At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide the Benefits Team, ensuring operational efficiency and effective service delivery.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a hub of culture and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a council committed to fair pay, well-being, and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing benefits, debt collection, and financial assessments required.
The predicted salary is between 41133 - 43680 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO1 £41,133 to £43,680
Contract Type: Full Time/Permanent
Working hours per week: 36 hours
Application Deadline: 17/05/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): TBC
Reference: 2113
About Us: Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents. London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.
About the role: The London Borough of Waltham Forest is looking for an experienced Principal Benefits Officer to join our Benefits Service. The role is to provide support and guidance to one of the benefit teams and assist the Benefits Team Manager with the day-to-day organisation and operational efficiency of the team. The primary focus of the Benefits Service is the administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction. The service also deals with Adult Social Care Financial Assessments, Sundry Debt recovery, Discretionary Housing and Council Tax payments, Local Welfare Assistance, the recovery of Housing Benefit overpayments, free school meals and many of the discretionary schemes introduced by central government as a response to the Cost of Living Crisis. The role is also an opportunity to develop your own leadership skills. The successful candidate will have proven skills and experience in a housing benefit environment, debt collection, financial assessments. Have a detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance together with the ability to drive improvements across the team whilst meeting performance targets.
*INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Principal Benefits Officer in Walthamstow employer: LBWF
Contact Detail:
LBWF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land *INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Principal Benefits Officer in Walthamstow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and connections within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights into the role that aren’t in the job description.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to our community-focused goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to benefits administration and team leadership. We want to see your expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our ambitious team.
We think you need these skills to ace *INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY* Principal Benefits Officer in Walthamstow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Benefits Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide specific examples of your experience in housing benefits, debt collection, and financial assessments. We want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at LBWF
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing benefits, council tax reduction, and relevant legislation. The interviewers will likely ask you specific questions about these areas, so being well-prepared will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supporting the Benefits Team Manager, be ready to discuss your leadership experience. Think of examples where you've led a team or driven improvements in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to take on the responsibilities of a Principal Benefits Officer.
✨Be Resident-Focused
The London Borough of Waltham Forest prides itself on being resident-focused. Prepare to share how you've put residents' needs at the forefront of your work. Highlight any initiatives you've been part of that improved service delivery or community engagement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the Benefits Service and its future direction. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.