At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential financial assistance to residents through Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a vibrant and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support are essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28193 - 32104 £ per year.
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Benefit Officer to join us!
This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £28,193 – £32,104 per annum.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority – takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.
Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Benefit Officer to join our Revenues and Benefits team.
The Role
As part of the wider Revenues and Benefits Service you will have a key role in providing a high-quality service to its residents, who need financial assistance with their rental liability and/or Council Tax.
Your Role Will Involve
- You will be responsible for accurate and effective processing of both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support using the Capita Academy processing system and Civica document management system.
- The primary focus of the Benefits Service is the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. The service also deals with application for discretionary housing payments.
What We Are Looking For
- You will have proven skills and experience in a customer facing environment, with the ability to meet demanding performance targets.
- Knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
- Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal and be able to manage your own workload.
- Ability to work accurately and to tight deadlines and able to work on your own and as part of a team.
- Ability to keep up to date with relevant legislative changes.
- Conscientious attitude and attention to detail
- Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
- Enthusiastic about doing an excellent job and delivering results.
- Flexible approach to work to accommodate changing priorities.
What We Offer
- 32 days annual leave
- Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
- Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
- Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.
If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Interview dates: week commencing 27 October 2025
If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact sarah sneyd@rbwm.gov.uk
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Benefits Officer employer: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Contact Detail:
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research RBWM and its values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit right in with their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to benefits administration and customer service. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your experience with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Real-life scenarios can really impress interviewers and show them you know your stuff.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Benefits Officer role. We want to see how you can bring value to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your written application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors – we love attention to detail!
Highlight Your Customer Service Experience: We’re looking for someone with proven skills in a customer-facing environment. Share specific examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past, especially in challenging situations. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Familiarise yourself with the Capita Academy processing system and Civica document management system, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is customer-facing, prepare examples that highlight your experience in providing excellent service. Think about times when you met performance targets or handled difficult situations with residents.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of accuracy in processing benefits, be ready to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. You might want to share specific strategies you use to stay organised and meet tight deadlines.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
The ability to remain focused during busy periods is crucial. Prepare a few anecdotes that illustrate how you've successfully managed stress in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.