At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people access housing benefits and support vulnerable service users.
- Company: Hull City Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Understanding of welfare benefits and strong ICT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25583 - 29064 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Housing Benefit Team. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, hardworking individual who is willing to take on a challenge and committed to developing their skills and knowledge. This post is permanent for 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.
Responsibilities
- Gather evidence and calculate a customer's entitlement to Housing Benefit and the Council Tax Reduction scheme.
- Calculate new claims and changes in circumstances in line with Housing Benefit regulations (training provided).
- Process and determine claims accurately and in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.
- Access the DWP CIS system to obtain information relating to customers' benefits.
- Ensure that all appropriate decision letters are issued in a timely manner.
- Communicate effectively with customers via telephone, e‑mail and letter.
- Work to individual targets and as part of a team to meet service standards, working with vulnerable service users and their families.
- Administer routine claims via the Benefits database accurately within predetermined targets and deadlines.
- Administer more complex claims across all tenure types, including discretionary Housing Payment claims.
- Mentor trainees and support Senior Benefit Assessment Officers (Grade 5 responsibility).
- Provide assistance and support to colleagues at equivalent grade or below.
If you would like an informal discussion regarding this opportunity or if you have any questions about this role please contact Joanne Ling on 01482 613473 or e‑mail joanne.ling@hullcc.gov.uk.
Qualifications
- Knowledge or understanding of welfare benefits.
- Excellent ICT skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision (Grade 5).
- Capacity to manage complex claims and provide guidance to staff.
Equal Opportunities
Hull City Council is a Disability Confident employer. We will offer an interview to any applicant who declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job. Hull City Council is committed to increasing diversity, equality, and inclusion within our workforce. We adopt a name‑blind approach to shortlisting, ensuring recruiters do not access personal information until a shortlisting decision is made.
Salary and Benefits
- £25,583.00 – £29,064.00 per annum.
- A competitive salary.
- An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Initial 23 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus eight public holidays per year and three additional days off (one in May/August and one during Christmas/New Year).
- Career development and learning experiences through a range of training courses and learning methods.
- A supportive and forward‑thinking culture.
- Great career development opportunities.
Job Classifications
- Basic with BPSS (Classification 2)
- Not Politically Restricted (Classification 3)
- Casual – Travel Allowance Policy No
- Childcare Disqualification Requirement No
- Statutory Post
Benefits Officer employer: Hull City Council
Hull City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and forward-thinking culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role as a Benefits Officer provides meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the community while advancing your career in a stable and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing benefits sector, attend local job fairs, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to housing benefits and customer service. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, highlight your ICT skills and any relevant experience you have with welfare benefits. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our supportive culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Benefits Officer. We want to see how you can tackle the challenges mentioned in the job description!
Show Your Enthusiasm:Let your passion shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely excited about the opportunity to work within the Housing Benefit Team. A little enthusiasm goes a long way!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hull City Council
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of welfare benefits, especially Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction schemes. Familiarise yourself with the regulations and any recent changes, as this will show your commitment and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your ICT Skills
Since excellent ICT skills are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with relevant software and databases. If you have examples of how you've used technology to improve processes or solve problems, share those stories!
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this position. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with customers or colleagues, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to work with vulnerable service users and their families.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Scenarios
As you'll be working both independently and as part of a team, be ready to discuss your experiences in both settings. Share how you've contributed to team goals and supported colleagues, as well as how you manage your own workload under pressure.
