OFFICER
Coventry City Council
Location: Preston
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