Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in accessing welfare benefits and assess claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Full training provided; inclusive workplace committed to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your skills in a fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: Effective communication skills and a passion for helping others are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28377 - 42888 £ per year.
Salary: £28,377 to £42,888 depending on Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Contract: Permanent – Fulltime (36 Hours)
Location: Richmond
Other essential information: Working from home available but will need to attend office on a rota basis
Objective of role
Do you aspire to support residents in the borough to access the welfare benefits they are entitled to? The Benefits Service supports customers to claim Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction (CTR) and other welfare benefits to help with rent and Council Tax payments. This role offers you the opportunity to work as part of a large team supporting residents by assessing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction and signposting other welfare support and services where appropriate. Can you work confidently in a challenging environment, supporting vulnerable customers and managing competing priorities to help residents with their benefit claims? Are you driven to make a real difference and eager to grow in a role that is both demanding and fulfilling? If you’re ready to contribute your passion and skills in an environment where your efforts truly matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.
About the role
- Assessing claims: As a benefit officer you will be looking at applications for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, checking information provided is accurate and complete, and calculating entitlement to benefit using several different IT systems. You will also need to process change of circumstances that may occur to a customer and deal with enquiries.
- Communication skills: Effective communication skills are key to this role as you will need to gather information from different sources, including face to face discussion with customers and over the telephone to ensure claims are processed quickly and accurately.
- Regulatory Compliance: Working within strict legislation and procedures is essential to ensure accuracy of assessments.
- Performance Management: You will work within a performance management structure, working with your team to achieve the best outcomes for customers, ensuring that key performance indicators are met, focusing on continuous improvement and excellence.
- Professional Development: Actively pursue personal and professional growth by leveraging available training and support resources.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Experience of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction administration is not essential, full training will be provided.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of the legislation for Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction and other welfare benefits.
- Experience of working within a Housing & Council Tax reduction environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
- Shortlisting Date: 15th May 2026
- Interview Date: 18/05/2026 to 29/05/2026
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Benefits Officer - Twickenham, Greater London in Middlesex employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer - Twickenham, Greater London in Middlesex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values before your interview. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to highlight how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves interacting with residents, being able to convey information clearly and empathetically is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges or helped others. This will demonstrate your ability to manage competing priorities and support vulnerable customers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer - Twickenham, Greater London in Middlesex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Benefits Officer. We want to see how you can support residents in accessing their welfare benefits, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to gather information and interact with customers. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated in challenging situations – it’ll make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. This will reflect your ability to process claims accurately and efficiently.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Familiarise yourself with the key legislation and processes involved, even if you haven't worked in this area before. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is crucial for a Benefits Officer, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with customers or colleagues in the past. Think about times when you had to gather information or resolve issues, and be ready to discuss these experiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging situations, especially when dealing with vulnerable customers. Think of specific scenarios where you had to manage competing priorities or find solutions under pressure, and share these during your interview.
✨Express Your Commitment to Professional Development
The role encourages personal and professional growth, so highlight your eagerness to learn and develop. Mention any relevant training or courses you've taken, and express your interest in leveraging the training opportunities offered by the organisation.