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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 support, 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 in a dynamic and rewarding role.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.
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?
About the role
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.
Benefits Officer - Apprentice in London employer: Merton Council
Contact Detail:
Merton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer - Apprentice in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Merton Benefits Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for benefits roles. We can practice answering them together, focusing on your passion for customer service and welfare benefits.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of how you've helped others in the past, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your commitment to making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer - Apprentice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping Merton's residents shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about customer service and making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your skills and experiences that align with the role. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your interest in welfare benefits and customer support.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for the role comes across without unnecessary fluff.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 low-income 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 times when you went the extra mile for someone or resolved a challenging situation. This is crucial for a role focused on helping residents.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
The job requires a flexible attitude, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changes in previous roles or studies. Highlight any experiences where you had to learn quickly or adjust to new information, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a couple of insightful questions prepared. Ask about the mentoring support during your qualification or how the team collaborates to assist residents. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to learning.