Benefits Officer

Benefits Officer

Full-Time 28193 - 32104 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help residents with financial assistance for housing and council tax.
  • 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.
  • Qualifications: Customer service experience and knowledge of housing benefits preferred.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers great career growth.

The predicted salary is between 28193 - 32104 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity to join us! This is a full-time, permanent role with flexible working conditions and hybrid working (dependent upon experience), and a salary of £28,193 to £32,104 per annum.

About us: 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.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic benefits officer to join our 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 applications 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: TBC

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Michael Doyle (Benefits Team Leader).

Benefits Officer employer: Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, RBWM ensures that its team members are well-equipped to deliver high-quality services to the community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Located in a vibrant area rich in cultural heritage and economic opportunity, joining RBWM as a Benefits Officer means being part of a dedicated team committed to making a positive impact.
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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

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who work at RBWM or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for Benefits Officers. We can help you with practice questions and tips to showcase your customer service skills and knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with the team, let your passion for helping residents shine through. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just looking for a job, but you genuinely want to make a difference.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer

Customer Service Skills
Knowledge of Housing Benefit
Knowledge of Council Tax Support
Excellent Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
Workload Management
Attention to Detail
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Ability to Meet Performance Targets
Adaptability to Changing Priorities
Conscientious Attitude
Teamwork Skills
Ability to Keep Up with Legislative Changes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Benefits Officer role. Highlight your experience in customer service and any knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. We want to see how you fit into our team!

Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. We love a good story, so share examples of how you've effectively communicated with customers or colleagues in the past.

Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is crucial for processing benefits accurately. Double-check your application for any typos or errors before submitting it. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!

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 the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've handled similar responsibilities in the past will show you're ready for the role.

✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

Since this role is customer-facing, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed customer interactions. Think about times when you met performance targets or resolved difficult situations. Highlighting your communication skills will demonstrate that you can handle the demands of the job.

✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail

Accuracy is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. You might want to mention any systems or processes you use to double-check your work. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle tight deadlines without compromising quality.

✨Be Ready for Changing Priorities

Flexibility is important in this position, so think of examples where you've adapted to changing circumstances or priorities. Discuss how you manage your workload effectively while remaining calm under pressure. This will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment like RBWM.

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