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- Tasks: Support residents with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support assessments.
- Company: Join Merton Council, a vibrant borough blending urban life and green spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Housing Benefit, strong IT skills, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to civic pride and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Benefits Officer in Merton's Benefits Service, you will play a key role in supporting residents assessing entitlement to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support and Discretionary awards. Merton has a very experienced team of benefits officers and we’re looking for enthusiastic and driven individuals to join our teams.
The successful candidate will be dealing with customer and other stakeholder enquiries; giving advice, information and assistance in person, by phone, letter and/or other electronic methods.
About You
- Experience of working in a Housing Benefit team at a local Authority.
- An in depth knowledge of Housing Benefit regulations, Council Tax Support and a working knowledge of national welfare benefits.
- Excellent IT skills and experience of effectively using MS Office software such as Word, Excel and Outlook (or equivalent).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience of delivering a front line service in a Benefits environment.
- An eye for detail and accuracy with excellent numeracy skills.
- A proven team player with an ability to form strong working relationships with colleagues.
What We Offer
Based at the Civic Centre in Morden, Merton Council offers much more than just a competitive salary. We believe in supporting our staff, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- A competitive salary and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Excellent holiday entitlement, including paid leave for new grandparents and an additional day off for your birthday!
- A focus on development.
Working for Merton Council
Merton is a dynamic and thriving borough, offering a unique blend of urban and green spaces, with Wimbledon’s world-renowned tennis courts and bustling local high streets. As part of our team, you’ll be joining an organisation that is driven by our shared values and commitment to the future of Merton.
At Merton Council, we are Merton United—One Borough, One Team. We are committed to nurturing civic pride, building a sustainable future, and creating a borough where sport and active living are at the heart of our communities.
We Pride Ourselves On Creating a Workplace That Encourages Creativity, Supports Wellbeing, And Delivers Real, Tangible Impacts In The Community.
Our Values Are
- We trust each other
- We lead with integrity
- We value inclusion
- We collaborate
- We create new things
- We are proud
Join Merton Council and become part of a forward-thinking team that truly makes a difference to the people who live and work in the borough.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact jane.haylor@merton.gov.uk or wendy.robinson@merton.gov.uk.
Benefits Officer employer: London Borough of Merton
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Merton Recruiting Team
jane.haylor@merton.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific Housing Benefit regulations and Council Tax Support policies relevant to Merton. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Benefits Officers at Merton Council. Engaging in conversations can provide you with insider insights about the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle various customer enquiries or disputes, as this role requires strong problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills by being ready to discuss your experience with MS Office software. You might even want to mention any specific projects where you used these tools effectively, as this is a key requirement for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Benefits Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these aspects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in a Housing Benefit team and your knowledge of Housing Benefit regulations and Council Tax Support. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves dealing with customer enquiries, make sure to showcase your excellent written and verbal communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread it to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Attention to detail is crucial for this role, so your application should reflect that quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Know Your Benefits Regulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit regulations and Council Tax Support. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves dealing with customer enquiries, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully handled similar situations in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to provide clear information.
✨Showcase Your IT Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with MS Office software, especially Excel, as it’s crucial for data handling in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools effectively in previous positions.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Merton Council values collaboration, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in a team. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to team success and built strong relationships with colleagues.
