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- Tasks: Help residents with Council Tax and Housing Benefit claims while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the Revenues and Benefits partnership of Dartford and Sevenoaks Councils, dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on shopping and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in local government.
- Qualifications: Strong attention to detail, good IT skills, and a passion for helping your community are essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to your training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you organised, customer-focused, and looking to make a difference? Our Revenues and Benefits partnership between Dartford and Sevenoaks Councils is looking for a detail-oriented Benefits Assistant to join our dedicated team.This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a role that has a direct impact on the lives of local residents. Whether you\’re looking for your first step into local government or want to grow your career in public service, this role offers the chance to build valuable experience in a dynamic, supportive environment.Everything You Need to KnowAs a Benefits Assistant, you\’ll help residents understand and manage their Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit claims. From assessing changes in circumstances to providing advice and support, you\’ll play a vital role in ensuring the right support reaches the right people – fast and fairly.Working closely with our Senior Benefit Team Leaders and Benefit Team Leaders, you\’ll develop knowledge of key legislation, systems, and procedures, while contributing to a team that values accuracy, efficiency, and excellent customer service.What You\’ll Be Doing
- Processing changes in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims with accuracy and care
- Supporting applicants by phone, email, and in person with helpful and empathetic advice
- Liaising with internal departments and external partners (e.g. landlords, government agencies)
- Spotting and escalating potential fraud cases
- Supporting Benefit Assessors with general administrative tasks and customer communication
- Keeping systems updated and completing follow-up actions on cases
- Helping residents access wider support by signposting to relevant organisations (e.g. HERO, CAB, KCC)
A commitment to excellent customer service and a desire to help people
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to work calmly under pressure
- Good IT skills and confidence using email, spreadsheets, and digital systems
- A team-player mindset, with the ability to work independently when needed
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain things clearly
- A flexible and proactive approach to your work
- A genuine interest in supporting your local community
What\’s in It for YouThis is your opportunity to build a meaningful career in local government, develop specialist knowledge, and support people in real need. You\’ll join a welcoming and experienced team that will invest in your training and growth.We are proud holders of the Platinum Investors in People accreditation – a recognition of our commitment to developing our people, creating inclusive teams, and continuously improving how we work.Other benefits include:
- Enhanced annual leave of 24 days (excluding bank holidays)
- Additional leave after 5 years of service
- Extra Christmas closure day
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Free parking
- Employee benefits include discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more, the Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
- Access to the BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service
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Benefits Assistant employer: Sevenoaks District Council
Contact Detail:
Sevenoaks District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local government processes and the specific benefits systems used by Dartford and Sevenoaks Councils. Understanding how Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit claims work will give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your customer service skills by preparing examples of how you've helped others in previous roles. Be ready to discuss situations where you provided empathetic support, as this is crucial for the Benefits Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Dartford and Sevenoaks Councils. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your attention to detail by preparing for potential scenario-based questions in the interview. Practice explaining how you would handle specific cases or changes in circumstances, as accuracy is key in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Benefits Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in customer service, administration, or local government. Use specific examples to demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your IT skills, particularly with email and spreadsheets, as well as your strong written and verbal communication abilities. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated in your application.
Express Your Commitment: Convey your genuine interest in supporting the local community and your commitment to excellent customer service. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also passionate about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sevenoaks District Council
✨Show Your Customer Service Skills
As a Benefits Assistant, you'll be interacting with residents regularly. Highlight your customer service experience and provide examples of how you've helped others in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to supporting the community.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the nature of the role, accuracy is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. You might want to share specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in a previous job or project.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Understanding key legislation related to Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit will set you apart. Do some research beforehand and be ready to discuss any relevant laws or regulations that could impact your role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage a challenging customer or resolve a complex issue, and be ready to explain your thought process.
