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: Dynamic team environment 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, just bring your communication skills!
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.
- 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.
Benefits Officer - Hybrid/Remote Support in London employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the London Borough of Wandsworth is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to inclusivity, this role as a Benefits Officer allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying opportunities for growth and collaboration within a dedicated team.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer - Hybrid/Remote Support in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership. Understanding their mission and how they support residents will help you connect your skills to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves interacting with vulnerable customers, it’s crucial to demonstrate empathy and clarity. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities! Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges. This will highlight your capability to manage competing priorities effectively.
✨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 candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer - Hybrid/Remote Support in London
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 support residents in accessing their welfare benefits, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key for this role, let us know about your experience in gathering information and interacting with customers. Whether it’s face-to-face or over the phone, we’re keen to see how you can connect with people.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your thought process and attention to detail.
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, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
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. Even though full training will be provided, having a solid understanding of the basics will show your enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully gathered information or resolved issues in previous roles. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly, as you'll need to demonstrate this during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you had to manage competing priorities or support vulnerable customers. Be ready to discuss how you approached these challenges and what outcomes you achieved, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Express Your Commitment to Professional Development
The role encourages personal and professional growth, so come prepared to discuss how you plan to leverage training and support resources. Showing that you're eager to develop your skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
