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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents access financial support through Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support applications.
- Company: Join Charnwood Council, a diverse and inclusive employer dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, agile working, professional development, and free parking.
- Other info: Full training provided; no prior welfare benefits experience necessary.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Self-motivated, organised, and empathetic individuals with attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ 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 which ensure that customers get the financial support that they are entitled to. Day to day, you’ll be providing a high quality and customer-focused service to residents. This can be in writing, via electronic channels, via the 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 assessing applications for discretionary payments.
The Person
We are looking for candidates who are self-motivated, organised, empathetic and committed to providing a fair and consistent service to all. The successful candidates will have excellent attention to detail, the ability to learn and interpret legislation, good questioning and analytical skills, and 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 of leave (depending on length of service), 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
About the Council
Charnwood is one of the largest shire district councils in the country based on population, serving around 183,000 people. We offer a range of services, with everything from refuse and recycling collections to the operation of a theatre and historic markets. Our services are built on our values: Pride in Charnwood; Customer Focused and Working Together.
Charnwood is located in the centre of the country with rail, road and air links to the rest of the nation and the world beyond. Our investment brand in Charnwood describes the borough as being at the centre of innovation. Our economy is increasingly diversifying, leveraging the incredible research that flows from the world class Loughborough University and our science and technology related industries.
There are a range of exciting developments and regeneration opportunities which will help create high-quality jobs and ensure continued economic prosperity.
Benefits Officer M557 employer: East Midlands Jobs
Contact Detail:
East Midlands Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer M557
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Charnwood Council. Understand their values and services, and think about how your skills as a Benefits Officer can contribute to their mission. This will show them you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to benefits assessment and customer service. Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your attention to detail and empathy. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even if the role is in a casual environment, looking professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are serious about joining the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It’s a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them why you’d be a great fit for the Benefits Assessment Team. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer M557
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 bring your unique strengths to our team!
Showcase Your Customer Focus: Since this role is all about providing a high-quality, customer-focused service, share examples of how you've successfully helped customers in the past. We love hearing about your empathy and commitment to fairness!
Attention to Detail is Key: As a Benefits Officer, you'll be dealing with important financial information. Make sure your application is free from errors and clearly structured. We appreciate candidates who take the time to get it right!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Jobs
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Understanding the basics will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your commitment to providing a high-quality service.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Benefits Officer, you'll be dealing with residents who may be in difficult situations. Prepare examples of how you've shown empathy in past roles or experiences. This will highlight your ability to connect with customers and provide the support they need.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role requires processing claims and changes accurately, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. Bring up specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
The job involves working in a fast-paced team environment, so expect questions about teamwork. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, and be ready to share those stories.