At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents access essential financial support and navigate benefit entitlements.
- Company: Gateshead Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus knowledge of benefits systems.
The predicted salary is between 24065 - 29413 £ per year.
Benefits Assistant Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2029.
Be part of a service that puts customers at the heart of everything we do.
Who We Are And What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives?
If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance.
Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Help people access the support they need, when they need it most.
Our
Customer Experience and Digital service is responsible for delivering high-quality, customer-focused services that support residents, businesses and communities across Gateshead.
Bringing together digital services, customer experience, customer services, Council Tax, business rates, benefits and financial assessments, the service plays a key role in improving how customers access and interact with council services.
It leads on digital and web development, customer insight and engagement, and drives service improvements that support the council's transformation and channel shift ambitions, while ensuring the effective delivery of a range of essential customer and financial services.
Supporting residents, delivering outcomes, making a difference every day.
Join us in making a positive difference to the lives of Gateshead residents. As a
Benefits Assistant , you'll be at the heart of delivering essential financial support services, helping customers navigate benefit entitlements and access the assistance available to them.
This is an opportunity to use your benefits expertise and customer-focused approach in a role where your work has a direct impact on individuals, families and communities across the borough.
- What You'll Get To Do
- Provide advice and guidance to residents on Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Support and other available financial assistance, helping customers access the support they're entitled to.
- Process Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Support, Free School Meals and free school travel applications accurately and efficiently to ensure timely decisions and payments.
- Keep up to date with benefit legislation and local schemes, applying your knowledge to deliver a high-quality, compliant service.
- Meet with customers, both in person and through home visits where required, to support benefit applications and gather relevant supporting information.
- Work closely with colleagues, partner organisations and external agencies to improve customer outcomes and maximise benefit take-up across the borough.
- Assess and calculate entitlement, including retrospective awards, ensuring claims are awarded correctly and for the appropriate periods.
- Explain benefit decisions, calculations and overpayments clearly and sensitively, responding to customer enquiries and correspondence in a professional and supportive manner.
- Manage the recovery of overpayments in line with legislation, policy and council procedures.
- Support the development of colleagues through mentoring, coaching and sharing your knowledge and expertise.
- Contribute to the ongoing success of the team and undertaking other duties appropriate to the role.
- What You'll Bring
- A minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
- Demonstratable knowledge and experience working within Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Support, the wider benefits system, or Local Government Finance with the ability to apply complex regulations accurately.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and other digital systems to manage information and deliver efficient services.
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with a high level of accuracy when processing financial information and calculations.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly, provide outstanding customer service, and build positive working relationships with customers and colleagues.
- What’s In It For You
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf. info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid
- Car
Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary
Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work.
We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve.
We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Benefits Assistant (Crisis and Resilience Fund) in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Children's Registered Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and ongoing professional growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Assistant (Crisis and Resilience Fund) in Gateshead
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Assistant (Crisis and Resilience Fund) in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Gateshead Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Gateshead Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
