First Steps Officer in Swindon

Undertake telephone appointments, visits to customer homes or public locations and assist customers with their application for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support, discounts and exemptions. Provide basic Revenues and Benefits processing duties as required. Reach out to vulnerable customers to ensure they are receiving the support and benefits needed together with supporting the repayment of outstanding Council Tax.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Support members of the public: Completing applications/changes in relation to Housing & Council Tax benefit claims;
• Signpost to other benefit & support agents;
• Agree and maintain payment arrangements;
• Work with Citizens Advice and other Support Agencies to ensure vulnerable customers are receiving the support they need;
• Gather/verify evidence in support of the benefit application;
• Conduct Council Tax/NNDR inspection visits/appointments and give advice relating to all manner of discounts and exemptions;
• Hand deliver notification of recovery intention/outcomes to members of the public/businesses;
• Produce reports relating to the visits;
• Provide basic Revenues & Benefits processing duties;
• Play an active role in weekly and monthly employee review (121) meetings;
• Ensure knowledge is kept up to date in relation to Liberata and site policies;
• The post holder is required to take reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their work; to comply with the Health and Safety Policy and to co-operate with Liberata on health and safety matters at all times.

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent with a minimum 5 grades A-C or levels 9 – 4, including English and Maths;
• Experience/understanding in meeting targets and developing own performance;
• Good use of various IT systems and applications including word, excel, access etc.;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Good analytical skills and working with a high level of attention to detail;
• Good organisation and planning skills;
• Previous experience providing good customer service and ability to problem solve;
• Experience of working as part of a team to achieve departmental objectives;
• Experience of being able to adapt to changing situations.

Security vetting and checks:

All successful candidates must meet the government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). External candidates: The BPSS includes a basic criminal record check (for unspent convictions). There will also be an Adverse Financial Check (AFC) which will be renewed annually. An Adverse Finance Check looks for CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcies, Scottish decrees, or Administration Orders. Internal candidates: An annual adverse finance check will be required. If you do not meet these requirements, your offer may be withdrawn.

The Company:

Liberata is a leading business service provider to public and private sector organisations throughout the UK. We pride ourselves in revolutionising our clients operations using our expertise and innovative solutions across a wide range of services, including Revenues & Benefits, Finance and Accounting, HR & Payroll and Customer Services. Our aim is to work in partnership with our clients to assist them in becoming more efficient; leveraging our best in class business process outsourcing and operational transformation expertise. Liberata is committed to creating opportunities for its employees, its clients and its shareholders. Our passion for process and an intense client focus ensures that we deliver an award winning service and our entire workforce are encouraged to demonstrate our company values. Liberata aims to give each employee the opportunity to make a real difference; be involved in shaping the growth of the business and encourage you to try new things! If you are hardworking, enthusiastic and seeking a challenge we are the organisation for you.

The Benefits:

Liberata will provide the opportunity for you to develop your skills and experience with a leading supplier of services and software to public and private organisations across the UK. For the full list of benefits, please click here, but below is a taste of what we offer:

• Holiday: 26 days rising to 27 and then 28 after qualifying length of service;
• Pension scheme: Contribute up to 6% and the company will match the contribution;
• Professional development: Support towards gaining professional qualifications;
• Reward scheme: A wide range of benefits, rewards and discounts.