At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a motivated Benefits team to deliver efficient services and meet performance targets.
- Company: Public sector organisation based in Loughborough with a commitment to customer service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, job security, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while managing impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in benefits management and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Office presence required for at least 2 days a week; dynamic work environment.
Benefits manager required for our public sector client based in Loughborough
Apply promptly! A high volume of applicants is expected for the role as detailed below, do not wait to send your CV.
There will be an office presence required, a minimum of 2 days per week
37 hours per week
Job Purpose
* To manage and develop an efficient and motivated Benefits service that delivers value money, organisational efficiencies, and good customer service.
* To be responsible for the delivery of key projects in order to meet agreed savings and efficiency targets.
* To deliver services in the most efficient way, ensuring services are intelligently designed by making best use of technology.
* To promote, facilitate and assist in the development and implementation of a customer focused and efficient Council service.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant Government and Council policies, statutes and regulation.
* Delivery of an effective and appropriate service to all service users, fairly and without discrimination.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. To actively lead the separate Benefits teams, including Overpayments and Data Control staff, ensuring that all targets, key performance indicators are achieved.
2. Manage, monitor and report the performance of the team including, corporate and team performance and national / statutory returns
3. Responsible for accurate and timely completion of all mandatory statistical returns for submission to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the external Auditors.
4. To be responsible for the annual billing process for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Scheme to ensure that the authorities activities are well planned, organized and delivered by the agreed deadlines. This will include the coordination and provision of any associated documentation, website administration and liaison with all internal and external stake holders where necessary.
5. Ensure staff, structures and processes are in place to allow the service to function in accordance with regulations, policy, procedures and best practice and to support the Director in the development and implementation of policy and procedures
6. Deal with complex and difficult queries and complaints from customers, officers, Members, and other relevant contacts including making decision in relation to complex or contentious cases.
7. Keep staff up to date with changes in regulations and legislation, assimilate and interpret these and advise and train staff accordingly.
8. Analyse performance data and software upgrades to identify training needs and provide training and support to meet those needs.
9. Represent the Council at Tribunal Service appeal hearings and Valuation Tribunal Service hearings.
10. To promote a culture that prevents, deters and detects fraud and error
11. To support team members in making key decisions in respect of benefit claims and complex cases.
12. Participate as a representative for the team and provide expert advice and information in Local Authority benefit functions to officers, elected members and other external organizations.
13. To be responsible for producing reports to senior management, Executive and other Committees on appropriate Benefits matters not the responsibility of the Section 151 Officer, along with the response to formal complaints for consideration by the Director of Customer Experience.
14. Maintain effective delivery of services and identify improvement projects within the team to ensure the service is effectively delivered providing good value for money.
15. Keep abreast of new technology to enhance current service offering, making recommendations where appropriate. 16. Maintain an expert knowledge of all Benefits systems
16. Maintain an expert knowledge of all Benefits systems.
17. Coach, mentor and monitor performance of the team and individuals. Carry out regular work reviews and PDR\’s, identifying training and development needs and opportunities to improve performance
18. Responsible for protecting and managing information securely, and reporting breaches or suspected information security breaches, in line with Council policies
19. As a term of your employment you can be required to undertake such other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you at your initial place of work or at any other of the Authorities establishments
Benefits Manager employer: JT Recruit
Contact Detail:
JT Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the job. You never know who might give you the inside scoop!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to benefits management. Think about how your past experiences align with the job description and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and want to be part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Benefits Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing teams, delivering customer-focused services, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve improved efficiency or delivered value for money in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like benefits management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. So, don’t wait – get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at JT Recruit
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the benefits systems and regulations relevant to the role. Brush up on the latest changes in legislation and be ready to discuss how these impact service delivery. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Benefits Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on achieving targets and improving performance. Highlight any experience you have with coaching or mentoring staff, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about handling difficult queries and complaints. Think of specific instances where you've resolved complex issues or made tough decisions. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain customer satisfaction under pressure.
✨Emphasise Your Tech Savvy
The job requires making the best use of technology to deliver services efficiently. Be prepared to discuss any relevant software or tools you've used in previous roles. If you have ideas on how to enhance current service offerings through technology, don't hesitate to share them!