At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Benefits Team to support customers with Housing Benefit and Council Tax applications.
- Company: South Tyneside Council, a supportive and community-focused workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: This role is internal only, perfect for current employees looking to advance their careers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support is essential; experience with relevant systems is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 29540 £ per year.
Benefits Officer (Town Hall, South Shields/Hybrid) £29,540 pa. This post is restricted to current employees of the Council.
Overview
We are looking for a team player who is highly organized and self-motivated with a professional manner and effective communication skills to work in the Revenues and Benefits Service as part of the Benefits Team.
Responsibilities
- Complete a range of benefit service functions, ensuring that all information included in the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support applications is verified, accurate records are maintained, claims are processed accurately and paid quickly.
- Promote and provide additional support to customers in the use of digital services.
- Deal with personal, telephone and written enquiries from customers and their representatives.
- Complete tasks within required timescales and resolve any queries in a timely manner, in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Detailed knowledge of Housing Benefit/Council Tax Support.
- Working knowledge of Council Tax and experience assessing Housing Benefit claims.
- Experience of using Capita (Academy) Benefits system and Civica Workflow is an advantage but not essential.
Contact
For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Kirsty Hoben, Benefits Team Leader on (0191) 424 4218.
Benefits
We offer an excellent benefits package. Further information is available at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/workinghere.
We do not currently offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
Additional Information
To view our Privacy Notice please visit https://southtyneside.gov.uk/article/2780/Privacy-notice-for-job-applicants.
Please note that if you apply for this role, all communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address that you have registered with North East Jobs, please ensure you check your junk mail.
Closing date: Noon, Friday 22 May 2026.
Benefits Officer (INTERNAL ONLY) in South Shields employer: South Tyneside Council
Contact Detail:
South Tyneside Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer (INTERNAL ONLY) in South Shields
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Benefits Team! Reach out for an informal chat with Kirsty Hoben. It’s a great way to show your interest and get insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Being well-versed in these areas will help you stand out during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Whether it’s through emails or phone calls, make sure you’re clear and professional. This is key in a customer-facing role like this.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from within the Council!
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer (INTERNAL ONLY) in South Shields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you understand the ins and outs of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. We want to see that you’ve got the knowledge to back up your application, so brush up on those details before you hit send!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates personalise their applications to show how their skills and experiences match what we’re looking for. Highlight your relevant experience in benefits assessment and customer service.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Check Your Details: Before you submit, double-check everything! Ensure all your information is accurate and that you’ve followed any specific instructions in the job description. We don’t want you to miss out because of a small mistake!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Tyneside Council
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Familiarise yourself with the latest policies and procedures, as well as any recent changes that might affect the role. This will show your interviewers that you're not just interested in the job, but that you’re also committed to providing accurate and timely support.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Benefits Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully dealt with customer enquiries in the past, whether in person, over the phone, or via email. Highlight your ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being highly organised is essential for this position. Think of specific instances where you've managed multiple tasks or deadlines effectively. You could even bring a planner or digital tool to the interview to showcase how you keep track of your responsibilities and ensure everything is completed on time.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Digital Services
Since promoting digital services is part of the role, prepare to discuss your experience with technology and how you've helped others adapt to digital platforms. If you have any examples of how you've supported customers in using online services, make sure to share those during the interview.