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- Tasks: Support Merton residents with Council Tax and Housing Benefit claims while gaining valuable qualifications.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Merton Benefits Service in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, competitive salary, mentoring, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: GCSE level 4 English and Maths required; passion for customer service is essential.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for personal growth and professional development in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 29000 £ per year.
Do you want to make a difference to the finances of Merton's residents? Do you care about great customer service and doing your best for them? Do you want to earn whilst you learn and gain a valuable qualification?
Based in the Civic Centre in Morden, Merton Benefits Service provides support and assistance to Merton residents who need help to pay their Council Tax and rent. We also provide a much valued Welfare Benefits advice service. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support are means tested benefits which are available to residents on low incomes. From April 2024, working age customers will move from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit. Merton will however, continue to assess claims for Housing Benefit from those in temporary and supported accommodation and pensioners.
We have an exciting opportunity for 3 people to join our experienced team as apprentices. Your role will mainly focus on the Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit services, but you will also gain valuable knowledge about the recovery of Council Tax and national welfare benefits, such as Universal Credit, as well as the Council's own Local Welfare Support Scheme. You will be expected to commit to the I.R.R.V Level 4 Welfare Benefits Practitioner qualification and this course will run for about 12-18 months. You will receive mentoring support throughout the course from experienced colleagues and your IRRV tutor. You will assess claims for Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit. There will also be the opportunity to use your skills in advising residents about their entitlement to welfare benefits and to work with the Local Welfare Support team and other departments in the Council, who are delivering a variety of financial support to Merton's residents. You'll also spend some of your time learning about Council Tax and Business Rates.
About you
You will be a self-motivated individual with an eye for detail, an interest in welfare benefits, and a flexible and adaptable attitude. You must have the ability to study for the I.R.R.V qualification and therefore you must have GCSE level 4 English and Maths (or equivalent). If you are someone who:
- has a professional attitude and a passion for providing excellent customer service;
- a desire to support those people in our community when they most need it;
- relishes working in a challenging, exciting environment;
- is willing to engage and contribute fully to the success of the service as it continues to develop;
- is able to work on your own initiative and as part of a highly skilled team;
- is willing to go the extra mile for our residents,
we would be interested to hear from you.
What we offer
Please see our why work for us page on our website for more information about a great range of benefits that go beyond salary and offer flexibility to suit you.
For more information or any questions about this role please contact wendy.robinson@merton.gov.uk.
Benefits Officer - Apprentice employer: Merton Council
Contact Detail:
Merton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer - Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with current employees at Merton. You never know who might give you a heads-up about an opportunity or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to benefits and customer service. Practise your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll shine when it counts!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to customer service and community support. This will make you stand out as someone who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the perks of working with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer - Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for helping Merton's residents. Share any experiences or interests that highlight your commitment to customer service and welfare benefits.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Benefits Officer role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to finance and customer support.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and motivations without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more info about the role and our fantastic benefits there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merton Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit. Brush up on the key terms and processes, especially how they relate to Merton's residents. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent customer service. Think about situations where you went the extra mile for someone, as this aligns perfectly with the values of the role. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to support residents effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
The job requires a flexible and adaptable attitude, so be prepared to share instances where you've successfully adapted to change or tackled challenges. Highlight your willingness to learn and grow, especially in relation to the I.R.R.V qualification.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask. This could be about the mentoring process during your apprenticeship or how the team collaborates with other departments. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
