At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Pensions Officer, you'll handle benefit calculations and assist members with queries.
- Company: Join the Pensions Shared Service managing LGPS for five vibrant London boroughs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team focused on continuous improvement and service development.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with LGPS or other DB pension schemes required.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to inclusive recruitment practices.
The predicted salary is between 36432 - 44147 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Pension Officer. If you are looking for a challenge or change of role and have proven attention to detail, are customer focused, numerate, and have a track record of producing accurate work, this may be the role for you. In this role, you will provide accurate calculations and engage with scheme members and employers via in person, telephone, email, and letter communication. Your contribution will help us deliver a first-class service to members. This is a very exciting phase for our service as we are transforming through expanding staffing resources, greater automation, and a focus on people's development. We are committed to continuous improvement and developing better ways of working, so you will thrive if you are eager to contribute ideas for service development.
The Pensions Shared Service, based in Wandsworth, manages the administration of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for five London boroughs: Camden, Merton, Richmond, Waltham Forest, and Wandsworth. As a Pensions Officer, your responsibilities include processing benefit calculations, responding to queries from members, and peer checking colleagues' casework.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word and Excel)
- Experience with the LGPS or other DB pension schemes
- Ability to communicate this knowledge effectively to employees, scheme members, and colleagues
- Understanding of the Council's equal opportunities policy and awareness of diverse cultural and minority groups' needs
- Teamwork skills to produce high-quality work
- Flexibility to adapt to customer demands and service needs
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Innovative and creative approaches to developing and promoting the service
Indicative Recruitment Timeline:
- Closing Date: Wednesday 21 May 2025
- Shortlisting Date: Thursday 22 May 2025
- Interview Date: Thursday 29 May 2025
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to inclusive recruitment practices, promoting equality and diversity, and valuing differences that enhance service delivery. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform us. We are dedicated to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Some positions require police record checks via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory clearance. Our benefits include 40 days of annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working arrangements, and a generous pension plan.
Pensions Officer - Benefits employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Officer - Benefits
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and its regulations. Understanding the intricacies of the scheme will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, as you'll need to perform accurate calculations. Consider taking a short online course or tutorial to enhance your proficiency before applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in customer service and how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past. Think of specific examples that showcase your ability to engage with diverse groups.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your innovative ideas for service development during the interview. Research current trends in pension administration and be ready to suggest how you could contribute to the team's continuous improvement efforts.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Officer - Benefits
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in pension schemes or similar roles. Emphasise your attention to detail and customer service skills, as these are crucial for the Pensions Officer position.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office, your experience with LGPS or other DB pension schemes, and how you can contribute to the team's goals.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to diverse audiences. This is important for engaging with scheme members and employers.
Highlight Teamwork and Flexibility: Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and adapt to changing demands. Include specific instances where you've contributed to team success or adapted to new challenges in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Council
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As a Pensions Officer, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past work where your meticulousness led to accurate calculations or successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
This role requires strong customer service skills. Think of instances where you effectively communicated with clients or colleagues, especially in resolving queries or providing support.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
The ability to work well in a team is essential. Share experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
The role involves contributing ideas for service development. Prepare to talk about any innovative approaches you've taken in previous roles that improved processes or services.