Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and guide the Benefits Team while managing complex casework and projects.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by helping those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in benefits administration and strong knowledge of relevant legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is looking for an experienced Principal Benefits Officer to join our Benefits Service. The role provides support and guidance to one of the benefit teams and assists the Benefits Team Manager with 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, Adult Social Care Financial Assessments, Sundry Debt recovery, Discretionary Housing and Council Tax payments, Local Welfare Assistance, recovery of Housing Benefit overpayments, free school meals and many discretionary schemes introduced by central government in response to the Cost of Living Crisis. It is also an opportunity to develop leadership skills.
The successful candidate will have proven skills and experience in a housing benefit environment, debt collection, financial assessments, detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance, and the ability to drive improvements across the team whilst meeting performance targets.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting the team manager with day‑to‑day supervision
- Dealing with complex casework
- Projects and training
- Contributing to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Experience working in a benefits environment
- Conscientious attitude and attention to detail
- Expert knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and practice
- Working knowledge of local policies regarding CTR, DHP, LWA, Adult Social Care
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven experience of thriving under pressure
- A drive to learn and continually improve
- Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
- Passionate about delivering results
- Flexible approach to work to accommodate and deliver results
Terms and Conditions:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks
- Satisfactory declaration of interest
- Satisfactory DBS check
As a public authority, staff in public‑facing roles must speak fluent English, confident and accurate. This requirement does not refer to any particular English language qualifications, regional or international accents, dialects, speech impediments or the tone of conversations. It does not require staff to speak only in English.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and, as the largest employer in the area, works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its four equality objectives: Promoting equality of opportunity, Opposing all forms.
For any queries about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Maria Hayzer (Benefits Team Leader).
INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY Principal Benefits Officer in Southampton employer: Local Government Chronicle
Contact Detail:
Local Government Chronicle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY Principal Benefits Officer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the benefits sector or even those who work at Waltham Forest. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about the role or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on relevant legislation and policies. We want you to be able to discuss your experience confidently, especially around housing benefits and council tax reduction.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've driven improvements or led a team. This is key for the Principal Benefits Officer role, so have those stories ready to share.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace INTERNAL APPLICATIONS ONLY Principal Benefits Officer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in a benefits environment. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Benefits Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your thoughts logically. We’re looking for someone who can thrive under pressure, so let that shine through!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: If you’ve got experience in supervising teams or managing projects, make sure to mention it! We’re keen on candidates who can assist with day-to-day supervision and drive improvements, so share any relevant examples from your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so why not get started today?
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and policies related to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Adult Social Care. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work in a benefits environment. Highlight your experience with complex casework and debt collection, as well as any improvements you've driven in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves assisting with team supervision, think of instances where you've led a project or trained others. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team's operational efficiency and support your colleagues.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The interview may include scenario-based questions to assess how you handle pressure. Prepare by thinking of times when you’ve successfully managed stressful situations. Showing that you can remain calm and focused will be key to impressing the interviewers.