At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people access housing benefits and council tax support while providing top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join North Northants Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in assessing benefits claims.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 32597 £ per year.
North Northants Council is recruiting within our Revenue and Benefits team for multiple experienced Benefits Officers. The Revenues and Benefits Service is undergoing an exciting restructure, creating multiple opportunities to join the team as a Benefits Officer.
As a Benefits Officer, you will be responsible for establishing eligibility for housing benefit and council tax support, ensuring correct entitlement is awarded and housing benefit subsidy. We are seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated team player who is able to demonstrate a commitment to providing a high quality customer service, with patience and a flexible approach. You will deal with all aspects of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, from advising the public on the benefits scheme to the decision making on benefit awards and payment of benefit. The ability to work under pressure and often to tight deadlines will be an essential part of your daily routine as you will be dealing with sensitive and contentious situations in a busy environment.
As a Benefits Officer, you will be responsible for:
- Receiving applications for Housing Benefit and Council Tax support and determining eligibility
- Requesting documentation to support claims
- Ensuring correct entitlement is awarded in accordance with legislation
- Processing claims accurately to support Housing Benefit subsidy requirements
- Maintaining and keeping accurate records
- Resolving and responding to customer queries and providing advice
- Proactively identifying false claims
- Issuing invoices
- Recovery of Housing Benefit overpayments
- Managing all aspects of casework from initial enquiry through to decision-making and award/payment of benefits
Requirements:
- English and Maths GCSE Grade C or above
- Good IT skills
- 2 years experience of assessing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support
- Demonstrate an ability to understand government legislation and the ability to keep up to date with changes
- Good verbal and written communication
- Negotiation skills
- Work well under pressure and deadlines
- Good attention to detail
- Able to work on own initiative
- Able to use discretion and judgement
- Able to demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people. You’ll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think! We offer a vibrant working environment with:
- a competitive salary
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
We provide a range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.
Our values define who we are and how we operate, by forming the foundation for how we interact with our customers, colleagues and provide our services. They are also at the forefront of our decision making and delivery and are: Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive, Trustworthy.
We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them work towards their goals to start, stay and succeed in employment.
The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Benefits Officer in Kettering employer: Northamptonshire Sport
Northamptonshire Sport is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing community health and well-being. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development in a supportive work culture that values empathy and collaboration. Working in Northamptonshire allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults while enjoying the benefits of a vibrant community atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Revenues and Benefits field. Attend local events or online webinars where you can meet people from North Northants Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to housing benefits and council tax support. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable with articulating your experience and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your customer service skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've handled sensitive situations or resolved customer queries. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure, which is key for a Benefits Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining North Northants Council and being part of their mission to provide excellent service.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with housing benefits and council tax support. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:As a Benefits Officer, you'll be dealing with the public regularly. We love seeing examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, so share those stories in your application!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
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 efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Sport
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of housing benefits and council tax support. Familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria and recent changes in legislation. This will not only show your commitment but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Benefits Officer, you'll be dealing with sensitive situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've provided excellent customer service, especially under pressure. Highlight your patience and flexibility in these scenarios.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Accuracy is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you ensure precision in your work, whether it's processing claims or maintaining records. You might even want to bring along a sample of your work (with personal details removed) to showcase your meticulousness.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face as a Benefits Officer. Think about how you would handle contentious claims or resolve customer queries. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
