At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer Housing Benefits and support customers in their homes to ensure accurate service delivery.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, a forward-thinking authority transforming public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Other info: Flexible working with travel across the district; we value diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Housing Benefits administration and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Job reference: REQ
Date posted: 29/06/2026
Application closing date: 20/07/2026
Location: PENRITH
Salary: 32,061.00 to 32,597.00
Contract type: Permanent
About This Opportunity
Westmorland and Furness Council is an ambitious authority that is shaping public services for the better, building on strong foundations and transforming them for the future. Do you enjoy working both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced and evolving environment? Are you confident dealing with customers face‑to‑face and committed to delivering high‑quality services in the community? An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Revenues & Benefits service for a highly motivated individual to work as a Benefits and Visiting Officer, as we continue to enhance and improve our services. This role is key in ensuring the accurate and timely administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, as well as the administration of Housing Benefit overpayment recovery and the newly introduced housing payments as part of the Crisis Resilience Fund. You will undertake visits to customers in their homes or other settings to verify information, provide support, and help prevent fraud and error. The successful candidate will support the delivery of a compliant, effective and customer‑focused Benefits Service, contributing to improved outcomes for our residents. Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to putting our customers and communities first and being at the heart of everything we do.
Who we are looking for
- An organised and motivated individual with experience or knowledge of Housing Benefits administration and relevant legislation
- Someone confident in conducting face‑to‑face visits, with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally and empathetically
- A team player with excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to customer service
- Ability to work accurately, manage workloads effectively, and meet deadlines
- Strong problem‑solving skills and sound decision‑making abilities
- Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including vulnerable customers
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and relevant Revenues and Benefits systems
- A flexible approach to work, including travel across the district
The role will involve regular travel across Westmorland and Furness, and a valid driving licence with access to a vehicle is desirable.
Benefits
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discount schemes.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences. As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Details:
Local Government Chronicle Recruitment Team
