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- Tasks: Assess and manage applications for financial assistance with a focus on accuracy and customer service.
- Company: Join a local government organisation in Bristol dedicated to supporting the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and a competitive daily pay rate of £220.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals navigate financial support while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must have 3 years of recent housing benefit experience and strong customer service skills.
- Other info: This is a 3-month contract with potential for extension, working Monday to Friday.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 66000 £ per year.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Benefit Assessment Officer for our client, a local government organisation in Bristol. The successful candidate will assess and administrate applications for council statutory and discretionary schemes, including those of a possible complex nature. Delivering a prompt, accurate and customer-focused service and sharing knowledge and skill with inexperienced colleagues. This role is initially a 3 month contract with the possibility to extend. This role is remote working.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Accurate and prompt assessment of applications for financial assistance.
- Processing of reported changes in circumstances affecting these applications.
- Maintenance and updating of claims in response to information received from internal and external sources.
- Responding to non-urgent requests for information.
- Carrying out complex assessments, including adjudicating on fraud and disputed assessments.
- Reviewing and revising decisions made by self and others where required.
- Providing written and face to face explanations of decisions and overpayments where requested.
- Checking and providing feedback on the work of others.
- Responding to urgent requests for updates or information about claims.
- Supporting and coaching new entrants by sharing knowledge and experience, on an ad-hoc basis or by mentoring individuals.
- Maximisation of opportunities for delivering outstanding service by effectively communicating with customers and stakeholders by telephone, email and by letter.
- Contribution to service enhancement projects concerning work appropriate to this grade point.
- Monitor service compliance with local guidance and legislation.
Personal Requirements:
- Must have a minimum of 3 years recent housing Benefit experience.
- Must have recent NEC and Enterprise experience.
- Customer focused with an understanding of the importance of delivering excellent customer service.
- Experience of working to targets and deadlines, with an understanding of the value of measuring performance.
- Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications or equivalent including Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and have a willingness to learn new applications and technology as appropriate.
Working Hours: 37hrs / 9:00am - 17:30pm / Monday to Friday
Pay: £220.00 per day
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Benefit Assessment Officer employer: Positive Employment
Contact Detail:
Positive Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefit Assessment Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific statutory and discretionary schemes relevant to local government. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills, as this role heavily focuses on delivering excellent service. Consider examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved customer issues or improved service delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Benefit Assessment Officers if possible. They can provide insights into the role and the organisation, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in interviews. Think about how you would handle complex assessments or disputes, as these are key aspects of the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefit Assessment Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Benefit Assessment Officer. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience, especially in housing benefits and customer service.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your three years of recent housing benefit experience. Include specific examples of how you've handled complex assessments or provided excellent customer service.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention your proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and any other relevant software. If you have experience with NEC and Enterprise systems, make sure to include that as well.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you're a great fit for the role. Discuss your ability to work under pressure, meet targets, and mentor others, as these are key aspects of the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your three years of recent housing benefit experience during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you successfully assessed applications or handled complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Since this role requires a strong customer service orientation, think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Share how you effectively communicated with clients and resolved their issues.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on local guidance and legislation related to financial assistance schemes. Being knowledgeable about these regulations will show your commitment to compliance and enhance your credibility.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and any other relevant software. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools in your previous roles to improve efficiency and accuracy.
