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- Tasks: Help administer vital benefits and support financially vulnerable residents.
- Company: Join a friendly local government team dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, training, and 22 days annual leave.
- Other info: Agile working environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and ability to work under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 27650 - 29762 £ per year.
We are looking for a Benefits and Local Council Tax Support assessment officer to join our team. They will help us to administer these important benefits. If you have minimal or no experience, then we will train you. This is a good opportunity to start or return to a career in local government. We are transitioning from a Case/Specialist operating model to a more conventional structure. The successful candidate will be a valued member of our new team. You will help financially vulnerable residents, whilst ensuring fraud and error is minimised, maximising the money available to help those who need help from public funds.
This role could be for you if you meet the following essential requirements:
- Knowledge and Experience
- Well evidenced experience of providing good customer service
- Proven experience of working under pressure, whilst staying calm and keeping accuracy
- Awareness of data protection and confidentiality
- Able to communicate complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Able to analyse information and establish next steps, including when to escalate a case
- Able to be accurate, detailed and professional in approach to work
- Able to provide a full response that pre-empts the next question
- Able to work both collaboratively and independently, checking in as necessary
- Able to manage own time effectively
If you can also meet the following desirable criteria – that would be great:
- Experience of Civica OPENRevenues and Civica OPENWorkflow
- Experience of Housing Benefits processing
We expect the successful candidate to:
- Follow legislation and local processes
- Analyse the situation in front of them, work out and action the next steps
- Deliver high levels of customer service alongside prompt and accurate assessment of claims
- Be a supportive colleague
In return we offer:
- A friendly and supportive environment
- Training as appropriate
- Annual leave entitlement of 22 days
- Access to our flexible working scheme, pension scheme and pleasant working environment near to the town centre
This role attracts a salary between £27,650 and £29,762. Offers are usually made at the lower end of the salary band allowing for progression. This role is classed as Agile. You will need to be in the office full time during any initial training period. After that the successful candidate will be able to work from home part of the working week on a rota basis with colleagues. Our usual office/home working split is 50/50. A basic DBS check will be required upon appointment.
Closing date for applications: 8th March 2026
Interviews W/C: 16th March 2026
Appointment Type: Permanent
Position: Full Time
Job Category: Finance
Hours: 37
Location: Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB
Salary Min: Grade 2 - £27,650
Salary Max: Grade 2 - £29,762
DBS Security Clearance Level Required: Basic (if access to either GCSX or Open Revenues)
Closing Date: 08/03/2026
Ref No: 11016
We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.
Benefits Assessment Officer in Guildford employer: Guildford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Guildford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Assessment Officer in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Benefits Assessment Officer. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for helping financially vulnerable residents.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about providing excellent support, think of examples from your past experiences where you've gone above and beyond for someone. We want to hear those stories during the interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data protection knowledge. Understanding confidentiality is crucial in this role, so make sure you can discuss how you would handle sensitive information responsibly. It’ll show us you’re serious about protecting residents’ data.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Assessment Officer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: We want to see how you've provided great customer service in the past. Share specific examples in your application that highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain accuracy. This will show us you're ready for the role!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, make sure to communicate complex information clearly. We appreciate a well-structured response that pre-empts any follow-up questions. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: We’re looking for someone who can work both independently and as part of a team. Mention any experiences where you collaborated with others or supported colleagues, as this is key to being a valued member of our new team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guildford Borough Council
✨Know Your Benefits
Familiarise yourself with the benefits and local council tax support systems. Understanding how these work will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Customer Service Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about situations where you had to stay calm under pressure and maintain accuracy, as these are key skills for this position.
✨Communication is Key
Practice explaining complex information clearly and concisely. You might be asked to demonstrate how you would communicate with residents about their benefits, so being articulate is crucial.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you analyse information and determine next steps. Consider scenarios where you had to assess a situation and decide when to escalate a case, as this will highlight your problem-solving abilities.