At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in accessing welfare benefits and assess claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Richmond and Wandsworth, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; full training provided and effective communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28377 - 42888 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent – Fulltime (36 Hours)
Salary: £28,377 to £42,888 depending on Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Location: Richmond / Wandsworth
Other essential information: Working from home available but will need to attend office on a rota basis
Objective of the role
Do you aspire to support residents in the borough to access the welfare benefits they are entitled to? The Benefits Service supports customers to claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and other welfare benefits to help with rent and Council Tax payments. This role offers you the opportunity to work as part of a large team supporting residents by assessing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction and signposting other welfare support and services where appropriate. Can you work confidently in a challenging environment, supporting vulnerable customers and managing competing priorities to help residents with their benefit claims? Are you driven to make a real difference and eager to grow in a role that is both demanding and fulfilling? If you’re ready to contribute your passion and skills in an environment where your efforts truly matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.
About the role
- Assessing claims: As a benefit officer you will be looking at applications for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, checking information provided is accurate and complete, and calculating entitlement to benefit using several different IT systems. You will also need to process change of circumstances that may occur to a customer and deal with enquiries.
- Communication skills: Effective communication skills are key to this role as you will need to gather information from different sources, including face to face discussion with customers and over the telephone to ensure claims are processed quickly and accurately.
- Regulatory Compliance: Working within strict legislation and procedures is essential to ensure accuracy of assessments.
- Experience: A good understanding of the Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and other Welfare Benefit legislation is beneficial but not essential as full training will be provided.
- Performance Management: You will work within a performance management structure, working with your team to achieve the best outcomes for customers, ensuring that key performance indicators are met, focusing on continuous improvement and excellence.
- Professional Development: Actively pursue personal and professional growth by leveraging available training and support resources.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Experience of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction administration is not essential, full training will be provided.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the legislation for Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction and other welfare benefits.
- Experience of working within a Housing & Council Tax reduction environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We also remain committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Benefit Officer employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role as a Benefits Officer provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career path in a collaborative environment.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefit Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Benefits Officer, like assessing claims and understanding welfare legislation. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with vulnerable customers, being able to convey information clearly and empathetically is crucial. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and expectations. They might even share tips that could give you an edge in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefit 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 a Benefits Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, don’t forget to demonstrate your interpersonal skills in your written application. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated with customers or colleagues in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will reflect your ability to process information accurately, which is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Familiarise yourself with the key legislation and processes involved. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is crucial for a Benefits Officer, practice explaining complex information in simple terms. You might even want to role-play with a friend or family member to simulate customer interactions. This will prepare you for the real-life scenarios you'll face in the job.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing priorities or resolved challenging situations. Be ready to discuss these during the interview, as they demonstrate your ability to thrive in a demanding environment.
✨Express Your Commitment to Professional Development
The role offers opportunities for growth, so be sure to convey your eagerness to learn and develop. Mention any relevant training or courses you've taken, and express your interest in pursuing further professional development within the organisation.
