Benefits Officer

This is a full-time permanent position. An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Housing Benefit Team. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, hardworking individual who is willing to take on a challenge and is committed to developing their skills and knowledge. This post is permanent for 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

As a Housing Benefit Officer, you will be responsible for gathering evidence and calculating a customer's entitlement to receive financial assistance towards their rental costs, as well as determining entitlement to a reduction in Council Tax liability under Hull City Council's Council Tax Reduction scheme. You will be calculating new claims and changes in circumstances in line with Housing Benefit regulations for which you will receive training.

• Processing and determining claims accurately and in accordance with the relevant legislation and guidance.
• Accessing the DWP CIS system to obtain information relating to customers' benefits.
• Ensuring that all appropriate decision letters are issued in a timely manner.
• Communicating effectively with customers both over the telephone, via email and letter.
• Having knowledge or understanding of welfare benefits, excellent ICT skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Working to individual targets and as part of a team to ensure the team meets its service standards.
• Working with vulnerable service users and their families.

Contact Joanne Ling for any informal discussion regarding this opportunity or if you have any questions about this role.

• Grade 4: To undertake training enabling development of the skills of a Benefit Assessment Officer. To administer claims for Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support via the Benefits database accurately and within performance targets set. To provide advice and assistance with general Benefit assessment duties and to provide a responsive service to internal and external customers through a variety of access channels including telephone, face‑to‑face, written and electronic mail.
• Grade 5: Grade 5 includes all of the above plus dealing with more complex work to a proven level of volume, accuracy, consistency and autonomy; mentoring new trainees and providing assistance to Senior Benefit Assessment Officers as required.

• Undertake a training program of both formal and on‑the‑job training in order to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake the role of a Benefit Assessment Officer.
• Develop and maintain a good knowledge of current legislation, best practice and relevant guidance.
• Administer routine claims via the Benefits database accurately within predetermined targets and deadlines within a performance‑driven culture, to achieve a quality‑based, customer‑focused service delivery.
• Ensure that evidence collected to support claims meets the prescribed criteria and is sufficient to support the claim being assessed.
• Check current information held on the Benefits database in relation to information received from customers, Government departments and third parties and action changes as appropriate, ensuring accurate letters and summaries of benefit awards are sent to the customer.
• Work holistically with officers within the Revenues and Benefits service, sharing expertise that embeds new working practices.
• Demonstrate effective behaviours in line with the council's competency framework.
• Provide assistance and support to colleagues at equivalent grade or below, giving guidance, direction and training on operational matters, in line with guidance, office practice and procedure.

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation places responsibilities for health and safety on Hull City Council, as your employer and you as an employee of the council. In addition to the Council's overall duties, the post holder has personal responsibility for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of other employees.